Calculus&Mathematica is a revolutionary way of approaching teaching calculus. It presents a complete rethinking of:
Traditional Mathematics courses emphasize the learning of mathematics through rote work, memorization, and mastery of hand methods of solving problems. Although this can result in creating a good human calculator, it is not conducive to in-depth and substantive understanding of mathematical concepts.
Calculus&Mathematica does away with this traditional approach. Since students use Mathematica software to help them step through the boring routines of traditional mathematical learning, they are free to achieve a better conceptual understanding of the material while still gaining a good knowledge of the methods of problem-solving. The end result is a student who really understands the material he or she is working on.
Many prospective students are concerned that if they take C&M classes, they will not actually learn how to do any of the math, since "The computer does all the work for you." Fortunately, this is simply not true. Students cannot just present a problem to Mathematica and have the computer solve it from beginning to end. They must understand the problem well enough to be able to give Mathematica the right instructions to solve it. In cases where Mathematica has a higer-level function that is capable of doing all the work (such as Mathematica's Integrate command), students learn to break it apart and see how the computer does the work on a lower level. Mathematica is not a magic wand that can be waved at a math problem; it is a tool that requires as much thought and care to use effectively as pencil, paper, and calculator.
A guide to the studies done on the Mathematica-based courses
Before I came to college I loved math. It had always been my favorite class all through school. When I graduated high school I even got the math award.. When I got to [college] my love of math quickly died. . . I no longer understood math or calculus for that matter. Then I switched majors and I had to continuing taking more Math. Last semester I was also in traditional Calc II and was getting a D- before I dropped it. Someone suggested I take C&M CalcII. I figured it couldn't be any worse than last semester so I signed up for it. I'm glad I did. I wouldn't say that I love math now, but I am being to like it again. This class not only helped teach mathematics but it explained mathematics. The normal classes don't do this.
Techs support both the lab machines and the software used in this program.
In the event of a problem, send an e-mail to tech@cm.math.uiuc.edu.