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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
May 15, 2006 by Mathematics |
| Overview: |
The Connected Curriculum Project includes materials and modules that combine the
flexibility and connectivity of the Web with the power of computer algebra
systems such as Maple, Mathematica, MatLab and MathCad. This particular
collection includes single-topic modules on Multivariable Calculus as well as
applications in this subject.
Modules typically assume some familiarity with a mathematical topic and then
present an application of the topic or an extension that is motivated by an
example. Templates in the above mentioned computer algebra systems are available
to guide the users exploration.
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| Learning Goals: |
To provide help in understanding and learning different topics in Multivariable
Calculus
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| Target Student Population: |
Students in the last semester of Calculus.
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| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
Single-variable calculus.
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| Type of Material: |
Tutorial that includes interactive modules as well as computer algebra
worksheets.
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| Recommended Uses: |
Supplement for a Multivariable Calculus course and/or reference material.
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| Technical Requirements: |
The main part of the tutorial requires only a Java-enabled browser. CAS
worksheets require corresponding computer algebra system such as MathCAD, Maple,
Mathematica or MatLab.
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| Strengths: |
Each tutorial module opens with an introduction page that clearly states the
goals and prerequisites of the module. Each module is divided in several
sub-topics containing solid mathematical introduction, illustrations and even
interactive Java applets.
Each subtopic is concluded with a set of very relevant questions and assignments
that comprise the main strength of this material.
A robust section on application-related topics in each module increases the
value of this tutorial.
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| Concerns: |
none
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:  |
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| Strengths: |
Each subsection of the module focuses on a typical test problem type aspect of
the subject in question. Thus the site can serve as an addition to a textbook
review chapter, a source for a quick review, or as a means of finding an
additional example.
It can also help as a part of self-guided study, group or individual projects,
or test preparation activity.
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| Concerns: |
The limited selection of topics in Multivariable Calculus prevents this tutorial
from supplementing every topic in a standard Multivariable Calculus course.
This may be asking too much, given the breadth of the topic. The site is a great
source for applications that can be tailored to fit specific needs.
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
Rating:   |
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| Strengths: |
The site is extremely easy to use and a pleasure to navigate. The topics are
well organized and all the key concepts and prerequisites are summarized in the
beginning of each subsection. Of course, all computer algebra components require
a certain level of familiarity with the corresponding CAS.
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| Concerns: |
One reviewer who is using MathCAD was hampered in the review by the dearth of
MathCAD sheets for the projects. The CAS supplements are all high quality, but
if the right one is not available,
the user is limited in a significant way.
Also there is a small bug in that for some projects, MathCAD support is claimed,
but what is available is support for two different versions of Maple.
Along these same lines, the authors should however be complimented for their
attempt to satisfy the needs of the users of four (!) different computer algebra
systems. This level of compatibility is unique in all materials reviewed so
far.
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
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