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: May 6, 2025
Review by: Aiden B.
Courses Completed: Calculus II, Multivariable Calculus
Review: Is the course perfect? No. However, it was by far the best option available. I have learned quite a few things not normally taught in a Calculus course. However, the course lacks a lot of paper solving and integrating, which is to be expected in an online course.

Date Posted: Nov 20, 2025
Review by: John
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Applied Calculus
Review: 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)

Date Posted: May 27, 2025
Review by: Taylor C.
Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus
Review: Im a visual learner and had a difficult time understanding multivariable calculus my first go around, and found this course offered by Roger Williams University, which uses real-time 3d graphing of the equations. I would see my work be manipulating the models, which gave a robust understanding of what each variable did. absolutely loved the course and class recordings.
Transferred Credits to: Califorina Baptist University

Distance Calculus - Curriculum Exploration

Analytic Geometry

P13: Analytic Geometry:

P13.1: Slice The Cone

P13.2: Ellipsi

P13.3: Hyperbolae

P13.4: Parabolae

P13.5: Polar Equations of Conics

P13.6: Parametric Equations

Course Information

How Distance Calculus Courses Work

HONORS Courses

Frequent Questions

Malia K.★★★★☆

Posted: Mar 16, 2020

Courses Completed: Applied Calculus

Course was good and fast. I don't like math so I can't say it was fun or anything. Grader was very nice. Software was ok.

Transferred Credits To: University of Maine

Anonymous☆☆☆☆☆

Posted: Dec 31, 1969

Mark Neiberg ★★★★★

Posted: Jan 12, 2020

Courses Completed: Calculus I, Calculus II, Multivariable Calculus

Curriculum was high quality and allowed student to experiment with concepts which resulted in an enjoyable experience. Assignment Feedback was timely and meaningful.

Brian Finley★★★★★

Courses Completed: Calculus II

I took Calculus II through Distance Calculus and can't recommend it enough. Being able to take the course at my own pace while I was working full time was tremendously helpful, especially since I hadn't taken a math course for 5 years prior. The instruction was excellent and the software they used to teach the course was intuitive and facilitated the learning process very well. This calc II class enabled me to take multivariable calc, linear algebra, and real analysis at Harvard University's extension school, which ultimately qualified me for the economics PhD program that I will graduate from next year. 8 years on, I'm still grateful to Professor Curtis and Distance Calculus.

M M.★★★★★

Posted: Feb 8, 2026

Courses Completed: Precalculus, Calculus I

The courses were excellent. Very flexible and engaging and the platform offers a lot of upper-level courses. Dr. Curtis is an outstanding professor and very responsive. I would take again.

Transferred Credits To: None yet

Tanja B.★★★★★

Posted: Jan 28, 2026

Courses Completed: Calculus I

After two failed attempts at my university, this course helped me understand Calculus. The live maths tool along with Dr. Curtis were especially helpful, allowing me to visualize concepts and expand my understanding. The explanations were clear, the examples practical, and I could learn at my own pace, which built my confidence. Thank you.

Transferred Credits To: University of Namibia

Henry F.★★★★★

Posted: Dec 18, 2025

Courses Completed: Differential Equations

Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph High School