Teaching computational methods for partial differential equations using the Web

Computational methods are part of the problem solving skills that professionals working in quantitative fields need. Advanced text-books provide the mathematical foundation for one specific approach, however, they miss the overview and examples that are generally necessary to choose the right method and implement a practical solution. Internet technology can be of great value in this context. Thus, we created a problem-based learning environment where knowledge is acquired by performing well-defined tasks. We also switched from a teaching-centered course to a learning-centered course; the students choose their own focus, order, and pace as they explore the material (http://pde.fusion.kth.se). Since 1997, the concept has been validated three times in summer courses with about 15 participants geographically dispersed around Stockholm and Goteborg (Sweden). It is now being tested year round with distance learning students on the Web.