Re: [MATHEDCC] Crossroads Workshops

Edward Laughbaum (elaughba@MATH.OHIO-STATE.EDU)
Thu, 01 May 1997 14:36:27 -0400

At 01:33 PM 5/1/97 -0400, Nancy Sattler wrote:
>I believe that students can be greatly helped by visuals. The graphing
>"picture" helps enhance the learning experience. This can definitely occur
>before the paper and pencil method. When I referred to doing problems with
>paper and pencil first, I was thinking such things as solving three
>equations with three unkowns - - -
______________________________________________________________
*****The mechanics need to be understood before the student just enters
numbers into the calculator.*****
______________________________________________________________
Nancy,

Many times traditionalists only see technology users as teaching button
pushing. And, of course, if folks are using a calculator in a traditional
curriculum with a traditional text, they may be doing just that. I don't
know. However, the point to be made is that there is much that can be done
with a calculator. It is a teaching tool. It isn't just for graphing
anymore. Or, maybe it never was "just for graphing" -- contrary to the motto
where I work -- "The Home of the Power of Visualization."

Ed Laughbaum

****************************************************************************
* To post to the list: email mathedcc@archives.math.utk.edu *
* To unsubscribe, send mail to: majordomo@archives.math.utk.edu *
* In the mail message, enter ONLY the words: unsubscribe mathedcc *
* Words in the Subject: line are NOT processed! *
* Archives at http://archives.math.utk.edu/hypermail/mathedcc/ *
****************************************************************************