Modelación y algebra lineal en la formación de ingenieros en mecatrónica

Mathematical modeling, as an approach to solving real-world problems and as an approach to teaching and learning mathematics, has gained importance in the curriculum in recent decades. In the case of Linear Algebra, systems of linear equations and linear transformations appear as models in various engineering problems and matrices allow efficient modeling of multidimensional structures. However, in multiple investigations in Mathematics Education, some issues have been identified that students face when trying to build models and apply mathematics to real-world problems. This document explores the role of modeling and Linear Algebra in solving practical problems in Mechatronics Engineering, and advances in identifying a problem related to learning these topics are presented. To this end, recurrent difficulties in the teaching and learning of modeling and Linear Algebra reported in various investigations are pointed out, with special attention to those that students face when modeling with matrix transformations and operating with matrices. The curriculum component is also analyzed in the context of the current Educational Model of the University of Sonora, specifically reviewing the Mechatronics Engineering program. The article concludes by presenting some characteristics of a didactic proposal under construction to address this problem using technology.