[m-hilgendorf]

I was introduced to convolution in a undergraduate signals/systems course in continuous time where it's basically magic that you memorize to pass your course. I think a better introduction would be through discrete convolution by reexamining polynomial multiplication (which is convolution through a different lens - the coefficients of the product of two polynomials is the convolution of their coefficients).

That serves as a less magical introduction to the operator. You can then point out that the polynomials whose coefficients one convolves can be considered power series, which has a nice interlude into the Z transform and its usefulness as an analytical tool when working with convolutions (and then on to the Fourier transform, etc).

[defanor]

I was rather surprised that it wasn't discrete convolution in the article, after the hospital analogy. Perhaps even with finite summation first, and generalized afterwards; otherwise there's a bit of a leap.

[bigmanwalter]

My fist taste of convolution was in a discrete signals class while studying for a B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering. You’re right it was an excellent approach!