Computer Laboratory to Sustain Cumalative Improvement in Calculus and Differential Equations

亨德里克斯学院建议建立一个计算机实验室，以继续改进微积分和微分方程，符合以下目标：(1)在有意义的背景下呈现概念；(2)将写作作为一种有效的学习工具；(3)培养学生的协作学习；(4)创造发现学习的环境。在过去的五年里，数学系通过引入写作作业和计算机实验室，在其微积分III序列中进行了渐进式的创新改变，这些实验室使用麦金塔上的Mathematica的“笔记本”功能，将写作和数字、图形和符号计算结合起来。该系准备在微积分III和微分方程方面实施类似的课程改进。然而，这些课程需要更广泛的计算，以便在动态、协作的环境中可视化和探索概念，而现有的设备不足以执行这些任务。该提案要求资金用于(1)建立一个学生计算机实验室以满意地运行Mathematica，(2)提供一个移动计算机工作站用于课堂演示，以及(3)升级两个工作站以供教师开发和教学课程。所要求的设备的目的是在机构需要和资源的范围内，通过渐进式的课程改革来维持累积的改进。由其他微积分改革和写作课程倡议产生的各种材料进行评估，然后进行调整以满足当地的目标。这种方法不仅可以作为其他机构的榜样，这些机构也希望激活他们的课程，但它也刺激了这些有价值的材料的利用。

Hendrix College proposes to establish a computer laboratory to continue improvement in Calculus and Differential Equations consistent with the following objectives: (1) present concepts in a meaningful context; (2) use writing as an effective learning tool; (3) nurture collaborative learning among the students; and (4) develop an environment for discovery learning. For the past five years, the Mathematics Department has made incremental, innovative changes in its Calculus III sequence by introducing writing assignments and computer laboratories which integrate writing and numeric, graphic, and symbolic computations using the "notebook" feature of Mathematica on the Macintosh. The Department is poised to implement similar curricular enhancements in Calculus III and Differential Equations. However, these courses require more extensive computations to visualize and explore concepts in a dynamic, collaborative environment, and existing equipment is not adequate to perform these tasks. This proposal requests funds to (1) establish a student computer laboratory to run Mathematica satisfactorily, (2) provide a mobile computer workstation for classroom demonstrations, and (3) upgrade two workstations for faculty developing and teaching the courses. The requested equipment is designed to sustain cumulative improvement through incremental curricular change initiated within the context of institutional needs and resources. Diverse materials generated by other calculus reform and writing across the curriculum initiatives are evaluated and then adapted to meet local objectives. This approach not only serves as a model to other institutions who share the desire to invigorate their curriculum, but it also stimulates the utilization of these valuable materials to do so.