Coordinating the Teaching of Physics and Mathematics Using a Common Computer System

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This project enables coordinating the teaching of physics and mathematics via the use of common software and hardware systems. The project introduces a common computer laboratory for the large number of students enrolled in both General Physics and Calculus. A coordinating group from the Departments of Physics and Mathematics has been established to develop a unified pedagogical approach. a unified technological approach will be used which includes a common computer system, common software systems such as Mathematica and 20/20, a common graphical system, and common text processing systems. The coordinating group is overseeing the introduction of topics, the development of appropriate techniques, and the assessment of the efficacy of the methods chosen. The initial emphasis in physics is in the development of new approaches for the teaching of general physics laboratory while in mathematics the emphasis is on the development of computer based methods of teaching the calculus. Following these, the approach will be applied to instruction in the mathematical methods of physics and differential equations. It is expected that the systems and methods introduced at each stage in the project will be applicable in all succeeding courses in both departments.