One of the never ending in debates in the classroom of
modern mathematics is where to draw the line with the use of calculators.
First, what is the purpose of calculators in the classroom? Calculators are
problem solving tools, generally used on equations that have obscure numbers or
difficult trigonometric functions. But many times a calculator is used to find
the answer as fast as possible, even if it is fairly simple product of two integers.
Once a student becomes dependent on the calculator, mental math becomes hard
for them because the calculator has been doing it for them.
Another concern is when students
have a very powerful calculator that can do all the math for them, such as
solving equations, taking derivatives, evaluating integrals, etc. Having a
calculator like this can inhibit the learning of a student because they use it
for all their homework and never take the time to do the mathematics by hand.
Then when they take the test, they can’t demonstrate that they have learned the
material. If the student was allowed to
use the calculator on a test as well, then that student could very well pass the
class without truly knowing the material.
Then
when should we use calculators? A student could get through almost all of
elementary math and middle school math without needing a calculator. They may
need a graphing calculator in high school. However, there are many free online graphing
calculators, such as Desmos and Geogebra, that are much more user-friendly than
any Texas Instrument calculator. To use my experience as an example, I had a
TI-89 in high school and used it for everything. Once I got to college, all of the courses in
the calculus sequence were done without a calculator. It was a huge adjustment
for me because I realized how much I did not retain and that my calculator was
actually a crutch to my learning. Now I am very thankful that the university
teaches calculus this way because I am now more efficient with mental math.
In conclusion I would say a student can go through almost
all of elementary, middle, and high school without using a calculator. So why
are they still around? Several
standardized tests, such as the ACT and SAT allow students to use them. In my
opinion, education is slowly moving away from the reliance on calculators with
the growth of free tools such as Desmos and Geogebra. So, is there such a thing
as too much calculator? I would say, the moment you reach for it instead of first
giving yourself a chance to think about the problem, it might be a crutch to
you. Then it is inhibiting your learning rather than enhancing it. By Danny Radtke
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