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Are They Necessary?
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Posted on 4 March 1999
The following text was written by Shane
Burgess: I have talked with many fellow classmates and college professors
about using graphing calculators. Some of the questions I asked were as simple as "which
one should I get?" and some were as complex as how to use specific functions on a certain
calculator. But, if a class really doesn't need a graphing calculator, and the instructor
doesn't support their use in a class, then they may just get in the way. Especially if the
user is playing games during class time. Most of the math instructors at the
community college I attend require the use of graphing calculators. This is great, for it
has been proven that when graphing calculators are in the curriculum, they do indeed help
the students understand the necessary concepts faster and more efficiently. They are a tool,
a very powerful tool, and they should not be abused. Graphing Calculators were
designed to help students grasp the concepts of Algebra, Algebra II, and other graphing
concepts. Even though they are capable of playing games, that is not what they were meant
for. Playing games while in a class will be distraction, a disturbance to others, and slow
done the lesson for the class. Many instructors are aware of the fact graphing calculators
can play games, and they won't allow them for the lesson or for the entire class. This is
not what we want to happen. Graphing calculators are an essential tool for
learning difficult concepts. I applaud the teachers that feel as strong as I do about them.
If a student is only playing games on their calculator, then maybe they should have the
privilige of using a calculator taken away. That's correct, using a graphing calculator is a
privilige, not a right. A student can fight and moan about losing their calculator, but if
they were misusing the "tool" then it is fair. Graphing calculator games are great
and a lot of fun. It is okay to have them on the calculator, but to avoid any possible
conflicts, try to follow these general guidlines: - DO NOT play games during
a lecture or during an important lesson. No matter how boring.
- Use the calculator only
when the instructor allows. If the instructor says no calculators, then put the
calculator(s) away.
- Spend more time taking notes by hand and listening to the instructor
during lectures. If you use your calculator to take notes, then type them up after class. It
can be a distraction to others if you are "flaunting" your calculator to take notes.
- If
you are in a class that doesn't require graphing calculators as part of the lesson, PUT IT
AWAY!! Again, this can be a distraction for the user and the surrounding people.
- If you
must play games, play them when you have the time. If you have a test to study for, save the
games for later. Wait until you have the time.
- Graphing calculators are tools. Respect
that, and if necessary, remove the games if they are getting to be too much of a
distraction. Use the calculator for what it was intended.
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Reply to this item
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Re: Article: "Are They Necessary?"
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Dan E
(Web Page)
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Well...That's all nice and everything, but whats the difference between playing a graphing calculator game, and doodling in your notebook. In both cases you're not listening to the lecture. In both cases, you're misusing the tool you were given. There will always be students who wont pay attention in class, and they will end up doing something else in class (whether it be doodling, calc games, or sleeping). As for the distraction bit, I haven't noticed the calculator games are distracting to other students. The only time during which I've noticed this is when the student making verbal remarks related to the game (Crap, I hate this level) or using some other form of communication (grumbling, waving arms, etc). Some teachers in my school follow this philosophy. They let students play calculator games (or doodle or sleep) if they wish to do so. However, it is many of these same students who end up failing the tests...
-Dan
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4 March 1999, 02:10 GMT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Article: "Are They Necessary?"
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Ernie Dodds 
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You sure you don't have that IQ? I don't know what my IQ is, don't really really care. I don't get A's, I haven't cheated on a test since 5th grade, and I don't play games on my calc during classes. The worst I've done is write them during class. Why would someone need to cheat if they can listen? I can often (when I get enough sleep :) ) listen and do somehting else at the same time. I sometimes get in trouble for it, but oh well...when I have an idea, I write it down, draw it, program it, whatever medium it needs, and anyone who says anything about it will just have to wait until it's done, if a teacher takes it, it's his/her loss, not mine, as I'm only going to start over again.
Several of my friends (who aren't lazy) get A's in math and sci classes and play games all through the class every day. I don't make As (though I could in math and sci) or play games in class, yet see nothing wrong with it, as long as you can put up with any consequences of it.
Yet out of class, what's wrong with them? Obviously, you don't mind being bored. I have a deathly fear of it. If I have to wait more than 10 or 15 minutes for something...I bring my calc, discman, or paper&pencil, else I go crazy.
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26 September 1999, 03:33 GMT
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