Hands-on Learning in Calculus via Web-based Applets
Abstract:
In the summer of 2002, we worked with our colleagues at Denison and Kenyon and developed a series of computer labs for the calculus sequence. After the initial trial period this semester, it is clear that several things are lacking with the current labs.
Having met and discussed our situation, we concluded that we could design new labs that would be implemented on the World Wide Web and do not rely on a specific software package would solve the problems mentioned above. Students could easily access the labs from any computer connected to the Internet and schools without computer algebra system software could use the labs as well.
The labs developed this summer are useful in that they use technology to visual demonstrate new concepts and ideas. Prior to these labs, instructors depended on static graphs on boards. Now the lessons “come to life” via Maple movies and procedures.
One of the current techniques for developing such visualizations on the web is via Java applets. Applets are small programs that provide the user with an easy to use and understandable graphical interface to accomplish a specific task. Applets are easily distributed over the web and compatible with most computing systems.
To make the current labs more readily available to the students, we propose to convert two of the existing labs to applet driven labs and create two new applet based lab. Having taught the computer science courses at Kenyon College, Lew Ludwig has a rudimentary understanding of applets. Keith Howard has explored various applications of applets in the classroom setting. To strengthen our current knowledge of designing applets, we plan to attend a two-day minicourse entitled, “Java Applets in Teaching Mathematics,” at the joint meeting of the American Mathematical Society and Mathematical Association of America in Baltimore, MD, January 15-18, 2003.