PREREQUISITES FOR STEM CLASSES USING AN EXAMPLE OF LINEAR ALGEBRA FOR A COURSE IN MACHINE LEARNING: INTERACTIVE ONLINE VS TRADITIONAL CLASSES

Abstract

Any advanced class in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields requires prerequisite knowledge. Typically, different students will have different levels of knowledge in these prerequisite areas. A prerequisite (Linear Algebra for Machine Learning course) was implemented as an interactive online course using Jupyter Notebooks and nbgrader and compared with traditional classroom mode. Post-assessment test shows that traditional class provides a better level of understanding. However, a survey shows a preference by students and instructors for interactive implementation compared to traditional class.