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Introduction

Computational software (CS) is characterized by its capability of both symbolic and numerical calculations. An example of a numerical calculation is solving the algebraic equation $x^2 - 2 = 0$ by giving the answer: $x = \pm 1.414213562 \ldots $. On the other hand, a symbolic calculation can solve $x^2 - b = 0$ with the answer: $x = \pm \sqrt{b}$. Important computational software packages include MatLab, Maple2 and Mathematica3. This technology revolutionizes the way that people use Mathematics. Experts in mathematics education write that ``..., it has become increasingly evident that the technology altered the nature of the activity using it" [6].

We propose to introduce homework using MatLab, into the calculus/differential equations sequence (MATH 263A,B,C,D and MATH340) at Ohio University and to make the program widely available on campus. Our eventual goal would be to extend this initiative to most of the freshman and sophomore level mathematics courses at the University. These courses are taken by a large portion of students at the University. Once most freshmen and sophomore mathematics classes are using MatLab and the software is widely available on campus, the software will become a part of the culture of the University, professors from any department may take for granted that students have knowledge of the software, and students may use the software on their own for any math-related course-work. The goal is to introduce CS not only into the undergraduate mathematics curriculum, but to make it an integral part of mathematical life at the University.

While Ohio University is making very bold steps toward providing our students with computer experience, we are behind many universities in our use of (CS). The existence of a well-developed project, including a book by Young [8], puts Ohio in a unique position to become a leader in the use of CS in undergraduate mathematics and at the same time dramatically influence the use of mathematics around the University.

Young, who has had extensive experience using computers in teaching mathematics at other institutions, is writing a book about using programs like MatLab for homework in mathematics courses. His book promotes a ``simple approach" to using computers which is distinct is several ways. We propose to introduce Young's approach into most undergraduate mathematics courses, beginning with calculus. A key feature of the approach is that individual instructors are able to use it with very minimal time investment.


next up previous
Next: Current use of technology Up: Computational Software in Undergraduate Previous: Abstract
Todd Young 2008-06-23