Thanks
Brian
>--------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------
I am hoping that I can enlist your help with a problem
that has occurred at Terra.
Terra is switching its math requirement from
Tech Math I, II, and II and Data Math I and II
to Intermediate Algebra I and II and an Intermediate
Geometry/Trig course. For the past 2 or 3 years
the TI-85 has been recommended in the Tech Math
courses. The math department will now require the
use of the TI-85 in the new courses. This is being
met with resistance from the engineering department.
The resistance is not the fact that the engineering
students are no longer taking tech math but rather,
that the students will be required to purchase a TI-85.
There are two issues. One is affordability. The
cost of a TI-85 is about $100. There is a question
about whether or not students can afford this cost.
Students on financial aid can use aid monies to
purchase a TI-85, however, students not on financial
aid may have a problem. Some colleges have set up a
loan program to allieviate this problem. Are you aware
of any existing programs?
The other issue is: Do the students really need a
graphing calculator? Won't a TI-30 do?
I would appreciate your comments on these issues as soon as possible.
If you could put this email out on your list serve I would very much appreciate
it.
Thank you.
Nancy J. Sattler
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