OpenCourseWare MIT versus Distance Calculus Comparison
We are HUGE fans of the OpenCourseware Project at MIT, located here.Specifically, the Linear Algebra courses by Gilbert Strang, longtime master teacher at MIT, are fabulous!
If you look through these course offerings, you will see that all of them are "snapshots" of previous courses over the past 10-15 years. They include fantastic lectures, awesome course materials, and challenging problem sets.
Keep in mind, however, that these OCW @ MIT courses do not grant academic credit. They are presented more as a resource for learning, and certainly an awesome resource! But if you "enroll" in one of these courses and start engaging the course materials and lectures, you will not be on a path towards earning academic credits for these courses.
Perhaps someday OCW courses will grant academic credit, but for now, they do not.
If you are looking for a non-credit alternative to just learn the course materials, OCW @ MIT is an excellent resource. You really feel like you are in a lecture hall at MIT taking one of these courses.
But if your goal is to earn academic credits for your Calculus course effort, you need to seek out an academic credit-granting program, like Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University.
Comparison of OpenCourseWare @ MIT; vs Distance Calculus
| Topic | MyMathLab® | Distance Calculus |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice | No | No |
| Use of Computer Algebra System | No | Yes, Extensive |
| Tied to Traditional Textbook | Sometimes | No, Reform e-Curriculum |
| Recursive Grading | No | Yes |
| Comprehensive Course System | No, just access to lectures and homework problems | Yes |
| Drill & Practice | No | No |
Here are a few videos about Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University:
Is Distance Calculus for You?
Success Indicators for Distance Calculus
Distance Calculus - Student Reviews
Date Posted: May 26, 2025
Review by: Anonymous
Courses Completed: Applied Calculus
Review: Distance Calculus was the perfect answer to getting ahead in math over the summer of my junior year in HS. I was able to complete the entire course over the summer. The teacher was responsive and the course was understandable. Highly recommend.
Transferred Credits to: Syracuse University
Date Posted: Jun 19, 2025
Review by: Anonymous
Courses Completed: Calculus I
Review: POSITIVES: One of the best math classes I have ever taken. The lessons made the failures of my previous professors very apparent. In a few short minutes, things that I used to struggle with just clicked. This professor is top notch and really wants you to understand how to use the material. NEGATIVES: The SOFTWARE is extremely frustrating. Even after taking the time to learn, there are countless glitches. You learn to work around them, and overall, the software makes the math convenient, but its failures are sorely felt throughout the course. Make sure you save often as it crashes regularly, especially with graphs. The assignments are easy enough but some of them don't line up with the taught material. Be prepared to do some of your own independent research to get a deeper understanding of why things are the way they are.
Transferred Credits to: US Army
Date Posted: Jan 12, 2020
Review by: Anonymous
Courses Completed: Calculus I, Calculus II
Review: I needed to brush up on my high school calculus and finally take Calc II before starting a graduate program that needed them as prereqs. This was perfect choice to fit in that summer. Got done at fast pace that I wanted and needed. Also had added bonus of one on one feedback and help when needed. Video lessons were better than many on campus instructors in large lecture settings. Recommend for anyone needing to satisfy prereqs at home institution.
Transferred Credits to: University of Michigan
Distance Calculus - Curriculum Exploration
Final Exam
- P16: Final Exam:
Course Information
Frequent Questions
