Comment by Heinrich Niederhausen (FAU): I would not require these topics in the common core, but leave it to the instructor. In general, I prefer to spend more time on the modelling aspects of Calculus, and less time on techniques (which are better handled by programs like Maple, Mathematica, ...)D. V.: Is any time spent in Calculus II pertaining to polar coordinates - graphs, area problems, etc.?D. V.: Our problem with letting the computer do the integration is that we do not have Maple or Mathematica or any other math software on the computers in our computer lab. Also, our computer lab is a universal lab and we do not have a classroom equipped with computers that is available to the math department. Some students own TI92s or TI89s or HP48Gs and so they are able to do the integration using symbols. The majority of our students do not own them. Thus, if we do not teach the integration techniques, then these students must resort to the tables. Do you know if any other colleges/community colleges are in the same dilemma?H.N.: Last week I met with some CC-professors, and heard them talking about calculators. You are right, many places do not have access to appropriate computer labs yet. However, they seem to require their students to by `good' calculators, and teach how to use them. The prices are no longer that outrages. Teaching how to use them is more problematic, because I won't feel comfortable with requiring a specificD. V.: How do you test the students as to their ability to use the computer software when doing integrals? Do you they use the computer during the test or do you use projects?
brand/model. Ideally, a `calculator clinic' should be set up, where students can go and ask qustion about how to use their machines. Of course, that needs additional manpower.
Comment by H.N.: FAU's current calculus outline asks for polar coordinates in CalcIII.