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| Reviewed: |
Jan 20, 2006 by Mathematics |
| Overview: |
This site contains reference material and over 300 sample problems in calculus
and precalculus accompanied by detailed solutions. Most of these problems open
into resizable frames with text and graphics, but quite a few are presented as
step-by-step Java applets. Two methods of searching for content are available:
1) by typical calculus course topic order; and 2) by an alphabetical listing.
Glossaries and an appreciable review of algebra round out this extensive online
tutorial site.
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| Learning Goals: |
To serve as a supplement for a standard course in calculus.
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| Target Student Population: |
Students who are taking a course in calculus. The material on this site
corresponds approximately to typical Calculus I, II, and III content.
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| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
College Algebra.
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| Type of Material: |
Tutorial
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| Recommended Uses: |
Student reference.
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| Technical Requirements: |
A Java-enabled browser.
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| Strengths: |
This site offers sample problems covering most topics in a typical Calculus I,
II, and III course sequence. The About link on the home page suggests there
are 300 sample problems, but that appears to be a low estimate. Most of these
are straightforward static examples, but quite a few are interactive type
examples, some of which use Java. All of the examples appear to be well-chosen
and thoroughly and accurately worked out. In addition to sample problems, there
is an extensive glossary of terms and formulas that can be referenced by
hyperlinks throughout the site. Overall, the content is ample and well done.
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| Concerns: |
none
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:  |
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| Strengths: |
This site is an excellent supplement to any calculus textbook. With quality
content and easy accessibility, it should prove an effective resource for
students looking for additional help in calculus. A simple and effective
navigation structure of the site that includes hyperlinked references to
definitions, statements of theorems, etc., makes this tutorial really useful as
a textbook supplement as well as a tool for self-guided study.
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| Concerns: |
More interactivity in the example problems would have made them somewhat more
engaging to students, but this is more wishful thinking than criticism.
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
| Rating: |
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| Strengths: |
The topics are easily accessed though the dual means provided on-site: an
alphabetical listing and a calculus course order listing. Additionally, a
Google keyword search method employing the codeword calcjat seems to work
quite well. All of the interactive parts and frames operated flawlessly.
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| Concerns: |
On occasion, either horizontal scrolling or resizing of the frames is required.
This would not be a problem for the average computer savvy student.
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
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| Comments from Author: |
I have experimented with the several types of web pages listed below. I would
appreciate feedback on them: mailto:res07wyf@verizon.net
Solved problem:
http://www.jtaylor1142001.net/calcjat/Solutions/INT/InDefInt3/IRad.htm
Solved problem with another version for the student:
http://www.jtaylor1142001.net/calcjat/Solutions/DIFF/Product/Prod1/dprod1.html
Programmed instruction form of solved problem:
http://www.jtaylor1142001.net/calcjat/Courses/Ma99/ProgInstr/8QuadFctsEqns/3CompSquare/FReadme.htm
Programmed instruction form of solved problem with gradual presentation:
http://www.jtaylor1142001.net/calcjat/Solutions/LineInt/LineIntF_Th3DLine/LineIntF_Th3DLineLayers.htm
Interactive demonstration (Java applet):
http://www.jtaylor1142001.net/calcjat/Courses/Ma99/TestScripts/4Lines/LineDemo/example1.html
Interactive test (Java applet):
http://www.jtaylor1142001.net/calcjat/Courses/Ma99/TestScripts/4Lines/LineMB_Line/example1.html
Programmed instruction (Java applet):
http://www.jtaylor1142001.net/calcjat/Solutions/LineInt/LineInt1Seg/example1.html
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