Abstract:

Programming has emerged as an essential skill in STEM higher education, with its relevance extending to other academic disciplines in recent years. This skill enables students to model processes and facts through programming, offering a dynamic and interactive learning experience that significantly enhances traditional teaching methods such as slide presentations and whiteboard explanations. This approach has been widely adopted in engineering and other technical education institutions, with tools like Matlab and Python becoming integral to laboratory sessions and live demonstrations. The use of programming in educational settings allows for the practical application of theoretical concepts, fostering a deeper understanding through hands-on experiences. However, the integration of programming into the curriculum often faces challenges, such as the need for separate laboratory sessions to run and experiment with code, creating a disconnect from theoretical lectures.

In response to these challenges, this work investigates the potential of Jupyter, an innovative tool initially developed for researchers and data scientists. Jupyter is a versatile open-source web application that enables educators to create and share documents containing live code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text, all in a single, cohesive environment. This multifaceted platform enhances the learning of technical topics by providing an interactive setting where learners can actively engage with code, visualize data, and seamlessly integrate theoretical discussions with practical applications. The versatility of Jupyter in blending code with explanatory text and visual aids allows for a more integrated and immersive learning experience.

Jupyter's adaptability also supports various pedagogical approaches, such as the flipped classroom model, where students first explore topics independently through interactive Jupyter notebooks, followed by in-class discussions and activities that reinforce their understanding. This approach encourages active learning and student engagement, making complex theories more comprehensible and engaging. Additionally, Jupyter can be instrumental in project-based learning, fostering collaborative skills and real-world problem-solving.

We will discuss the technical considerations involved in setting up Jupyter, ensuring accessibility, and overcoming common obstacles that educators might face for integrating Jupyter into the classroom. By providing educators with the know-how to navigate these technical aspects, we aim to streamline the adoption of Jupyter in educational settings. This presentation will also cover the fundamentals of Jupyter document creation and sharing. We will showcase how to enrich documents with formatted text, mathematical formulas, graphics, and live data, along with providing resources for additional assistance. The presentation will illustrate the practical application of Jupyter in live teaching sessions, including real-world examples that demonstrate its effectiveness in both in-person and online learning environments. By integrating Jupyter into educational practices, educators can bridge the gap between theoretical and practical learning, offering students a more comprehensive and engaging educational experience. This exploration aims to demonstrate how Jupyter can revolutionize traditional teaching methods, making complex concepts more accessible and interactive for students.

Keywords:

Programming, STEM, Practice.