Math in 2009 is different than 19XX -- The Graphing Calc!

The TI-83/4 is an easy-to-use graphing calculator that allows teachers and students to understand, teach and learn Math differently than in 19XX.

While we were asked to do lots of computations and use trig and log tables, today's students are asked to be analytical. Using the calculator on the SAT is actually more of a distractor than a help as the questions posed are reasoning rather than number crunching. Please see the Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125244891686393811.html) for an update on TI's latest N-Spire graphing calculator...many teachers are keeping their 84s due to its ease-of-use -- in half an hour, students can learn enough to be dangerous ;)

Here's the link to mathconfidence's comment: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125244891686393811.html#articleTabs=comments#comment450823

Uh Oh...Calculators and Beyond!!!

The new Wolfram Alpha site does more than calculate -- it does Calculus!!

It remains to be seen if this is good or evil as we humans cannot see into the future. As technology has evolved so has Math curricula. The SAT is so different than it was in 19XX as I-83/4s have been normalized into the classroom and Excel spreadsheets have invaded corpoarte and daily life.

The debate over technology makes for a great discussion about the future of education and the future of society.

Cell Phones for Learning and Teaching Math?

What role should technology play in the classroom and in life?

This article sparked 46 reader comments. Some felt that the phones were a distractor to the content...others felt that it might be engaging for the students.

I have found that varying the delivery of content keeps students engaged. Perhaps the smartphone as one mode of instruction might supplement other techniques and devices (group work, teach back, TI-83/4, Excel, etc.).

Many students of Generation Text have come to depend on technology perhaps too much -- although coming from the Dinosaur Age of learning without calculators (because they were not available), it is hard to imagine growing up with these types of technology.

Exchanging Ideas and Strategies for Math B Success

On March 14th in Middletown, NY at the Ten County Math Educators Association annual conference, "Exchanging Ideas and Strategies for Math B Success" will debut. The workshop is a forum for teachers to share techniques for student learning and retention of the complex and lengthy nature of the Math B Regents curriculum.

Maximizing the usage of the TI-83/4 for better understanding and test performance will be a highlight as will the potential overuse of this tool.
Rounding will be discussed as the Math B's Part II, III and IV emphasizes this important skill.