From: Daniel Carrera <dcarrera@...>
Date: 2003-04-22T09:58:30+09:00
Subject: Re: Ruby in a university course

On Tue, Apr 22, 2003 at 09:31:15AM +0900, Ed L Cashin wrote:

> > Anyone know of other cases where Ruby is showing up in schools?
> 

Not yet, but I've been hoping to do just that some day.  I have seen 
several cases where a topic would have been taught better using Ruby.  For 
example:

1) The Newton-Raphson method, and Riemman Sums.
In Calculus the kids have to program their TI-85s to do these.  TI-85s are 
very akward to program in.  With Ruby the code would have been easier to 
understand, easier to type correctly, easier experiment with and more 
powerful.


2)  Probability.
Here I'm constrained to using simple examples because that's all you can 
do with a TI-85 within a reasonable time.  With Ruby we'd be able to do 
more interesting examples.

In a sense, I am already using Ruby "behind the scenes".  I wanted my kids 
to look at a more realistic distribution, so I produced one with Rubby and 
gave them the results as a hand-out.

Maybe some day I'll be able to introduce Ruby in my classes.  This is 
actually possible.  So far all my teaching evaluations have been very 
flattering (both the ones done by my kids as well as those by other 
instructors).  I think that this is why this semester I am a course 
instructor instead of just a teaching assistant.

If I build a good reputation (which so far I have) they might let me 
introduce Ruby.  Perhaps I can run a pilot project in the summer 2004.  
Who knows?

Cheers,
-- 
Daniel Carrera
Graduate Teaching Assistant.  Math Dept.
University of Maryland.  (301) 405-5137