Graphing Calculators As A Primary Teaching Tool

are wondering what graphing calculators can do inWith the help of the HP 50g and the HP 40gs teaches
areas like developmental math’s programs thencan now ask students to explore, collect and analyze
this is for you. There have been some astoundingdata for their projects. This is again aided with the help
results after a few researches have examined howof the USB port that the HP graphing calculator comes
these calculators can work as primary teaching toolsalong with. It not only makes sharing of data easy and
especially when it comes to teaching students onsimple, but data, graphs etc can be downloaded on to
subjects like algebra etc. these studies also provestheir personal computers for further use and
how these calculators have effected the learningmanipulation if required. In most cases, these graphs,
abilities of these students and their general take andcharts and data are downloaded on to personal
attitude in mathematics. It has also been used to provecomputers so as to complete a study thesis or paper.
how well they aid in retention for subsequent coursesAnother interesting fact is that these calculators help
in colleges.students attitude towards math, which otherwise could
Some of these researches basically showed how ahave been really bad. This is largely contributed
graphing calculator mattered in fostering anbecause of its ability to allow the students to
understanding of developmental math. They pointedunderstand how a certain answer is arrived at, rather
out two main features that these calculators couldthan just displaying the answers. Because of this
achieve, Firstly students can be taught different waysteachers are not pressed if students do not
of how they can perceive particular mathematicalunderstand certain mathematical derivations, the
problems and how they need to resolve them. This iscalculator takes care of it. With its high storage
because of the HP 50g and the HP 40gs CASmemory these functions and even formulas can be
programming that is integrated in the calculators. Thisstored for future use.
system does not in any way spoon feed studentsHP 50g and the HP 40gs graphing calculator therefore
with results, without knowing how they arrived at it.is recommended by most teachers who feel that it is
What this system does is, it shows how the resultsa wise investment. Since it not only gives the right
were arrived at, giving the student a completeanswers but also acts as their teaching guides. With
knowledge of how to achieve the right answers. Thisthe HP graphing calculator students can now make a
not only builds confidence among students, butchoice between RPN, Algebraic entry, textbook and
teachers also aid from it since its now possible to helpcustomize data with it different font sizes and styles.
students understand how to solve problems with theThe new SD card slot can also be formatted and
aid of tables, graphs, algebraic expressions and evenupgraded.
geometric figures.