>I agree with Chuck. We use Mathcad in our calculus sequence. I use the
>first week (+ or -) to introduce the softtware. I have as the first project
>a review of functions and families of functions and graphs and etc. and etc.
>It seems to work to help the students focus on both the algebra and the
>technology. Of course, I still do lots of "time outs" during the semester
>to brush up on algebra skills on as "as needed" basis.
>
>Anne Landry
>Dutchess Community College
>Poughkeepsie, NY
This is heartening to read. Mathcad is very appropriate for high
school and community college math classes (I'm not financially tied
to the company -- so far can't even afford the latest upgrade).
What I'd like more math classes to include, are little segments
on how to go from MathCad (or other product) to the World Wide Web,
such that explorations in some area of mathematics could be turned
into web-published works (this would be part of the assignment).
Going from here to simple programming using a little JavaScript
and Java would be the next step. The course would take students
to existing websites and let them dissect others' source code.
For example:
http://www.channel1.com/users/bobwb/synergetics/jitterbug/jitterbug.html
(requires Java-enabled browser to appreciate, allow for a little
download time, depending on connection).
Kirby
Curriculum writer
Oregon Curriculum Network
http://www.inetarena.com/~pdx4d/ocn/
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