Having recently read an article on the Internet by a father who was absolutely furious that (1) graphing calculators are so expensive, and (2) that have not come in price over the years, as non-electronic is usually written I decided I should give this matter some historical perspective as well as treatment for his ailments.
But first I would like for this father and all the parents out there that you are not alone in these frustrations to calm down. In 1988, theHigh School, where he taught mathematics adopted a series of textbooks (UCSMP), the graphing calculator was very tidy, so I spent the rest of my career teaching mathematics, discussing this very issue with many parents. However, since they are probably much older than most of you have had with the purchase of your children to do the graphing calculator - that is, I went to high school, BC (before computers), and because I was a college math major and because I spent many yearsHigher education courses in mathematics with graphing calculator, I have a very different perspective on the graphing calculator.
When I was in high school, computers were not yet available and would not allow any class of school mathematics anyway. I bought my first computer in 1968 for my college course in calculus. The computer was huge (about 4 inches wide, 6 inches long and 2 cm thick), had to be taken, had only one lineScreen, and only four functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) are carried out. It cost $ 99, which was a lot of money in 1968, but I thought it was worth every penny. I would save much time, eliminating many calculations in terms of time and boring (especially long division). I was excited and thought it a bargain.
My next computer was purchased in 1973 for my diploma. I wanted to take both math and psychology statistics Statisticsand both classes must be able to calculate the standard deviation of a data set. This is necessary to find the square root of a number that is a tedious process, if done by hand! My new computer is still only one line on the screen, but it was much smaller (about 2 inches by 3 inches and thin), ran on batteries and had an additional function. One could calculate the square root of a number next to the normal four functions. I paid $ 99 for that car and that wasstill a lot of money. But I was so from the square root key, which in turn I felt it was worth every penny excited. Mathematics would be much easier.
Small computers were available, but it took many years to allow computers on the philosophical issues clarified in class. Many experts believe that the computer would have ruined the ability of students' basic skills to play, and did just that. But other experts see the computer as a permittedStudents in mathematics more deeply and allow much more complex situations are examined, and did well.
Now, jump forward to 1988 and have Air Academy High School District No. 20 with the graphing calculator-based series of textbooks and the need for each new student a graphing calculator. Enter the TI-80. Then, the TI-85. Then, the TI-83 and TI-83 +. The price for each of these computers? You guessed it - $ 99. I retired from teaching in 2005, but because I proctorAP exams for a local high school, I know that schools are using the TI-84 +. TI has introduced two new graphing calculator TI-Nspire and TI-Nspire CAS introduced. Only time will show whether the high schools start Recommendation / is.
So, back to the father of a valid point for the cost of the computer, because the electronics to do in general? In my opinion, NO. This discount is valid for products that perform the same task. In fact, a computer will perform the functions$ 99 my first two computers are today to $ 2.99. Here are two dollars and 99 cents! I think a significant reduction in the price. (I agree that if the TI-83 in the price a little 'because for many years. The TI-89.)
What makes this price-drop problem does not apply to these computers is the fact that every new graphing calculator has so many new features and additional functionality. Now we have computers with algebraic, geometric,trigonometric, logarithmic, statistical and mathematical functions. It's actually amazing that it only costs $ 99. Each of these computers is a new and more powerful computers for $ 99 to $ 149, please keep this in perspective. We spend more on tennis shoes, which are grown or are under way in 6 months, and we are spending much more on iPods, which are often obsolete literally (not available), because Apple makes minor changes in the connections. It 'true that the new computers come out withnifty new features (like the touch pad on the TI-Nspire) the other computers do not become obsolete. The TI-84 + is still a good computer as it was. It is not only just as good.
The most important concept I want everyone to understand about the graphing calculator is a tool for long life. The graphing calculator of today (2010) have functionality for your child to apply for the rest of his / her life - regardless of career choice. What other investments in your childFuture can be done for $ 99 or even $ 149? Like I said ... statement at twice the price!
A few final consideration and care. Make sure that you are looking for, do your due diligence as you for a computer. Be sure to carry out research (1) the functions of each computer, so that it can meet your needs, (2) the cost (I thought the prices for the TI-Nspire of $ 100 to $ 150) and (3 ) use a calculator standardized tests (ACT and IB can not allow the TI-89, TI-Nspire or TI-92).
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