The traditional calculus course has been broadly criticized for emphasizing algorithmic computations and techniques at the expense of conceptual understanding, for an absence of realistic problems, and for decreasing student interest in mathematics. To actively engage students in doing mathematics and using modern computational tools, a calculus sequence with an integrated laboratory component is being developed. The laboratory uses existing mathematical software tools (Derive) and MS-DOS systems. Such software is sufficiently powerful, easy to use, and affordable. Use of these mathematical tools in the precalculus and calculus sections is increasing interest and improving student performance.
