TI Math

Straightforward, standards-aligned graphing calculator activities  

Pros: Teachers can choose from tons of activities, which are nicely organized.

Cons: The tasks aren't very engaging for kids.

Bottom Line: TI Math activities use graphing utilities and focus more on procedural learning than reasoning. 

Read more here.

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed byCommon Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly.  

By Common Sense Education

It is not unusual for costly graphing calculators to be a part of back-to-school lists. The arguments go something like this. We need students to have a separate non-computer graphing calculator to know they really know how to use a graphing calculator.Wait, what world are we preparing our kids for? The only business place in the world in the 21st century where you'd see graphing calculators being used to do work is Texas Instruments. The one who sells the graphing calculators.

[Toss the Smartboard. Here's The Best #BacktoSchool Teaching Tool: @ClassroomScreen]

In the modern world graphing calculators are available free via apps and software for phones and computers. Even if you ban student devices, for the cost of a graphing calculator, schools can buy a much more powerful smartphone onto which you could do much more than just access a graphing calculator.

In essence a tool has been created for the classroom, that has no use outside the school walls whatsoever. Sadly, as the Atlantic exposed back in 2011, what this all boils down to is that the mega-billion dollar testing industry dictates the technology that can be used. That however should not dictate how a student accesses that technology. If parents and educators are buying into the idea that we must throw children into the past to take assessments, that is unfortunate. However, even if they do, save those antiquated devices for testing day and allow students to use modern technologies they have access to in the world the rest of time.

This simple shift to using free tools would shift millions of dollars from the pockets of Texas Instruments into the hands of our students. Desmos CEO Eli Luberoff put it best when he said this in his interview with business site Quartz: “We think students shouldn’t have to buy this old, underpowered device anymore. It’s a huge source of inequity, and it’s just not the best way to learn.”

Lisa Nielsen (@InnovativeEdu) has worked as a public-school educator and administrator since 1997. She is a prolific writer best known for her award-winning blog, The Innovative Educator. Nielsen is the author of several books and her writing has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Tech&Learning, and T.H.E. Journal.

MyScript today announces a new calculator app, Calculator 2. Users write the mathematical expression on the device screen with their finger or stylus, and MyScript’s technology converts the symbols and numbers to digital text, delivering the results in real-time.

Solving mathematical equations on digital devices often involves numerous button inputs or remembering a specific entry sequence. By removing this input barrier, the app helps users focus on the problem they’re trying to solve, instead of figuring out how to enter it.

Calculator 2 provides the possibility of continuing an equation entry on multiple lines. Fraction support is included with either fraction or decimal calculation display. Native support for iOS11 features and iPhone X is featured Users can drag and drop within multiple equations or send to an external app.

MyScript Calculator 2 is currently available for iOS on the Apple Store

www.casioeducation.com■ Price: $19.99

CLASSWIZ fx-991EX is a scientific calculator with spreadsheet functionality. It also features 274 functions and high-resolution LCD technology.

Quality and Effectiveness: The Casio CLASSWIZ fx-991EX has a sturdy build, with a dark textured face that is accompanied by well-designed buttons of both plastic and metal. The unit is thin, lightweight, and comes with a protective cover that stores on the calculator when in use. Even with this kind of build, it does not feel cheap or flimsy. It runs on both battery and solar power. The user’s guide states that the battery will last about two years based on one hour a day of use. When it is time to replace the watch-style battery, it can be done easily by removing one small screw in the back.

Ease of Use: Even though it has many functions (274), including an industry-first spreadsheet function, this calculator is designed to be straightforward to use. The buttons are not too small and are categorized by color to make it easy to find both basic and advanced functions. The on, navigation, shift, and alpha buttons are well set apart in silver at the top of the unit. Students can set the calculation mode to any variety of mathematical calculations, from statistics to vectors, distribution to matrix, and more, by using the menu and navigation buttons. Advanced and extra functions can be activated by using the shift and alpha buttons. These extra functions allow students to solve equations that are found in the newest of math textbooks. The generous screen size includes a high-resolution, black LCD display with adjustable contrast, to make sure user can see it well in a variety of lighting conditions.

Creative Use of Technology: Overall, this calculator is a big step up in scientific calculators. The ability to create and edit spreadsheets allows students to do more complex calculations and study statistics more effectively. The CLASSWIZ fx-991EX allows the user to display graphs on a smartphone or tablet using a QR code reader app so they can be displayed in a larger format.

Suitability for Use in a School Environment: The CLASSWIZ fx-991EX is extremely suitable for upper grade school through college environments. It has all of the necessary functions to satisfy a variety of user needs. Plus, the screen size allows students to better match the way the formulas look in their texts, which facilitates better understanding.

OVERALL RATING

Overall, the Casio CLASSWIZ fx-991EX is an excellent calculator that is well suited for a variety of mathematical uses. The setup, navigation, and functionality are intuitive and easy to use. The addition of the spreadsheet and QR code generator put it in a class by itself. Plus, the price of $19.99 makes it extremely affordable. This product would be a welcome addition for any student or teacher.

TOP FEATURES

• An industry-first spreadsheet function.

• An impressive build for only $19.99.

• The large, high-resolution display allows students to better match the way the formulas look in their texts.

• Lightweight and has nice-sized, clearly defined buttons and function keys.

• Easy-to-use menu to set up for a variety of calculations.

• Spreadsheet feature for more advanced statistical calculations.