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The Standard Deviants: Calculus, Part 1 [VHS]

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This video uses comedic elements, visual effects and several actors to present basic calculus. Covered topics are: limits, continuity, the derivative and rules of derivation. It is not enough on its own to learn calculus but it is a valuable tool to increase understanding when taking a first course in calculus.

I found this program to be extremely helpful in learning the basics of calc - particularly limits - which dont agree with me. I would think that anyone on an expert level would not need them. But if you are not an expert, like myself, it is very very useful. And these guys are even funny at times. The hosts are young and fun - and darn good looking.

Starting with the basics of graphing functions, this tape uses a sequence of video bites to step you through the fundamentals of what could be called "routine calculus." Limits are defined using the h notation, but that is as advanced as the treatment gets. Left and right side limits are defined as a precursor to continuity, but that concept is introduced only in the intuitive sense. There is not an epsilon or a delta to be seen. Derivatives are then introduced; fundamental rules such as the power, chain, product and quotient rule are simply stated as rules and then used to solve a few examples. To many, the statement of a rule and then the demonstration of how it is used can be considered a routine rather than an understanding.
However, if you consider the tape to be only a demonstration of some of the rules of calculus, then it is a valuable addition to your set of educational tools. Several young people of both genders narrate the tape and the style is that of a reduced set music video. There is a lot of movement from one narrator to another, and the images of their bodies are shifted from location to location on the screen. It is a rare occasion when the same image is on the screen for only a few seconds.
There is a bit of humor as well, although not of the highest quality. A "carpenter" with a horrendous case of clumsiness holds up various tools as the analogy between calculus rules and tools is made. Some people may find it funny, but since it is so obvious that the tool is going to slip out of his hand, the potential for surprise is lost. Nevertheless, it will appeal strongly to the student with mathematical fear in their hearts as they begin their quest to learn calculus. Anything that reduces that fear to a manageable level is to be promoted.
If you require everything that you use to teach calculus to be rigorous, then this tape will not appeal to you. However, if your goal is to have some kind of "breaker of the ice" or a light-hearted interlude between the epsilon-delta proofs, then this tape is exactly what you are looking for.

Published in Mathematics and Computer Education, reprinted with permission.

If you think after watching this and other SD videos you'll be prepared for a college course in calculus then your horribly wrong. The content of this video is so basic that my 13 yr.old cousin watched this video and almost understood it the first time through. Trust me there will never be a easy way to learn calculus and all the videos,computer programs and fancy calculators that your credit card can hold won't get you there either.

Although the comedic format of "The Standard Deviants: Calculus, Part I" is refreshing in its silliness, it is way too elementary for a college level Calculus course. There is also a glaring error in at least one of the lessons.