Why teach calculus in the age of AI
8 days ago
- #calculus
- #AI in education
- #problem-solving
- Calculus courses are often frustrating and complicated, especially when computing derivatives and integrals.
- Technology, including AI, can now easily compute derivatives and integrals, raising questions about the necessity of learning manual methods.
- Calculus is more than calculations; it involves understanding concepts and applications in physics and engineering.
- Hands-on exercises in calculus help internalize concepts like integration by substitution and parts, and the relationship between derivatives and integrals.
- Calculus teaches valuable lessons beyond math, such as problem-solving skills and the ability to verify answers independently.
- AI, while useful, operates as a black box, discouraging scrutiny and independent thought.
- Education is about reasoning, asking the right questions, and trusting one's judgment, skills that calculus fosters.
- Confidence, curiosity, and mental discipline gained from solving problems manually are irreplaceable by AI.