Analysis of the constraints and potential of the artefact are necessary in order to point out the mathematical knowledge involved in using calculators. Analyzes and categorizes observations of students using graphic and symbolic calculators into profiles, illustrating the transformation of the calculator into an efficient mathematical instrument.…

Reviews tasks and techniques to help students develop an appropriate instrumental genesis for algebra and functions to prepare for calculus. Focuses on the potential of the calculator to connect enactive representations and theoretical calculus. Discusses strategies to help students experiment with symbolic concepts in calculus. (Contains 32…

Graphing calculator use is often thought of in terms of pre-calculus or continuous topics in mathematics. This paper contains examples and activities that demonstrate useful, interesting, and easy ways to use a graphing calculator with discrete topics. Examples are given for each of the following topics: functions, mathematical induction and…

The difference between estimation (the mental skill of making an educated guess) and approximation (finding a result precise enough for a specific purpose) is discussed. (MNS)

The author points out the usefulness of the ALP minicalculator program with learning disabled learners and introduces a novel aspect of the program--a new method of dealing with fractions via the calculator in which decimal answers are converted to equivalent fractions. (SBH)

Uses a graphing calculator to demonstrate that dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal. Students graph a division problem and an equivalent problem, multiplying by the reciprocal. They find that the graphs are the same. (SKS)

Explores the attitudes of a small group of primary teachers towards the use of calculators. Suggests low calculator use in these classes is often by default rather than because of an anti-calculator stance. (ASK)

Explores some ideas for the imaginative use of a graphics calculator in introductory statistics teaching. (Author/ASK)

Why calculators should be used for testing, as well as for instruction, is discussed. The focus of the curriculum would shift from computation to deeper development of concepts and to mathematical modeling. A broader curriculum would result. (MNS)

Explores the effects of varying the coefficients in the general quadratic function using graphing calculators. (MKR)

Presents examples in which the graphing calculator can provide students with particularly valuable insights into some major statistics ideas such as random numbers. (ASK)

Discusses the appropriateness of lower secondary school students using graphics calculators instead of scientific calculators. (ASK)

Focuses on solutions to a single problem using both induction and deduction by utilizing a TI-82 graphing calculator to illustrate symbolic, numerical, and graphical approaches to the problem. (ASK)

Drawing from experiences at Ohio State University (OSU) with remedial college students and with 12th grade students without elementary algebra skills, this paper outlines a numerical approach to algebra instruction using handheld calculators. Introductory material discusses problems with traditional approaches to math education and outlines some…

Use of calculators rather than computers or paper and pencil when calculators can do the job is stressed. When the use of calculators is more appropriate is indicated. (MNS)