Usage of JSXGraph in lectures for Math for Engineers

Wigand Rathmann

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Department Mathematik, Lehrstuhl für Angewandte Analysis, Cauerstraße 11, 91058 Erlangen, Germany

Abstract

Students of all technical subjects have to pass a fundamental mathematical education. Different aspects are thereby addressed, as basic logical understandig, analysing linear equation systems, functions or mathematical models, have an idea what calculus means or simply to solve an ODE.

An important point for me is furthermore, that the students will get a picture or a visual impression of mathematical subjects. What does the kernel or the range of a linear mapping mean? What is the difference of an accumulation point an a limit? What does is mean in 2D?

In my presentation I like to present some examples for different mathematical topics like:

• How linear mapping acts on polygon
• Domain and range is not the same
• Sequences in 2d
• Temperature profile in a plate, cylinder and sphere
• Boxplot and dataset

JSXGraph is included in classical HTML-Pages as media content and through dedicated plug-ins for the LMS Moodle and ILIAS. During the “Mathematics for Engineers” (part 1-3) we provide additional material for several topics, e.g. series, (un)-constrained optimization, integration, parametrization of curves and surfaces or differential equations. We see the advantage that the diagrams will become an integral part of the learning modules and the learning unit does not look like patchwork. Further, the learners can focus on the content and do not have to bring additional software or to login in a second learning platform. During presence lectures the lecturer can use the same LMS as the learners do for their follow-up work.

All examples will be published for further usage.