NSF ILI Grant Final Report
DUE-9351491
"Calculus and Linear Algebra Classroom Computer Laboratories"
Project Director: Janet L. Beery
Co-Directors: Richard Cornez, Allen Killpatrick, Mary Scherer
Project Duration: May 1, 1993 - Oct. 31, 1995
NSF Contribution: $45,221
Part II - Summary of Completed Project
Our primary objective was to establish two classroom computer laboratories so that we could offer our three-semester calculus sequence and our differential equations and linear algebra courses using a laboratory format featuring discovery-based learning. Within one month of award of the grant, we had equipped the two classrooms in which these courses now are taught with one computer for each two (or occasionally three) students---14 Macintosh IIvx computers in one classroom and 13 Macintosh Centris 650 computers in the other.
Since academic year 1992-93, all Calculus I and II courses at Redlands have used the innovative, computer- and applications-based Five College Calculus in Context curriculum, funded originally by NSF and published in 1995 by W. H. Freeman. Redlands faculty have developed and adapted from other sources supplementary materials for this curriculum, including classroom activities, homework assignments, and True BASIC computer programs. In our Calculus III, differential equations, and linear algebra courses, we have used the computer packages Maple, MacMath and Maple, and MATLAB, respectively. Since the texts we have used for these courses are not specifically computer-based, we have developed and adapted classroom computer demonstrations, both computer and pencil-and-paper classroom activities, and homework assignments and projects requiring computer use for the courses. In addition, approximately one-fifth of examination questions in our calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra courses require computer use.
The students in our calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra courses now use computer packages and programs on a daily basis to analyze mathematical models numerically, to visualize mathematical concepts, and to discover and explore mathematical concepts by generating examples from which to make and test conjectures. In our judgement, this has increased the students' understanding and appreciation of, as well as enthusiasm for, the mathematical concepts and applications they study. The percentage of students in fall semester Calculus I who continue to spring semester Calculus II has increased from 45% to 85% since we instituted the Calculus in Context curriculum. In addition, we currently have the largest and most talented group of junior and senior mathematics majors we have had in quite some time.
In June, 1995, we obtained a second ILI grant enabling us to set up a third classroom computer laboratory in which our precalculus, mathematical modeling, geometry, number theory, probability and statistics, and numerical analysis courses now meet.
Part III - Technical Information
Publications that acknowledged NSF Grant No. DUE-9351491:
Beery, Janet L., Portia Cornell, Allen Killpatrick, and Alexander Koonce, "Report for West Point Core Curriculum Conference in Mathematics: Plan to Integrate Calculus II and III Curricula," to be published in MAA Notes and Reports Series
Formal presentations that acknowledged NSF Grant No. DUE-9351491:
Beery, Janet L., "A computer-based linear algebra course emphasizing understanding of traditional concepts," AMS-MAA Joint National Meetings, Orlando, FL, January, 1996
Beery, Janet L., "Planning and implementation of calculus reform curricula: what worked and what we're still working on," AMS-MAA Joint National Meetings, Orlando, FL, January, 1996
Beery, Janet L., Allen Killpatrick, and Mary Scherer, "Calculus Reform and Beyond: What Happens Next?" (poster), AMS-MAA Joint National Meetings, Orlando, FL, January, 1996
Killpatrick, Allen, "Usefulness of Maple and MacMath in Differential Equations," AMS-MAA Joint National Meetings, Orlando, FL, January, 1996
Scherer, Mary, "Changing Calculus: Reformation not Revolution," AMS-MAA Joint National Meetings, Orlando, FL, January, 1996
Killpatrick, Allen, "Chalk Dust to Mouse Droppings: Employing Technology in Mathematics Instruction," International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics (ICTCM), Houston, TX, November, 1995
Killpatrick, Allen, "Computer Classrooms and Curriculum Development" (poster), ICTCM, Houston, TX, November, 1995
Koonce, Alexander, "Calculus Reform at the University of Redlands," AMS-MAA Joint National Meetings, San Francisco, CA, January, 1995
Beery, Janet L., "Calculus in Context at the University of Redlands," Third Conference on the Teaching of Calculus, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, June, 1994
Killpatrick, Allen, Alexander Koonce, Mary Legner, and Mary Scherer, "Calculus in a Laboratory Setting" (poster), AMS-MAA Joint National Meetings, Cincinnati, OH, January, 1994
Beery, Janet L., "Transition to a Computer Based Calculus Curriculum" (poster), Project Kaleidoscope Regional Colloquium: Revitalizing Introductory Courses in Science and Mathematics, Reed College, Portland, OR, November, 1993
Workshops that acknowledged NSF Grant No. DUE-9351491:
"Calculus: An Active Approach with Projects" Calculus Reform Workshop, University of Redlands, Redlands, CA, June 23-28, 1996 (Local Coordinators: Allen Killpatrick, Mary Scherer)
"Calculus in Context" Calculus Reform Workshop, University of Redlands, Redlands, CA, June 26 - July 1, 1994 (Local Coordinator: Janet L. Beery)
(Both workshops are/were part of a series funded by NSF DUE grants to Donald Small, U.S. Military Academy, and Wayne Roberts, Macalester College, for the project, "Workshop Program for Dissemination of Calculus Reform Projects.")
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