Peer Review

Systemic Initiative for Modeling Investigations and Opportunities with Differential Equations (SIMIODE)

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Reviewed:: Sep 24, 2018 by Mathematics

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Effectiveness:

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Overview:: SIMIODE is a Systemic Initiative for Modeling Investigations and Opportunities with Differential Equations. SIMIODE, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Cornwall, New York in the United States, was founded by DR Brian Winkel, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics, United States Military Academy, West Point NY USA in 2013. For faculty members and students that want to focus on compelling applications, modeling, motivation for studying differential equations, and instructional technologies and make investigation of realistic scenarios possible, SIMIODE provides a comprehensive and cohesive community approach to studying differential equations. SIMIODE offers resources: instructional text, PowerPoint presentations, modeling scenarios, video, data, discussion areas, and space for projects, in two areas – student and teacher centers.
Type of Material:: Reference Material
Recommended Uses:: Supplemental materials for homework or course projects for the first course in ordinary differential equations.
Technical Requirements:: It is interactive and dynamical HTML site with lots of clickable links, references, and supplementary materials. Users can access this site using any browser.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: To present the topic of differential equations to students with applications in a form of modelling scenarios.
Target Student Population:: Students at colleges and universities who are taking the differential equations course. Students who are taking applied mathematics can also use the materials in the site as a reference and secondary resources.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Calculus II or currently taking differential equations.

Content Quality

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Strengths:: This site contains traditional textbook material and many modeling scenarios for a first course on ordinary differential equations (ODE) that focuses on applications. It has a very detailed explanation for each modelling scenario with step-by-step guides to complete them. Each topic in the scenario is listed related to its disciplines, so students can easily access their topic of interest.
Concerns:: None

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

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Strengths:: Both instructor and student can easily use this site in the differential equations class due to the huge amount of available differential equations resources with modelling applications. Students can use them as guides to understand the further applications of differential equations. Instructor can use some of the modelling scenarios as an excellent source for a homework or project assignments. This will ensure students’ understanding and their ability to apply what they learn in the course. In addition, the free online textbooks can serve as study guides for students while they are preparing for exams. An attached blog feature of the site and social networking links encourage students’ communication which makes this site even more valuable.
Concerns:: None.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: Students and instructors can access the material in this site easily using all the clickable links, references, and other available resources that can be helpful for the differential equations course. All of the modelling scenarios are listed by disciplines which make it easy for both students and instructor to select their topic of interest. In addition, instructors can use the community groups to discuss recommended modelling scenarios in the site, and they can communicate and receive feedback from each other.
Concerns:: None.

Other Issues and Comments:: None
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