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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Mar 26, 2009 by Mathematics |
| Overview: |
This site consists of several dozen applets, each pertaining to a different aspect of single variable Calculus. Topics covered range from continuity and limits to differential equations and infinite series. Each applet is on a separate page that also includes detailed explanations of the concept under review along with suggestions for student experimentation with the applet. Each applet can be opened in a resizable window for better viewing as a classroom demonstration. |
| Learning Goals: |
Provides both learning tools for students and demonstrations for teachers. |
| Target Student Population: |
Undergraduate students taking a course in single variable Calculus. |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
Pre-Calculus. |
| Type of Material: |
These are graphical Java applets. |
| Recommended Uses: |
This site can be used as a resource for classroom demonstrations and as a source of out-of-class work for students. |
| Technical Requirements: |
Java-enabled Web browser. |
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| Strengths: |
These applets are rich with features that make them highly conducive to learning and teaching. Each applet provides a graph or graphs illustrating a particular concept. The applet layout includes buttons for manipulating the graph by zooming, changing limits, etc., and usually there are sliders for easy changing of point coordinates and other parameters. Manual entry of functions, even piecewise functions, is possible, but there is also a pull-down menu of built-in functions. The Launch Presentation Button opens the applet in a new window that contains only the graph with large fonts and wide curves appropriate for projection on a screen for classroom demonstration. Many of the applets are accompanied by explanations of the underlying mathematical concepts. All applets include a set of examples, which actually amount to experiments that students can use to guide them into a deeper understanding of the subject matter. |
| Concerns: |
None. |
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:  |
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| Strengths: |
Because of the Launch Presentation button and the numerous step-by-step examples that accompany each applet, teachers will find this site highly effective both as a resource for classroom demonstrations and as a source of out-of-class work for students. Students coming to this site on their own will find much to deepen their understanding of Calculus concepts, but they will have to be willing to read the extensive explanations and work carefully through the many examples. |
| Concerns: |
Some guidance by the instructor is likely needed to use this site with a specific course. |
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
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| Strengths: |
Some complex concepts are dealt with in these applets, like functions that are once but not twice differentiable and the perennially difficult subject of related rates. Nonetheless, the applets are always easy to use and are accompanied by clear explanations and many well-chosen examples.
The navigation structure of the site is very convenient and makes it very easy to select an appropriate applet. |
| Concerns: |
None. |
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