Tools for schools [mathematical software packages]

The latest math packages for engineering education offer: programming through icons; collaboration over the Internet; electronic textbooks; and free courseware on the Web. Mathematical software tools can be divided into two groups: programs that chiefly perform symbolic manipulations (also called computer algebra programs for their ability to find exact solutions to analytical expressions) and programs used primarily for large numerical calculations. But the line between these tools is blurring, for some leading vendors now produce packages that include both numerical and symbolic capabilities. The author discusses both types of program and describes some of the features and functions of the programs.