Integrated Use of Computer Activities to Enhance Understanding in Introductory Discrete Mathematics and Calculus Courses

该项目将支持建立一个微型计算机实验室，这将是普渡大学改善理工科和中等教育本科生入门数学教育计划的组成部分。它是由仪器和实验室改进计划(ILI)资助的，该计划的明确目标是“通过支持开发新的或改进的基于仪器的本科实验室和/或科学、数学或工程领域的课程来提高本科课程的质量”。特别是，这个实验室将是为职前高中教师开发基于计算机的离散数学课程的关键要素，并将在设计适合大班的微积分序列方面发挥关键作用。计算机活动和方法的类型将包括使用符号操作和图形，以及执行旨在鼓励认知发展的任务。

This project will support the establishment of a microcomputer laboratory which will be an integral part of a program to improve the beginning mathematics education of undergraduates in science, engineering, and secondary education at Purdue University. It is being funded under the Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement (ILI) Program, which has the stated goal of improving "the quality of the undergraduate curriculum by supporting projects to develop new or improved instrument-based undergraduate laboratory and/or field courses in science, mathematics, or engineering." In particular, this laboratory will be a key element in the development of a computer-based discrete mathematics course for pre-service high school teachers and in the design of a calculus sequence appropriate for large classes. Types of computer activities and approaches will include the use of symbolic manipulation and graphics and the performance of tasks designed to encourage cognitive development.