Well, I can't say honestly that I agree with your whole article. I do believe that they are an extremely powerful tool; I wouldn't have suvived the years of math that I have if I didn't have mt TI-85 at my side.

But, I run into a problem where you're telling people what to do with their calculators. While I do agree that it can become a distraction, and that it's not a right to own a calculator, I can't see how you then have the right to tell them what they can and can't do. Personally, if some guy/girl wants to sit there and play games all period, I am not going to step in his/her way. If they want to fail the class, that's their choice. I know that sounds brutal, but I do believe in a sink-or-swim philosophy. The teacher shouldn't be interrupting the class to tell Johnny/Jane to put away their calculator. Unfortunately, we live in a society where it is necessary for the teacher to try and help the student. If a student keeps refusing help, and obviously doesn't want to pay attention, why make him?

It's kind of sad, actually, but I do belive in Social Darwinism, and if you disagree with me (I can tell already there's going to be a bunch of you), please e-mail me. I am and always have been open to input. I knew when writing this that I was stepping out on a limb, but I thought it good to let you people know what I think of Seane's article. Thanks for taking the time to hear me out.

whoever wrote that article is stupid... especially if u go to community college... haha.. jk... ok, my point is... the whole point games were made for graphing calculators was so that you could play games during class! other wise people would make games for their computers or other more advanced maching to make and play games. but the fact that the ti graphing calculator is osmething that is used in school and it is also something that can play games is quite a coincidence.. i feel that we as students should take advantage of the situation to fulfill out needs.. besides.. never in our ENTIRE LIVES, unless you and an engineer, will you EVER use ANYTHING what so ever in any math class from highschool and beyond. that is a proven fact. if you ask any adult, wether its a doctor, or a garbage man, they will not know even the basics of calculus, trig, etc ... calculators were made for games, not math class.

You have something to hide, don't you? No e-mail?
Look, when I wrote the article I was trying to make a point, and a specific one. Calculator games are great, and I play them myself. But if they are going to be a disturbance to others and you, then maybe put the calculator away, or remove the games. I have the Finance and Statistic programs on my TI-86, and more games than anything else on my TI-89. Games are great, and learning how to write them is an invaluable tool. But there should be a time for games, and a time for the "tool."

No terrible offense to you, Shane, as I respect
the point of anyone that dares put one on the
comments section around here, open to the flames
of the entire web page community, but don't you
think you went a bit far with the article when you
put up your rules? I mean, no offense, but I felt
like I was in school, listening to another lecture.
now, I know it's been said, but i'll say it again.
If somebody can pass a class and still play calc
games, let them. Just leave this godforsaken, dragged out topic to die.

I didn't say they were my rules, but general guidlines that COULD or SHOULD be followed.

I really do agree with this comment. And the rules are actually some suggestions that you can take if you just need to put the games away. And I also Have many games for my calc. But there is always a time and a place for them. Don't get discouraged just because you can't play your calc for a few hours...

You must be an idiot because I know a guy who had a 4.8 GPA in high school who went to community college because he couldn't afford to go straight to a university. And I think that's better than your GPA. You aren't even in college yet are you?

I feel bad for your friend, as anyone who deserves a 4.8 gpa knows there are scholarships which will let them go anywhere they can get in for free. Sure, they might have to get a job, but I had to get one to pay for high school, and I didn't die. I'm just sorry your friend didn't deserve the gpa he was given.

What would be so wrong with a community college, BTW?
They were made to play during class? Really? If you think so, go ahead...coincidence? Not really...you can make programs, therefore you can make games...
You'll never use that stuff unless you're an engineer or the like? Uh-huh...So how could my father remember so much of it? He never made it through college, and until about 3 years ago, was an electrician (Now a sysadmin). I could come to him for any help I needed. Why? because he used most of the stuff, and still does. Else how would remember it after 20 years?

Well, I think that it is up to the user whether or not to play games. Some people arent as excited in learning as you appear to be.

In college, if u cut a class, they don't go chasing after you. Its your responsibility to make it up. I think the same is true with graphing calculators, if the user decides to play games, that is his/her choice and they will take the consequences if it becomes a problem.

first of all, i'm sorta SICK of all these playing calcs in class morals...

if you wanna piss off a teacher you will piss them off anyway if you dont want to picc off a teacher, you wont piss them off... and this applies to everything besides calc games..

i have a 4.22 and have all honors classes and i play games all the time, yes graphing calcs are a powerful tool, and personally playing games on them is using them to a fuller extent... i mean they can run games better than old arcade machines and have processors equal to that (or better) of a gameboy, after playing games for awile someone will get bored after awile and get off their ass and make their own game, and this ends up teaching whoever it is quite a lot

my school has very few people with graphing calculators so it really isn't much of a problem hear for disruption, but if someone is playing a game in class and not paying attention or taking notes on the lecture, tough crap for them, they aren't learning what they need too, but they probably already know it already...

and as to taking notes with a calculator.. hehe.. thats pretty funny

ok thats about it

bye bye

blah? ... hmm..
do be do ...
oh yeah..
umm, i tink he wuz talking about da 92? .. when he said notes? .. lalala.. ummmmm.... okay
bye! :o)

Really... same here I got a 4.0 and the I play games all the time. My teachers dont like it but they dont care as much as someone getting a 2.0 and playing their minds away. as for getting caught playing them then just draw a picture and store it then create this program:
ClrHome
Lbl 1
Input "",A
Disp A
Goto 1
and when the teacher comes by to check your calculator for games you just run this program and then it looks just like the home screen. your teacher will try to delete the mem but it wont be possible... then you just tell him/her that you opened up the calculator and you "accidentally cut a wire that you werent supposed to" and they will believe you. then go back to playing away... hahaha.

ROFLMAO!!!! with ya all the way man. did the same thing.... The one thing is that if you have a smart teacher, they will reset w/ the batteries and pressing on. Only met one teacher who ever did that though.
Well cya

That's an awesome little program...
I would never have thought of that. Thanx a lot you saved me from many teachers.

That program just shows a blank PrgmIO screen on my 89 Ok?

Better idea:

1. Get an AP exam info booklet.
2. Highlight all sentences that say "Calculator memories need not be cleared."
3. Show this to your teacher. Also mention the usefulness of the math/science programs.
4. Rename your games to look like math/science programs.
5. Enjoy your games. Be sure to hold a pencil in your other hand while you play so it looks like you're taking notes or doing homework.

:) Hey, it worked for me!

btw, my hs gpa is 5.36 (out of 6.0)

High average or not...you STILL have to pay attention in class

OK, ENOUGH with the bullshit! If you don't like games on the calculator, then why the fuck did you come to this site? You don't have to like calculator games, but if other people do like them, just leave them alone! If they want to play games, LET THEM! It's their decision! So screw all the moral shit, I'm getting games for my calc!

That's my 2 cents worth

I've read the current comments and the story. I agree that if the teacher doesn't care, then it's your choice. If the teacher has a problem with them, I suppose it is still your choice, but I don't think the concequences, memory clearance and seizure, are worth it.

seizure? Memory clearance? can be easily avoided, simply take your calc and put it in your pocket or backpack. Dont give it to your teacher. Screw em'! once it is in your bag it would be illegal for them to take it so problem avoided. :)

Cullen Logan's a wuss.

*ahem*private school*ahem* :-(
They can do virtually anything they want.
In addition, if you were familiar with the /in loco parentis/ doctrine, then you would know schools have rights that go as far as strip searchs with moderate justification. The more interesting legal question would be whether they have the right to clear your calulator's memory and thus interfere with your private property. I would guess the answer to be "no' regardless of the location of the property.