Development of ICT competence among students when teaching inverse problems for differential equations with the use of computer technology

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Problem statement. Computer technologies are widely used in modern applied mathematics, the methods of which allow to study complex processes and phenomena of different nature, and to use the acquired knowledge in practical activities. The use of computer modeling as one of the modern information technologies in the development of the theory and practice of mathematical models research currently plays an important role. It is possible to identify certain properties of the mathematical model; make appropriate conclusions about the properties of the studied processes and phenomena, which can then be justified, and in the future can serve as a Foundation for theoretical research. There is an opportunity to accumulate the results obtained in the study of some applied problems, and then effectively apply them to solving problems in different areas of Economics, industry, agriculture, natural Sciences, Humanities and social Sciences. Computer simulation is indispensable in cases where a physical experiment is impossible because it is either forbidden, dangerous, or impracticable, or the object under study exists in a single instance. In this regard, the curricula of higher educational institutions contain such disciplines as «Computer modeling», «Information technology in mathematics», «Informatization of education» and other disciplines. The development of such disciplines allows students to understand the methodology of modeling in the knowledge of the world; form students understanding of the role of computer technology in solving applied problems; provide students with ample opportunities for understanding the connection of applied mathematics with natural, humanitarian and social sciences (see, for example, [1; 2; 8; 10; 14; 20]). Currently, the University system of training specialists in applied mathematics is experiencing a contradiction, on the one hand, between the need for students to develop a large amount of fundamental scientific knowledge, allowing them after graduation, working in scientific institutions, to successfully solve a variety of complex mathematical problems in the implementation of applied research in practice and, on the other hand, the limited time allotted for the development of such fundamental scientific knowledge. This has much to do with teaching inverse problems for differential equations, which constitute one of the directions of modern applied mathematics. One of the ways to overcome this contradiction is the use of modern multimedia and computer technologies in the process of teaching students inverse problems for differential equations. The use, together with the fundamental principles of classical education, of modern multimedia and computer technologies allows us to qualitatively change the approaches and methods of teaching inverse problems for differential equations. The teacher is given the opportunity to use a demonstration method of teaching at lectures: on interactive whiteboards, it is possible to quickly demonstrate analytical and approximate solutions of applied mathematical problems, two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphs of their solutions, tables, drawings, etc. The use of multimedia and computer technologies allows to implement various forms and methods of teaching inverse problems, in which the cognitive activity of students is activated. Among the forms of teaching students inverse problems for differential equations, laboratory classes are used as a type of training session. The inclusion in the learning process, in addition to lectures and seminars, such a form of training organization as laboratory classes with the use of modern computer technologies allows to achieve a high level of knowledge assimilation, mastering the necessary applied mathematical apparatus by activating the educational and cognitive activity of students and makes it advisable to use this form of training organization. Methods of research. Under ICT competence, specialists understand a complex concept that characterizes the way of human life in the modern information society and includes targeted effective use of information and telecommunication technologies in their professional and daily activities. The concept of ICT competence is used by many specialists in the works devoted to Informatization of education. The methodical aspects of ICT competence development are devoted to the works of such authors as T.A. Boronenko, N.V. Buzhinskaya, V.F. Burmakina, 1. Grinshkun, E.V. Danilchuk, S.A. Zaitseva, V.R. Imakaev, S.S. Kartseva, T.G. Kiseleva, A.A. Kuznetsov, M.P. Lapchik, I.Yu.Lepeshinsky, O.N. Novikova, V.N. Podkovyrova, M.I. Ragulin, L.B. Senkevich, S.R. Udalov, S.A. Fadeev, G.A. Fedorova, V.S. Fedotova, E.K. Henner, E.V. Chernobay and other authors (See, for example, [3; 4; 7; 9; 15; 16; 17; 18]). The content of teaching inverse problems for differential equations includes conceptual and mathematical apparatus from various mathematical disciplines, methods of mathematical modeling, research methods of mathematical models themselves, qualitative analysis of solutions, etc. Inverse problems for differential equations are usually nonlinear mathematical problems, since usually unknown coefficients, the right parts of the differential equation and the solution of the differential equation itself are determined simultaneously. In most cases, the solution of the corresponding direct problem can be represented only in the form of an integral equation or an integro-differential equation. It is worth noting that in some cases there are statements of inverse problems, the solutions of which, despite their nonlinearity, can be obtained in the form of formulas. The scheme of investigation of inverse problems for differential equations includes two stages. At the first stage, the solution of the direct problem is constructed and its properties are investigated under the assumption that the desired functions are known and belong to specific functional spaces. In the second stage, the inverse problem itself is investigated. Using the constructed equation of the direct problem, the corresponding system of equations of the inverse problem is consistently constructed. Then we prove theorems on existence, uniqueness and conditional stability of an inverse problem, where the matching conditions data of the inverse problem. The purpose of the study of the inverse problem for differential equations is a constructive construction of its solution. In the process of studying the inverse problem, mathematical difficulties are overcome, such as the construction of a solution of a direct problem, which has a complex form; analysis of the properties of the constructed solution of a direct problem; differentiation and integration of cumbersome mathematical expressions, including integral equations, the use of approximate methods of solution, etc. It takes a lot of time, there is a possibility to make a mistake in the calculations, which can lead to incorrect results and erroneous conclusions. Students face similar difficulties in solving inverse problems for differential equations. Currently, computer mathematics systems such as Maple, Mathematica, Matlab, MathCad and other computer mathematics systems are used in the educational process of higher education institutions. One of the advantages of computer mathematics systems is that it is possible to study complex mathematical problems. The teacher is given the opportunity to use a visual demonstration method of teaching: on the computer screen, you can quickly demonstrate analytical and approximate solutions of mathematical problems, two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphs of their solutions, tables, drawings, etc. Students get rid of routine work associated with cumbersome mathematical calculations and transformations; gain confidence in symbolic calculations and practical skills of mathematical reasoning and analysis of the results; get the opportunity to independently and quickly solve a variety of mathematical problems. Students without the teacher in the consistent implementation of the relevant commands, you can quickly find analytic and approximate solutions of direct problems for some ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations, which will later be used to select additional information about the solution of the direct problem, building a system of integral equations of the inverse problem. Students can apply methods for solving differential or integral equations, build graphs of complex functions and surfaces, with which, for example, solutions of direct and inverse problems are evaluated, which greatly facilitates their analysis. Students can find solutions to various integral and integro-differential equations; thus get rid of complex routine mathematical transformations; get rid of the fear of making a mistake in the process of solving the inverse problem, etc. The use of computer mathematics systems for the implementation of computational algorithms for solving inverse problems for differential equations allows students to visualize the computational algorithm for solving the corresponding inverse problem, analyze it, quickly obtain new results of numerical calculations when data changes and visualize them graphically. As a result of the use of computer technology, students gain experience and skills to explore mobile applied math- ematical problems, which allows to assess and identify the possibilities of computer technology in solving a variety of mathematical problems, to develop ICT competence. Results and discussion. The use of modern multimedia and computer technologies in lectures and practical classes in teaching students of higher educational institutions of physical and mathematical areas of training universities inverse problems for differential equations contributes to the implementation of didactic principles of training. Laboratory classes, using computer technology, as an organizational form of educational activity in teaching inverse problems have their own specifics, which involves the development of appropriate guidelines. Conducting such laboratory classes with a high mathematical level, complex conceptual apparatus, mathematical methods of research and the complexity of research, methodically justified. Such laboratory classes integrate theoretical and methodological knowledge, practical skills and abilities of students in a single process of educational and research activities. With proper organization of laboratory work, students act as researchers of inverse problems for differential equations. Conclusion. The presence of fundamental knowledge on inverse problems for differential equations, skills and abilities to independently apply computer technology in the study of inverse problems, allows them to develop professional competencies, including ICT competencies. ICT competencies help such students in their future professional activity in the field of applied mathematics to successfully develop not only the methods of world science, but also to solve important problems in industry, economy, agriculture and many other spheres of human activity. It is obvious that a student with ICT competence, in his future professional activity as a mathematician-researcher is able to independently with the use of modern information technologies to successfully solve complex applied problems from different subject areas.

About the authors

Viktor S. Kornilov

Author for correspondence.
Email: vs_kornilov@mail.ru

doctor of pedagogical sciences, candidate of physical and mathematical sciences, full professor, deputy head of the Department of Informatization of Education

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