Differential Equations - Video Lectures

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for video lectures and supplementary materials for an introductory course in differential equations, specifically referencing the book "Differential Equations" by Dennis G. Zill. Participants share their preferences for learning resources, including video lectures and textbooks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is seeking video lectures for differential equations and mentions familiarity with MIT OpenCourseWare, asking for additional resources.
  • Another participant expresses a preference for textbooks over video lectures, arguing that written materials provide a deeper understanding compared to video formats.
  • A third participant agrees with the preference for textbooks, noting that they find lectures more comprehensible after reading the textbook first, viewing videos as supplementary.
  • There is a discussion about the effectiveness of analogies, with one participant using a comparison between reading a book and watching its movie adaptation to illustrate their point about the superiority of written content.
  • Another participant appreciates the analogy and acknowledges the power of mental imagery created by reading.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of textbooks, but there is no consensus on the effectiveness of video lectures versus written materials. The discussion reflects differing opinions on the best approach to learning differential equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of engagement with video lectures and textbooks, indicating that personal preferences and experiences influence their views on educational resources.

sunilkamadolli
Messages
41
Reaction score
0
Hello Everyone,
I am aware that there are couple other posts like this on Video Lectures. But I was wondering if anyone of you know where I can find video lectures for an introductory course in differential equations. If not, then non-video lecture notes following the book I am using (Differential Equations By Dennis G. Zill) will also suffice.

I know about the MIT opencourseware and I have been following it.Are there any other ones? Please let me know. Thank you for your time. :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Since you already have one good web source, may I recommend you read a standard book.

Even MIT video lectures stink compared to a good book.

I personally think that Gilbert Strangs MIT lectures on linear algebra are incredibly boring and tiresome and simple minded compared to any decent written treatment. I admit I have been able to sit through only a few minutes of his highly acclaimed lectures, but I could not stand any more.

This reminds me of when I read Shane as second grader, and then saw the movie. the movie was pitiful compared to the mental images created while reading the book. Yeah, Jack Palance was creepy, and the little kid was moving at the end, but those fake Hollywood bar room brawls were nothing compared to the description of the martial arts skill of Shane in the book.

In the book Shane dodged the bottle Chris threw at him in mid air, then reached over and yanked Chris out of his chair, slapped him across the face sharply, and set him back down. When Chris foolishly lunged at him, he reluctantly yanked his arm out straight and broke it, and set him down as gently as possible, with the concern of a superior elder combatant.

And at the end, facing Wilson, Shane's movie line "He said you were a low down yankee liar", is just stupid compared to the coldly efficient "What you want and what you'll get are two different things - your killing days are over" from the book.


Get the point? read the book.
 
Last edited:
I totally agree with you and but I do read the book. In fact what I have noticed is, when you first read the textbook and then once you listen to the teacher's lectures, you comprehend the material well. So I think of these extra notes/videos as a supplement rather than a replacement. Thanks though.
 
well ok, but what did you think of my analogy?
 
"What you want and what you'll get are two different things - your killing days are over"
hahaha. your analogy is a good way to put it...you are right, the mental pictures are powerful.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K