Calculators are an important technological tool in a math class because they aid in calculations as well as allow the student to better visualize the equation through graphs; however, the picture illistrates how important it is to still know and understand how to do the calculations by hand.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI feel exactly the same way about calculators. They are a helpful tool that can save time in the classroom but it is also important for students to know how to do all the calculations by hand. If the teacher will allow the use of calculators, it's important for him or her to teach the students how to use them correctly. When students get a syntax error or some other kind of error, they may get stuck and not know what to do. At that point they can either do the calculation by hand or look back and see what they have entered wrong. The only way they will know how to correct their error is if they were taught how to use the calculator and can see their mistake.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI chose calculators for this assignment as well. Calculators are extremely important in a math classroom. They allow students to solve problem with larger or more difficult numbers faster than when it was all done by hand. Originally calculators were only able to add, subtract, divide, and multiply. Now, calculators can solve problems, graph functions, perform integrals, derivatives, and so much more. With that being said, it is important for students to still understand what and how the calculator is coming up with the answer, in case of calculator failure or forgetting to bring one to class.
While observing a classroom last week, I noticed a student who chose not to complete the given worksheet. The teacher asked her if she finished or there was a problem and the student replied, "I can't do this. I don't have a calculator." This happens too often in math and science. It seems that students believe technology will do all the work for them, but things will go awry if the student inputs the information incorrectly. Technology can be extremely beneficial to instruction and learning. Like your title for this blog states, a calculator is a "helpful tool." A calculator or another type of technology should act as a tool that enhances knowledge and learning, not replaces it. As teachers, I think we must make that clear.