Re: TIB: Calculator are good!
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Re: TIB: Calculator are good!
In a message dated 98-11-01 22:31:25 EST, you write:
> What is all of this anti-calculator sentiment? Isn't this a mailing
> list for calculator enthusiests?
> I see calculator use in math class as very beneficial. People talk
> about how you shouldn't rely on calculators for math problems because it's
> cheating and it doesn't allow you to understand the problems. These people
> are completely missing the point of such advanced tools. They allow you to
> explore topics more completely and much more efficiently without being
> bogged down by tedios calculations. I use calculations to mean anything
you
> can readily do. Why waste time on things like multiplying, dividing,
> solving equations, factoring or expanding polynomials, evaluating
functions,
> finding derivatives and integrals, graphing, and other such motions when
you
> could be delving into the heart of the problem and moving on. Simply
> knowing how to find and interpret the answers found on a calculator
involves
> a degree of comprehension. I avidly encourage calculator use for any even
> remotely advanced mathematics (algebra+).
> Now people are saying that games on a programmable calculator is a
> travesty. What is wrong with getting some enjoyment out of your machine.
> If you made the game yourself it was probobly a worthwhile experience.
Even
> if you didn't, most games develope reasoning skills, reflexes or strategy
> that can be applied elsewhere.
> In my opinion, everything that can be done on a graphing calculator
> should be, and to it's greatest extent.
>
> - Randy W. Overbeek ro@mindless.com
The purpose in learning math is to be able to solve real problems, most of
which don't conform to the nice little equations in a calculator. The point
in not using your calculator, then, is so that when you have an abnormal
calculation to do you can figure it out by relating it to similar problems.
Calculators can't do that. And yes, it is fine to use calcs to do math, but
the important thing is to understand how to do the problem by hand and how the
calculator manages to do the problem. For instance, how many people on this
list know how a ti-8X (except 89) comes up with solutions when using the
solve() function or the solver? The 82,83,85,86 all use the same method. Can
anyone besides me name it?
Paul J Chase II
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