Re: [MATHEDCC] Developmental Algebra and the TI-92

Martha Haehl (haehl@KCMETRO.CC.MO.US)
Wed, 17 Sep 1997 18:39:29 -0400

Before judging the merit of using technology in the Developmental courses,
we should find out how the technology is used. In my opinion, pencil and
paper skills can be taught along side of technology use. For example,
students can learn to multiply binomials or factor trinomials (using pencil
and paper, manipulatives, etc.), then use the TI-92 to understand how the
degree of a polynomial relates to the number and degree of its factors. In
this way we can bring an upper level concept into Intro to Algebra.

They could work some of our word problems for practice that by necessity
are contrived (to make the numbers and functions nice), then tackle and
solve more real-life problems where the numbers are not so nice. Very
likely, the plotted path of the baseball they through or hit is not a
factorable function, so why should we leave our developmental students with
the misconception that the function is factorable? However, it would be
great if they get the concept that the function is quadratic.

We all know that there are many examples where technology has been used as
a button pushing device to replace learning skills or concepts. Surely, we
can learn from past mistakes without blaming the technology itself as the
culprit.

Here is a challenge. Post ways we can use graphing calculators or symbolic
manipulators to enhance developmental math education.

Martha

----------
> From: CoolMath2@AOL.COM
> To: elaughba@MATH.OHIO-STATE.EDU; mathedcc@archives.math.utk.edu
> Subject: Re: [MATHEDCC] Developmental Algebra and the TI-92
> Date: Tuesday, September 16, 1997 12:17 PM
>
> In a message dated 97-09-16 09:12:37 EDT, elaughba@MATH.OHIO-STATE.EDU
> writes:
>
> << It is my understanding that Niki Shaw and Ignacio Alarcon at
> CSU-Bakersfield
> and Laurie Hopkins at Columbia College are using the CAS-based TI-92 in
> developmental algebra at their colleges. Is anyone else? >>
>
> Isn't that like killing a fly with a shotgun? I wonder what will happen
to
> those students when they move on to other math courses and don't have the
92?
>
> And don't jump on me!! I teach with the 86..... but I think that this
> technology should be held off until after the developmental courses.
>
> Karen
> Orange Coast College
> http://members.aol.com/coolmath2/coolmath.htm
>
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