ACDCA
Austrian Center for Didactics of Computer Algebra


Using TI-92 in a "Traditional" Calculus and Differential Equations Course

Nora Franzova & Fary Sami

 
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Abstract:

There is a strong belief among math instructors, especially at a junior college level that a computer algebra system like TI92 is too powerful to be used in a traditional lecture based mathematics class and there is no need to incorporate it into everyday classroom use. Most of the educators believe that such a powerful tool should be used only with specially tailored textbooks and lectures revolving about the use of technology. We found some good reasons to introducing technology into every day use. In a community college we encounter the problem of students taking courses over the course of many years, sometimes with a 2-3 year gap between consecutive math courses. This in many cases would require extensive review of some specific concepts or reduction in complexity of exercises that require skills from previous courses. We found that incorporating the TI-92 calculators as a regular tool in Calculus and Differential Equations classes helped students in focusing on the new topic and not on what they have forgotten.


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