University of Wisconsin Online Calculus versus Distance Calculus

Another Calculus online program available on the internet is from the University of Wisconsin Independent Learning (UW).

UW's Calculus online program is quite different than Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University.

As reported by former UW Calculus course students, the UW Calculus course is centered on using a traditional paper textbook, having the student work through the textbook problems, and utilize the Calculus videos from Khan Academy to supplement the textbook.

In contrast, Distance Calculus is quite a different course in so many ways! Our video library of instructions is tied DIRECTLY to our own curriculum (Calculus&LiveMath), and using a computer algebra graphing software (LiveMath) as the cornerstone of the coursework platform, quite unlike a regular paper Calculus textbook. We use our own course management system (CMS), which is not Moodle nor Blackboard nor any of the other CMS's you may have had contact with previously.

For many students, a paper-textbook-centered course structure may work for them. If you are good at reading a paper textbook, working through the textbook problems, and watching Khan Academy videos to help out, then UW's course may be a very good choice for you.

UW's Calculus I (U3600-114) course is less expensive (tuition: $1383) than Distance Calculus Calculus I (tuition: $1782 + e-text/software $115). So if you are looking for the lowest price course, UW is a less expensive option.

Distance Calculus is designed to facilitate tremendous interaction between student and instructor via the exchange of these LiveMath (and Mathematica for the higher courses) notebooks, back and forth, back and forth, until the student work is 100% correct and complete. Explore below in more detail (in video format) the Distance Calculus courses, and write us if you have any questions!

Student interaction with the instructor(s) is via this computer algebra notebook exchange, but also on sharing screen-cast recorded movies back and forth, which solves many "I'm stuck and writing out my question is not working out!", and then also real-time chat back and forth with the instructor(s) on Skype chat.

Is Distance Calculus For You?

Distance Calculus Success Indicators

Distance Calculus - Student Reviews

Date Posted: Dec 9, 2019
Review by: Louisa A.
Courses Completed: Calculus I
Review: My microeconomics class required college-level calculus as a prerequisite, and I didn't want to wait until next year to take the class. So, I took DC's Calculus I class over the summer, so I could register for econ when I got back to school this fall. I actually think I got more help taking the class online than I would have in the huge lecture classes here. Prof. Curtis was really clear in explaining concepts and talking me through the topics that I was having trouble with. It took me about 10 weeks to finish the class, which didn't seem too long and didn't feel rushed. My friends who are in calculus now, trying to finish the prereq, are pretty jealous!

Date Posted: May 17, 2025
Review by: Howard B.
Courses Completed: Applied Calculus
Review: I truly loved this class—it's one of the most enjoyable math courses I’ve ever taken. Pros: -- Exceptional Instruction and Support: Dr. Curtis was incredibly responsive and helpful whenever I had questions. The TA was also very supportive, and thanks to their guidance, I was proud to earn a 100% in the course—even without having taken pre-calculus beforehand. -- Innovative Software Platform: The custom software used in the course made a huge difference for me. I found it intuitive and engaging, and it helped reinforce the concepts in a way traditional textbooks never did. -- Thorough, Rigorous Curriculum: The structure of the course really pushed me to stay organized and plan ahead. I felt like I was being challenged in all the right ways. Potential Considerations for Others: -- Requires Strong Time Management: If you haven’t taken pre-calc, like me, you’ll need to be extra proactive. The course can move quickly if you need, and pacing yourself is essential. -- Software Learning Curve: While I personally loved the software, students who aren’t comfortable adapting to new digital tools might need a bit of extra time upfront to get used to it. -- Helpful to Have Supplementary Resources: One improvement might be to offer a short list of "starter resources" (videos, concept overviews, etc.) for students who need a broader intro to calculus before diving in. Overall, I highly recommend this course to motivated students, especially those comfortable with self-paced learning and open to using new tools. Dr. Curtis is a fantastic instructor, and the course setup really works.
Transferred Credits to: MIT

Date Posted: May 3, 2020
Review by: Andris H.
Courses Completed: Applied Calculus
Review: I found out from my MBA program that I needed to finish calculus before starting the MBA. They told me 3 weeks before term started! I was able to finish Applied Calculus from Distance Calculus. Definitely a great class. Thanks Distance Calculus!
Transferred Credits to: SUNY Stony Brook

Distance Calculus - Curriculum Exploration

Final Exam

P16: Final Exam:

Course Information

How Distance Calculus Courses Work

HONORS Courses

Frequent Questions

Anonymous☆☆☆☆☆

Posted: Dec 31, 1969

John ★★★★★

Posted: Nov 20, 2025

Courses Completed: Precalculus, Applied Calculus

Great course. Professor Curtis and the TAs graded quickly and gave really helpful feedback that made the class feel smooth and manageable. Definitely recommend it.

Transferred Credits To: Binghamton University (School of Managment)

Carl Conners★★★★★

Posted: Feb 23, 2020

Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra

After a really rough first year of calculus, I completed all of the second year calculus courses with Distance Calculus. It was like night and day the difference. My first year was so boring and monotonous. Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra through Distance Calculus were just so much different - so not boring at all. I thoroughly enjoyed these courses. So engaging.

Transferred Credits To: Michigan State University

Aileen C.★★★★★

Posted: Dec 8, 2020

Courses Completed: Differential Equations

This course may be more difficult than your average differential equations course, which better prepares you to use these skills in your degree. The self-learning does make learning some of the concepts challenging, but you get the help you need to understand these concepts.

Transferred Credits To: Johns Hopkins University

Henry F.★★★★★

Posted: Dec 18, 2025

Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph High School

Trevor★★★★★

Posted: Jun 19, 2025

Courses Completed: Calculus I

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