and would prefer to see a parabola moving dynamically as they drag sliders/scrollbars to change the functions parameters,
The area of graphing of functions is one that I agree is very useful with a computer. I remember writing Basic programs at school to try to graph the hyperbolic functions onto a paper roll used in the tele-type (basically a glorified electric typewriter) that was connected to the computer. It could only output printable characters within a width of 80. The program produced a series of '*' on the paper which were then connected together manually using a pen to produce the 'graph'. Ah the good old days....