Francesa, a ninth grade student, is shown above doing an algebra test aided by a Texas Instruments 84 graphing calculator. The school purchased a classroom set last year and they have been wonderful. The students are using it as a tool to further their learning and it will prepare them for university study. Technology is strength here at the school and this is another example. Coming in with the next part of the purchase order, are probes that will be used with the calculators in science experiments. The probes test for radiation, measure pH, light levels, etc. Students will be to instantly, graph the data they are collecting and publish their findings to the internet.
I am ambivalent on reliance on the calculators however. I cringe when I see a student instantly reach for their calculator when asked to do simple arithmetic tasks. I require students to learn the "old-fashioned" paper and pencil method or do the math mentally before relying on the calculator. They are invaluable however when working at the higher levels of mathematics, and what used to take minutes regarding graphing, now takes a few seconds and the students can do so much more.
Parents are invited to sit in on any mathematics class or have your son/daughter show what these calculators are capable of. I will be visiting the US in early December for a conference and will take orders for students that want their very own calculator. Follow the link for more information regarding mathematics education and these calculators.
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