9450849 Gale A powerful microcomputer-based computer algebra system such as Maple V is a resource for calculus teaching that can enhance students' understanding of fundamental concepts, enable students and instructors to do realistic applications, and ameliorate the ongoing decline in the number of students pursuing technical degrees. To maximize these benefits the CAS must be incorporated smoothly into each class session in such a way that students can see how the program is used, and can use it themselves whenever need or opportunity arises. To this end, the Department of Mathematics of the University of North Carolina at Asheville is teaching calculus in a combination classroom/computer laboratory. A classroom is outfitted with 19 Macintosh Centris 650 computers, an In Focus System 6000 LCD projection panel, and some networking hardware and software. The calculus computer classroom (not a laboratory) enables smooth transitions between lecture/discussion and computer explorations. This classroom enables the mathematics faculty to teach calculus courses in an innovative way and creates a model for math departments initiating changes in their own curricula.
