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式，以符合以下目标：(1)在有意义的背景下提出概念；(2)将写作作为有效的学习工具；(3)培养学生之间的合作学习；以及(4)发展发现学习的环境。在过去五年里，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，这些实验室利用Macintosh上的数学的“笔记本”功能，将写作和数字、图形和符号计算结合在一起。该系准备实施类似的微积分III和微分方程式的课程改进。然而，这些课程需要更广泛的计算才能在动态、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。这项建议要求提供资金，以(1)建立一个学生计算机实验室，以令人满意地运行数学a，(2)提供一个用于课堂演示的移动计算机工作站，以及(3)升级两个工作站，供教员开发和教授课程。所需设备旨在通过在机构需求和资源范围内启动的课程增量改革来维持累积改进。对其他微积分改革和课程计划中的写作所产生的各种材料进行评估，然后根据当地的目标进行调整。这一方法不仅为其他同样希望振兴课程的机构树立了榜样，而且也促进了利用这些宝贵的材料来实现这一目标。

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.