Calculatorsbest.Com further said, “These gadgets are available in two basic formats, one is the standard and other the scientific calculators”. The display window on most of the scientific calculators is only able to show one row of digits when calculations were done. This is a disadvantage to the learners because only some input data would have been shown, making it difficult to follow the mathematical method.
In recent times, these calculators were replaced with a ‘large screen’ calculator group called the graphing calculator. This replacement was necessary, as the use of the graphing calculator should have met the criteria for the state mathematics examination. As 21st century educator blogger, David Wees said, of the notice on the examination booklet, “A graphing calculator and a straight-edge (ruler) must be available for you to use while taking this exam.” The version of the graphing calculator that is best suited for the state examination is the TI-84 Silver edition, manufactured by Texas Instrument, as it shows full screen displays of the mathematics method used, including graphs, tables, and geometric figures.
Even though this emerging technology has emerged in many schools, its cost has not drastically reduced, and some schools have difficulty in purchasing it. The average cost of this emerged technology device ranges from $100 to approximately $140. To alleviate this, many schools apply for grants to offset this desired expense. In addition, mathematics educators, who have never used the technology, have to be trained in its use; and this can be costly, as well. However, training for new teacher recruits proved less expensive, as they would have been trained in the use of the technology while undergoing their studies in preparation for employment. Ye (2009), in a study, asked, “What are the advantages of using the graphing calculators in mathematics education programs in higher education institutions and in professional development?” (p. 136). In response to her question, the study said, “Since 2003, we have offered a course ‘modern technology of mathematics education’ for graduates in mathematics education, mainly on how to use graphing calculators to solve problems of mathematics teaching, which have achieved good results” (p. 142).
The graphing calculator is most beneficial to the students of mathematics, as it helps them to increase their understanding and the speed at which they solve the problems of the discipline. Understanding mathematics is an important part of mathematics education, as its language tends to be different from those of disciplines like the English Language Arts, social studies, and the sciences. Unlike these other disciplines which is mostly literacy, mathematics tends to concentrate mostly on numeracy. Thinking numerate can be very abstract to many students, and the graphing calculator can help to ease some of these though processes. Ye (2009) said of the graphing calculator, “It encourages diverse learning such as self-learning, cooperation, and exploration” (p. 144). Students like to explore the use of this technology in the classroom. It is worth mentioning that, in addition to mathematics concepts, this mathematics technology device also has a game program, which can be useful to students, especially during mathematics recreational periods.
As this technology tool is a necessity for mathematics programs at the secondary level, it would be even better if it is more affordable. Schools would have quick and easy access without the inclusion of a third party (grant donors). However, it is the hope that as the technology becomes fully emerged, the cost would fall drastically, allowing for affordability, but, until that time, many high schools will have to continue soliciting funds for this emerging or emerged technology, depending on the status of their usage.
Reference
CalculatorsBest.Com Retrieved from http://www.calculatorsbest.com/blog/
Wees, D. NY State Regents exam in Mathematics: Fair or not? 21st Century Educator. Retrieved from http://davidwees.com/content/ny-state-regents-exam-mathematics-fair-or-not
Ye, L. Integration of graphing calculator in mathematics teaching in China. Journal of Mathematics Education. Dec. 2009, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp 134-146. retrieved from http://educationforatoz.com/images/_9734_11_Lijun_Ye.pdf
Milton,
ReplyDeleteThe calculator is an excellent example of an emerged technology in the field of education. Although their primary purpose is used in the concentration of mathematics, its ability to allow students the experience of manipulation, exploration, and visability (graphing calculator) assist student knowledge by allowing learners to develop cognitively. This which will in turn be beneficial to a variety of other disciplines and non-academic activities. As you described the graphing calculator, I wondered; why is the cost of this device still remaining with its continuous rate without decline. Many technolology tools will deline in cost, as new and improved devices are created and emerge. Do you foresee a device that will replace or decline the use of the calculator? Is this exploration even being considered?
Tameka,
DeleteThanks for the comments. The cost of the graphing calculator remains high because the updated versions take very long to emerge, and the economics of supply and demand remain in place during the emerged period. However, when the newer versions are emerged, the cost is lowered a bit, but many schools seem to stay with the older versions.
Acting as a futurist, as Dr. Thornburg said we should, there maybe a replacement, but at the moment I cannot see it. It may be there, but who can tell.
Milton,
ReplyDeleteInteresting thoughts. I would never have considered calculator generations as an emerging technology. It seems so "dated". Do you think a tablet or smartphone app can be designed that can provide similar learning tool that can provide the visuals as the TI 84? If not what major barriers do you see with the limitations of these apps?
Micah,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. As you are aware, smartphones do come with basic and scientific calculator features (turning phone landscape gives scientific),and Texas Instruments (TI) graphing calculator features are already in smartphones (blackberry). MathPac, MathPacPlus, and StatsPac are examples. Please see the urls below for more information.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weOF_gueapo
http://mobilecaltronics.com/blackberry-math-apps.html
http://mobilecaltronics.com/math-pac-tutorial-videos.html
Milton,
ReplyDeleteI am of the first generation where graphing calculators were required for the Advanced Algebra and beyond. I have to admit, I am not a natural math student. You mentioned the training of staff on the use of these calculators and I would agree that this was a major problem when I was taking the courses. My teachers required these expensive calculators, which my mother went out and purchased. Then, we didn't do much with them that my simple scientific calculator could do.
I see my students carrying them around now and I am not sure what they are getting from them. I know the math teachers at my school are well-versed on them, so they always have them out and are using them. I will need to peek over their shoulders in the next few days to see what they are doing.
Thanks,
Kevin
Kevin,
DeleteI hear you my brother. It was unfortunate for your teachers not to have received training to use this emerged technology with you. It was new then and I believe many teachers then were scared of changing, as you know change is scary to many people, even though it is a good thing.
Did you preview my response to Micah above? If not, take a look at it, as this mathematics technology has become smart-tech in smartphones.
My problem is with the resistance by many schools to the use of smartphones in school, saying that students are using the phone section to talk to friends and disturb classes. My thinking is that smartphones are going to be the main technology used by everyone in the society to do just about everything, and that includes students in school.
It was recently that the New York City transit department is thinking of getting rid of the metro fare cards and using smartphones to pay fares on the subways and eventually their buses.
What do you think?