Learning calculus with a digital copy of a textbook

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the experience of learning calculus using a digital copy of a textbook, specifically the Keisler book on calculus, while following the MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) course 18.01sc. The participant expresses a preference for physical books but seeks advice on effectively using digital formats. Key insights include the convenience of digital copies for portability and the ability to utilize search functions, while acknowledging the tactile benefits of physical texts. Participants recommend weighing the costs of printing versus purchasing physical copies, with estimates ranging from $20 to $30 for printing and binding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) and its calculus course 18.01sc
  • Understanding of the Keisler calculus textbook
  • Basic knowledge of digital reading tools and their functionalities
  • Awareness of printing and binding costs for academic materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore effective digital reading strategies for mathematical texts
  • Research the benefits of physical versus digital textbooks in academic settings
  • Investigate printing services for academic materials and their pricing
  • Learn about note-taking techniques that enhance digital learning experiences
USEFUL FOR

High school students, particularly those in advanced mathematics courses, educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods, and anyone interested in optimizing their learning experience with digital and physical textbooks.

martinbranson
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Hi, I'm in 12 grade, and I always was a decent student but recently I became more fascinated by learning and I want to learn some math and physics beyond high school level.
One or two weeks ago I started the calculus course on mit ocw (18.01sc) (at session 17 right now, right before lecture 7), I watch everything, take notes and solve problems but I feel like it would be nicer to learn from a book instead (or in addition to) the 18.01sc.
I found in a post here a recommendation to read Keisler book on calculus but have doubts with learning from the digital copy, does someone here had experienced with reading a math textbook from your pc monitor?
can you give me some tips to make it feel more native? maybe, I should buy or print it instead.
I need some guidance, I don't have any experience of learning outside of school.
Thanks for reading.
 
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I would look into how much it costs to print - as a student, sometimes our professors would give us PDFs of textbooks and it would usually cost $20-30 to print and bind them.
 
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there's nothing better than a physical copy of a book to me. But it can be cumbersome hauling multiple texts around campus so for this reason I keep physical texts are home usually and have digital copies on my computer when leaving the house. You get used to them. Its also nice to be able to cntrl+f
 
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