(A variation of this was a note sent to interested parties in January 2000)

Subject: Linear Algebra at ESG

Folks:
        All of you have indicated, one way or the other, directly or
indirectly, interest in Linear Algebra at ESG.  If there is indeed
sufficient interest, we will be offering 18.06 in some form.  The
details of the class organization will depend to some degree on the
responses we get to this survey.

        Different folks have different reasons for wanting or needing
to take Linear Algebra, and one of the advantages of ESG is that we
can accommodate different preferences if we know what they are.  Those
taking Linear Algebra as part of, for instance, the Course XV
requirements will have a different use for the material than those
taking it as part of the Course VI requirements (and we have had
students doing both).  What is likely to happen is that after the
basics are covered, students will be asked to investigate particular
aspects of Linear Algebra relevant to their respective fields.

        In any event, use of Athena software will be part of this
class (as it is everywhere, these days).  The current idea is to give
students the option of using either Maple or Matlab, and if someone
want to try something else (Mathematica, for instance), that's fine;
you can teach the rest of us.  Indeed, 18.06 at ESG was started many
years ago by two Course VI folks who wrote their own programs.

        Well, enough prelim.  If you are indeed still interested in
Linear Algebra at ESG, take a few minutes and answer the following
questions.  Send responses to Craig <watko@mit.edu>.

        (1) Why do you want to take Linear Algebra?  If it's part of
your Major requirements, what Course?  Do you know yet what Linear
Algebra will be used for in your Major?

        (2) What advantages do you see in taking Linear Algebra at ESG
as opposed to the regular curriculum subject?  Would you be interested
in working independently, if it's possible for us to do so?

        (3) What experience do you have with the applicable software,
or any other programs?  This includes such things as calculators with
matrix capabilities, and some spreadsheet programs that do the simpler
matrix operations.  Anything that would solve a system of linear
equations counts (hey, BASIC can do this.  It couldn't 25 years ago,
but can now.  But I digress.)

        (4) How much exposure have you had to matrices and matrix
algebra?  Include anything you might have seen in some version of
18.02, including finding determinants.

        (5) What is your favorite color?  We'll be making a logo for
our web page, and I hope everyone likes cyan.

                                                Craig Watkins
						<watko@mit.edu>