What Is it? Calculators are a very important technology found in the classroom Calculators are a very important technology found in the classroom They have many positive aspects in the classroom They have many positive aspects in the classroom Calculators also have some negative effects on students Calculators also have some negative effects on students

The Debate The Debate The Debate

Why is it Important? Calculators are tools used to solve problems faster Calculators are tools used to solve problems faster Students can answer problems more accurately Students can answer problems more accurately

Why is it Important Continued… Calculators can be handheld or found online Calculators can be handheld or found online There are many lessons that teachers can use that involve calculators There are many lessons that teachers can use that involve calculators

Classroom Example Example: Parabolic Shapes Video Example: Parabolic Shapes Video

Research Positive Aspects Calculators save time when it comes to solving problems quickly Calculators save time when it comes to solving problems quickly This leads to giving students more time for learning This leads to giving students more time for learning

Research Positive Aspects Continued… Calculators give students more confidence Calculators give students more confidence –Students who are not confident in their own abilities can use a simple calculator and receive an answer Students who used calculators everyday scored higher on the SAT’s than students who did not Students who used calculators everyday scored higher on the SAT’s than students who did not

Research Negative Aspects Students are not learning the basics Students are not learning the basics –Students in the lower grades are using calculators and are not learning the underlying concepts of math Students confidence will suffer when the calculator is taken away Students confidence will suffer when the calculator is taken away –Students do not always have the opportunity to use a calculator and when they are dependent on a calculator, their confidence is lowered when they do not have it

Research Negative Aspects Continued… A lot of teachers do not know how to use the calculator in a lesson A lot of teachers do not know how to use the calculator in a lesson –Because of this, students are at a disadvantage Students are losing skills Students are losing skills –Students are solely using the calculator instead of using pencil a paper techniques

Overcoming the Negative Aspects The calculator is really just a tool The calculator is really just a tool –Students do not need them, calculators just help –Students need to be taught whether using a calculator or using their head is more appropriate

Overcoming the Negative Aspects continued… Students need to be taught the basic methods Students need to be taught the basic methods –Math builds upon what students already know –Students that do not know multiplication will have trouble with factoring Teachers also need to be taught how to use calculators in lessons Teachers also need to be taught how to use calculators in lessons

Myths There are a lot of myths about calculator use There are a lot of myths about calculator use Schools are getting questions from parents Schools are getting questions from parents Schools are responding with newsletters Schools are responding with newsletters

School Letter to Parents Calculator Myths Calculator Myths

Conclusion “The calculator should be used as a supplement to learning, not as a replacement for learning computational algorithms.” (McCauliff ) “The calculator should be used as a supplement to learning, not as a replacement for learning computational algorithms.” (McCauliff )

References Using calculator in elementary math teaching Using calculator in elementary math teaching – The Calculator in the Elementary Classroom: Making a Useful Tool out of an Ineffective Crutch The Calculator in the Elementary Classroom: Making a Useful Tool out of an Ineffective Crutch – ementary%20Classroom.htm ementary%20Classroom.htmhttp:// ementary%20Classroom.htm Calculators okay in math class, if students know the facts first Calculators okay in math class, if students know the facts first – udents.know.facts.first Why is my child using a calculator in elementary? – – Calculators in the Classroom – – Classroom calculator use has its pros, cons – – Video – – abola.mp4http://eagle.stillwater.k12.mn.us/~degerb/Classroom_tech_videopodcasts/Par abola.mp4 Debate – –