Re: [MATHEDCC] Crossroads Workshops

Nancy Sattler (nsattler@TERRA.CC.OH.US)
Wed, 30 Apr 1997 16:02:58 -0400

At 01:56 PM 4/30/97 -0400, you wrote:
>In a message dated 97-04-30 00:49:16 EDT, you write:
>
><< The WAMATYC conference was also this last weekend, 212 participants seems
> to ring a bell. One of the topics discussed was the extent to which
> graphing technology should be integrated into intermediate algebra. The
> panel that discussed the issue seemed comfortable with graphing
> calculators in calculus and pre-calculus but questionable in
> intermediate. What do you all think? >>
>
>I think that they should be used in Intermediate Algebra for *demonstrations
>and simulation* purposes only. Actually letting the students use them at
>this point in their young math careers will cause them to become too
>dependent. They students really need to learn to do stuff by hand first.
>
>I think the calculators should be first introduced to the students (for use
>on exams and homework) in some of the freshman level courses: Pre-calc,
>business calc, stats, etc.

I believe that the students should use the calculators in intermediate
algebra for such things as simultaneous equations and solving quadratics.
If the technology is available, why have the students go through tedious
calculations? We should teach our students the applications. My students
can solve many more problems now that they are able to use the TI-85.

>I teach a pre-calc course using the TI-85....... but I test my students with
>and WITHOUT their calculators! My students have told me that if I hadn't
>done this (ie tested them without), they would have become addicted to the
>calculator and wouldn't have learned to do the stuff themselves.
>
>Karen
>Orange Coast College

I believe that the type of questions that are asked of the student should
change with the use of the calculator. The calculator can greatly enhance
the curriculum.

Nancy

Nancy J. Sattler
Curriculum Chair
Terra Community College
2830 Napoleon Road
Fremont, OH 43420
phone:419-334-8400, ext. 179
fax: 419-334-9414
email: nsattler@terra.cc.oh.us

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