Traditional classroom lectures and examples have been replaced with ones that match the textbook, condensed, and recorded to video. Lesson and examples videos average 5:43 and 10:33, respectively. The video lessons do not simulate full lectures, but rather they are compact and strategic bursts of information focusing on specific topics. The accompanying examples provide demonstrations on how to solve problems related to the topics. Even though detailed notes for each lesson are included in the text, you are strongly encouraged to take your own notes as if you were sitting in class. You must also fill in the solutions to the examples while watching the video, as they have been omitted from the text. Write down the questions you have so that your teacher can answer them through email or during the class meeting. You will have plenty of time to get on track so that you can complete the homework assignment.

Set aside dedicated time for watching videos and studying. Bergmann and Sams "encourage students to eliminate distractions. They shouldn't try to watch the video with Facebook open and the iPod in the ear while simultaneously texting and making dinner". They also note that "because the vast majority of the direct instruction is delivered through videos, students who do not watch them are not prepared for class… [and] will totally miss important content. It is as if they skipped the class in a traditional classroom".

The videos are intended to match the textbook as closely as possible. Lectures for many classes (even non-math classes) are verbatim from the text. Anything not covered is typically the responsibility of the student. We avoid this by giving to you all the information necessary and in two different media. In addition, some of the burden of reading a section of the textbook prior to coming to class has been minimized by providing the option of listening to and watching the text rather than reading it. We have condensed and simplified the course content so that it takes an average of about 17 minutes to cover a lesson the day before the class meeting. This is arguably much less time than it would take to read a section of a traditional text.

It is impossible to show examples of every different type of problem you will encounter. Traditional texts seemingly attempt to do this, but it is the reason an exercise set from a section of a traditional text sometimes contains almost 100 problems. We chose basic examples that follow immediately from the lesson so that fundamental concepts and applications are enforced. You will have the opportunity to experience more complicated problems in the in-class activities and in the homework assignments.

We understand that it may take time for some of you to become comfortable with watching and learning from the videos. If this is the case, then maybe you can learn simply by reading and working from the textbook. In any case, please feel free to browse the internet for additional information and support. There exist dozens of websites and thousands of videos intended to provide support for students of calculus. Ask your teacher for some suggestions and references. It is your ultimate goal and responsibility, however, to walk into the classroom prepared for the day's lesson. The good news is that you have some control in how you reach this goal.