Maple Hey, bring your laptop, use maple

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    Hey Laptop Maple
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The discussion centers around the experiences of students in their probability and linear algebra courses, highlighting the differing approaches of their professors regarding the use of technology during exams. The probability professor encourages the use of laptops and software tools like Maple, Mathematica, and Excel, suggesting a practical, applied focus for students not majoring in mathematics. In contrast, the linear algebra professor allows the use of calculators but implies they may not be helpful, emphasizing a more theoretical approach. Students express mixed feelings about the utility of technology in their courses, with some excitement about the probability class's practical applications and concern over the potential limitations in the linear algebra class. Overall, the conversation reflects a broader discussion on the balance between applied and theoretical learning in mathematics education.
ArcanaNoir
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This is the first time I've ever heard these words from a professor:

"Hey, bring your laptop! (To the tests) Use maple/mathmatica/excel! That's what it's for!"

This is from my probability professor. *glee* My calculator actually performs all the necessary functions, with convenient menu buttons. Yay! This isn't really my intended future field anyway. I just got stuck with this class due to scheduling limitations.
 
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That probably means that he'll ask questions where the laptop is useless... :frown:
 
I didn't get that impression. He just seems easy. He also hand-writes all the notes and posts them online for us to print out.
 
ArcanaNoir said:
I didn't get that impression. He just seems easy. He also hand-writes all the notes and posts them online for us to print out.

Is it a very applied probability course for science , finance, etc majors or a probability theory for math majors course?
It makes sense to make students in the first category learn to use all the tools they can possibly have at their disposal.
 
We're definitely not learning probability theory. Now that would be more my area of interest. It is part of the math major courses, but I think it is also shared by the statistics major.
 
micromass said:
That probably means that he'll ask questions where the laptop is useless... :frown:

This is what my linear algebra professor told us this semester.

[Heavy Turkish Accent] "You can use anything you want on the exams for my class, with the exception of cellular phones. However, you will probably find that your electronics will not be of use." [/Heavy Turkish Accent]
 
Dembadon said:
This is what my linear algebra professor told us this semester.

[Heavy Turkish Accent] "You can use anything you want on the exams for my class, with the exception of cellular phones. However, you will probably find that your electronics will not be of use." [/Heavy Turkish Accent]

Scary :eek:
 
"Prof. Vanadium, can we use a calculator?"
"Yes, but it will only be useful as a straightedge".
 
Vanadium 50 said:
"Prof. Vanadium, can we use a calculator?"
"Yes, but it will only be useful as a straightedge".
:smile:
 
  • #10
Vanadium 50 said:
"Prof. Vanadium, can we use a calculator?"
"Yes, but it will only be useful as a straightedge".

lol!
 
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