[Mathregionals] calculus textbook considerations

[Mohlenkamp, Martin]

Hello,

We have been considering alternatives to the current Calculus textbook 
by Stewart for MATH 2301, 2302, and 3300. The initial motivation was the 
cost of the current book, but the alternative books also offer other 
features.

The leading contender is the Active Calculus book by Boelkins. Kelly 
Bubp pilot tested it in 2301 in Spring 2018, liked it, and is continuing 
to test it this semester. I piloted it in 2301 this semester and also 
like it.

The Calculus textbook committee (myself, Young, Bubp, Boscko, Kanwar) 
decided:

1) This book is appealing enough to pursue further.

2) Since many of us teach Calculus, broader agreement from the faculty 
as a whole is needed before we could officially switch books.

3) The faculty as a whole needs more information and experience with the 
book before deciding whether or not to switch.

The goal of this message is to help with 3):

* You are encouraged to look at information about the book and my 
assessment of it at
http://www.ohiouniversityfaculty.com/mohlenka/misc/calculusbook.html

* If you are teaching MATH 2301 in the Spring, you are encouraged to try 
the book yourself. Inform Kelly if you plan to do so.

* If you are interested in joining the textbook committee, let me know. 
It would be good to have some members who regularly teach 2302 and 3300.

There is no set timeline for deciding or switching. At earliest we could 
decide in Spring to switch and then start phasing it in over the Summer.

Cheers,
Martin

-- 
Martin J. Mohlenkamp
Associate Professor and Vice Chair
Department of Mathematics, Ohio University
http://www.ohiouniversityfaculty.com/mohlenka/