Online Elementary Linear Matrix Algebra Course - Distance Calculus

What is the difference between "Linear Algebra" and "Elementary Linear Algebra"?

When you see the term "Elementary" in the title, they are specifically talking about the sophomore-level Linear Algebra course commonly taken after Calculus II.

There are more advanced Linear Algebra courses available, usually taken by math and computer science students, which are sometimes called Advanced Linear Algebra, or Computational Linear Algebra. These are courses that jump into the math theory of Linear Algebra, and usuall require a student have had a course in group theory or abstract algebra.

Most students looking for a Linear Algebra course are looing for "Elementary Linear Algebra".

What is the difference in a taking a textbook/lecture based course on linear algebra vs Distance Calculus Linear Algebra?

There are huge differences between our Linear Algebra course, which is Mathematica-based, and a traditional textbook/lecture course.

Our Mathematica-based course is highly experimentation-based - running experiments graphically, numerically, algebraically, to get at the concepts of linear algebra as you would in a chemistry or physics lab.

Traditional Linear Algebra courses usually center on doing small calculations you can do by hand, and then concentrating on abstract concepts of linear algebra, avoiding difficult calculations in favor of ... sometimes proofs, sometimes just calculations that can be completed by humans on paper.

Our Distance Calculus DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra course is perfect for students who might be interested in a "Computational Linear Algebra" course, although that course title is usually reserved for courses where the students are actually trying to learn how to program software like Mathematica or manual programs to do the computations. Those courses are more about numerical analysis, as they assume you already completed an Elementary Linear Algebra course before.

Here is a video about our DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University:

DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra Course

Multivariable Calculus & High School

After AP Calculus for High School Students

Online Linear Matrix Algebra course can best be described as a "first course in the study of elementary Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory".

This course has many names, all being equivalent:

Linear Algebra
Matrix Theory
Linear Systems of Equations
Linear Spaces
Elementary Linear Algebra
Computational Linear Algebra

Distance Linear Algebra via Distance Calculus is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT course from a traditional textbook/lecture classroom course.

Distance Linear Algebra is taught via an experimentation-based curriculum using Mathematica, earning real academic credits through Roger Williams University in Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

Distance Linear Algebra is similar to a Computational Linear Algebra course in some ways, but not exactly the same. A Computational Linear Algebra course will look at developing the computational engines that attack the structures of linear algebra; our Distance Linear Algebra simply uses those computational softwares like Mathematica as a laboratory tool, to unlock the concepts and theorems at work in Linear Algebra from a very graphical, geometric, and inquisitive approach.

In contrast, many classroom/textbook Linear Algebra courses are taught mainly the same way they were taught 100 years ago - the small breadbasket of calculations you can complete by hand on paper, and where the theory of linear algebra leads you. As such, the calculations you can complete youself are quite limited, although proponents of this approach feel you "really know linear algebra" because you have to do the (often hard and tedious) computing yourself by hand.

We invite you to investigate the Distance Linear Algebra course via Distance Calculus either via the menu to the left, or the additional links below.

At Distance Calculus, we call our "Online Linear Matrix Algebra" course as Linear Algebra - DMAT 335 - 3 credits.

Below are some links for further information about the Online Linear Matrix Algebra course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University.

Distance Calculus - Student Reviews

Aiden B.★★★★☆

Posted: May 6, 2025

Courses Completed: Calculus II, Multivariable Calculus

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.

Janice Flores★★★★★

Posted: Jan 13, 2020

Courses Completed: Calculus II

I highly recommend this course! Dr. Curtis is the best teacher and is ALWAYS willing to work with you to make sure you understand the subject. It was definitely a positive experience and the credits were transferred to my University with no problems! I definitely do not regret it and I had doubts in the beginning but if I had to, I would do it all over again!

Email: jflores35@knights.ucf.edu

Transferred Credits To: University of Central Florida

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

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)