Peer Review

The Integrator

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Reviewed:: May 17, 2017 by Mathematics

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Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This handy program will solve any function equation entered into its screen, and provide tips for solving a similar problem on paper. After providing the answer, the program then provides further information on the key math concepts used in solving that problem, for example logarithms or hypergeometric functions. This site might provide too much assistance for those seeking help with their homework, but can also provide much guidance for the struggling or beginner student. More substantive, learning material requires a subscription. there are links to a wide variety of disciplines supported in other areas of the Wolfram Alpha website.
Type of Material:: Reference Material
Recommended Uses:: The format allows most flexibility for discovery, flipped assignments, and homework support. This material is reminiscent of a very robust CRC table with assistance in the substitution techniques and, of course, on-line instead of book delivery. Also, helps draw connections between different representations of integrals (graphic, symbolic, via sequences). This site can be used in class, at home, or for individual learning.
Technical Requirements:: Most Internet Browsers with the exception of IE11-IE9 Mixed and IE11-IE9 Difference because the content looks blurry.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The Integrator provides multiple representations of integration techniques. With a better than expected robustness, the Integrator connects definite integrals,graphic representations, and Riemann sums. Additionally, connections are made to indefinite integrals and the Fundamental Theorem. Step-by-step solution to indefinite integrals are available in the subscription platform. Very nicely handles double integrals and provides options to view coding. However, in order to obtain step by step solutions the user has to pay.
Target Student Population:: The Integrator is designed for a student in Calculus I, II, or III.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: This material is not coherent teaching material; it is organized more for on-demand or just-in-time learning or for exploring. So a prerequisite derivative and algebra/trigonometry knowledge is assumed.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: The Integrator is easy to use, works robustly, and draws connections between a variety of topics. Depending on Wolfram Alpha programing, it is reliable and reasonably intuitive. Program tackles a wide variety of problems, including many sophisticated techniques. Graphic information is included and is very useful. The Integrator provides the solution for definite and indefinite integrals. Also, it can be used for double and triple integrals.
Concerns:: Results tend to be driven by computational brute force, sometimes. Consequently, answers tend to be couched in unusual terms or formats, thus, it is not necessarily good for checking answers. Formula entry can be a little non-standard. It will be great to have the step by step solutions for free as well.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

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Strengths:: Material could be used in a numeric class better than in a theoretical approach. It is great for discovery and for supporting students whose algebra/trigonometry is an impediment. If numeric answers suffice, this is a superb and easily used calculator. It provides the learner the opportunity to revise his or her answers when solving integrals.
Concerns:: There are no organizational principles. Solution process is ad hoc based on software programing. Students cannot learn from the step-by-step solution unless they subscribe. It is the step-by-step solution steps that are the most valuable for long-term learning.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: The site is user friendly. It is very easy to input integrals. Additionally, it provides the solutions in seconds. Easy to use for outcomes-based learning and it draws a lot of cross-topic connections. The formula entry is sufficiently standard to promote usage.
Concerns:: Does not address disability access.

Other Issues and Comments:: Overall, the tool is more valuable for the experienced user who needs to check answers or needs to have a quick answer that is needed for a bigger problem. Excellent for support in physics, engineering, etc. Good connections to other Wolfram Alpha material. For most benefit, user would need to subscribe. It will be helpful for learners to provide different access to information provided by the Integrator. For instance, providing access such as Read Speaker will provide access to blind students on the answer and will increase equal access to the Integrator.
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