Large foundational courses delivered in lecture halls are disadvantaged in eliciting participation from all students and maintaining engagement throughout the class session. We introduced a question-driven method facilitated by an audience response system, namely TopHat™, that allows the instructor to engage students in solving Calculus problems…

Integral calculus is generally regarded as a fundamental but advanced aspect of mathematics, and it is not generally studied until students are aged about fifteen or older. Understanding the transformative potential of information and communication technology, this project undertook an investigation in four Australian schools to train students…

An online homework system created for use by beginning calculus students is described. This system was designed with the specific goal of supporting student engagement outside of class by replicating the attempt-feedback-reattempt sequence of events which often occurs in a teacher's presence. Evidence is presented which indicates that this goal…

The Structured Query Language (SQL) forms a substantial component of introductory database courses and is supported by almost every commercial database product. One disadvantage of SQL is that it does not provide a universal quantification construct. Queries that have twisted universal and existential quantifiers can be stunning for students,…

Discusses personal experiences in using microcomputers to teach differential equations and calculus, including programs written for and activities in a year-long calculus sequence called Calculus and Computers. Suggests that computers and their graphics capabilities be used to provide a mathematical environment in which students can interact and…

To integrate technology into mathematics teaching and learning effectively, teachers could create a technology-based learning environment that provides students with opportunities to experience the process of mathematical investigation. These opportunities range from exploring using mathematical ideas to making and testing conjectures, as well as…

Shows how a simple spreadsheet program can be used to teach calculus concepts more effectively through simultaneous use of review questions and instructions, actual manipulation of data and formulas, and visual illustration of results. Concepts illustrated include the difference quotient and derivation of a function; difference and differential;…

A preservice teacher education course involving the applications for a computer within the mathematics classroom is described in terms of its evolution from a workshop to a regular curricular offering. Included are samples of computer experiments which suggest computer teaching activities for the prospective teacher lacking in field experience.…

An experimental program in Calculus I at the University of Southern California (USC) is described. It is concluded that it is possible to give a meaningful program in which computer use is incorporated. The intent is to set up all USC calculus courses with some use of microcomputers. (MP)

A critical issue related to the use of simulation environments in school-based learning is the relationship between the use of these environments and the structure of traditional curricula. Teachers are often caught in the bind of attempting to address significantly raised standards for what all students should know, yet receiving very little…

Describes the approach taken and materials used for introducing computer symbolic mathematics to undergraduate calculus students. Explains the features of the muMATH software package and reviews the modifications that were made to the program. Includes an exercise on plotting graphs. (ML)

Describes the principles underlying computer programs designed to improve undergraduate calculus instruction. The programs were produced for teacher use on a single microcomputer for when there are not enough microcomputers available to allow students to have access to them. (JN)

Discusses four computer-assisted-instruction programs used in a college-level mathematics course to introduce computer literacy and improve mathematical skills. The BASIC programs include polynomial functions, trigonometric functions, matrix algebra, and differential calculus. Each program discusses mathematics theory and introduces programming…

This article utilizes several examples to describe the use of MathCAD, a computer scratchpad for calculations, within a lecture-demonstration method of teaching general calculus. Both hardware requirements and software features are discussed specifically related to the proper design of student worksheets with emphasis on parameter variation. (JJK)

Investigates using computer spreadsheets in math classes. Describes current spreadsheets on the market. Summarizes how the spreadsheets work and provides information to build a template to find function maximums and minimums. Lists step by step instructions. (MVL)