Graphing Calculators&Student Learning

Amy DeYoungplanet/adeyoung

Arguments Against Calculators

“Takes away from teaching time” – Laughbaum

“Undermine mathematics learning” – Choi-Koh Generally in algebra, etc. Specifically, computational skills

Cause confusion because of scaling and dimensions – Choi-Koh

Calculators: CasioCFX-9850GC Plus

Common AbilitiesDisplays graphs of functionsTable of Values Regression ModelsParametric and Polar graphing

Unique AbilitiesColor screen

Source:http://www.casioeducation.com

                                                                                                                                         

Calculators: SharpEL-9650

Common AbilitiesDisplays graphs of functionsTable of Values Regression ModelsParametric andPolar graphing

Unique AbilitiesPen-Touch Operation

Source:http://www.sharp-

world.com/

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                         

Calculators: Hewlett PackardHP 39g+

Common AbilitiesDisplays graphs of functionsTable of Values Regression ModelsParametric andPolar graphing

Unique AbilitiesBuilt in infrared two way port for communicating with other HP 39g+

                                                                                                                                         

                               

Source:

http://www.hp.com/calculators/

graphing/index.html

                                                                                                                                         

Common AbilitiesDisplays graphs of functionsTable of Values Regression ModelsParametric and Polar graphing

Unique AbilitiesData collection devices                                                                                                                                          

                               

Source:

http://education.ti.com/

Calculators: Texas InstrumentsTI-83/84 Series

The ACT and Calculators

Prohibited calculators include all calculatorsin all of the following series:

Casio CFX-9970G (including, for example, CFX-9970GE) Casio Algebra fx 2.0 Hewlett-Packard HP-40G Hewlett-Packard HP-49G Texas Instruments TI-89 Texas Instruments TI-92 (including, for example, TI-92 Plus)

Calculators in the Hewlett-Packard HP-38G series and HP-48G series may be used only if the infrared communications port is covered with heavy opaque material such as duct tape or electrician's tape. The Sharp EL-9600 is permitted for use, because it is not considered a pen-input device. You may bring the stylus that comes with the calculator

Source: http://www.act.org/caap/sample/calc.html

General Benefits of Calculators

Students can check results – Vasquez By substituting results into equation

and evaluating with calculator By using graphical tools (observe

solutions to a quadratic in its graph: x-intercepts)

Opportunity for students to practice math communication skills – Vasquez

Specific Benefits of Calculators

The use of calculators allows exploration-based learning – Choi-Koh Scientific/organized approach to

learning Invetigate, conjecture, and verify findings

Calculators motivate student curiosity – Choi-Koh

Example of Exploration-Based Learning

y=x2

y=2x2 y=5x2

Example of Exploration-Based Learning

y=x2

y=(1/2)x2

y=(1/5)x2

Example of Exploration-Based Learning

y=-x2

Specific Benefits of Calculators

Calculators allow students to make observations at ease – Choi-Koh Calculators have an element of

accuracy and speed – Choi-Koh Students do not need to focus on

difficult computations and can focus on the “whole picture” – Bethell Particularly helpful to students with

disabilities – Bethell

Specific Benefits of Calculators

Using calculators to teach helps students to understand the meanings of math concepts – Choi-Koh

Understand the why

Also, helps students to make logical connections from one topic to another topic – Davis

In math (the effects of a coefficient on a linear graph to the effects on a parabola) and in real life (physics and speed)

Specific Benefits of Calculators

Using calculators encourages students to: Take control of their learning Work independently (without the

teacher) Students use the calculator to explore

and learn for themselves Choi-Koh & Bethell

Specific Benefits of Calculators

Proper use of calculators in the classroom should effect the level of thinking Students should move from “Knowledge”

(recollection of facts) on Bloom’s Taxonomy to at least “Synthesis” (by creating formulas, etc) and possibly even “Evaluation”

Choi-Koh Example: Synthesis – Creating equations that correspond to

graphs

Text References

Choi-Koh, Sang Sook. (2003). Effect of a graphing calculator on a 10th-grade student’s study of trigonometry. The Journal of Educational Research, v.96 no6, Retrieved July, 24, 2006, from http://newfirstsearch.oclc.org/.Bethell, Sandra Callis. (1998). From an E to an A in first-year algebra with the help of a graphing calculator. Mathematics Teacher, v. 91, Retrieved July 24, 2006, from http://newfirstsearch.oclc.org/.Vasquez, Selina. (2003). Developmental mathematics students: Investigating calculator keystroke choices to learn mathematics rules and concepts. Mathematics and Computer Education, v. 37 no3, Retrieved July 20, 2006, from http://newfirstsearch.oclc.org/.Davis, Sarah Jeanne Hollister. (1997). How mastering technology can transform math class. Educational Leader, v. 55, Retrieved July 20, 2006, from http://newfirstsearch.oclc.org/.Laughbaum, Edward D. (2003). Hand-held graphing technology in the developmental algebra curriculum. Mathematics and Computer Education, v. 37 no3, Retrieved July 20, 2006 from http://newfirstsearch.oclc.org/.

Questions?

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