1. Overview. 2. Application Area. Graphical Calculator buying guide UK

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1. Overview Graphical calculators (GCs) were specifically designed for mathematics and science education as programmable hand-held devices for producing graphs, charts and diagrams.

1 1. Overview Graphical calculators (GCs) were specifically designed for mathematics and science education as programmable hand-held devices for producing graphs, charts and diagrams. This type of technology helps students to visualise key mathematical concepts instantly, explore and understand data, work with dynamic images, produce and observe patterns, thus gaining a better understanding and ability to apply what they are learning. GCs can be used to process large amounts of statistical data and carry out pre-programmed sequences of instructions. The most up to date range of GCs have input/output ports and connectors that allow them to communicate with each other, with computers, printers and the Internet. 2. Application Area Graphical calculators (GCs) are approved for use in GCSE/Standard Grade and AS /A level/higher mathematics exams and are already recommended from Key Stage 3 (11-14 year olds) as part of the Key Stage 3 Mathematics Strategy, which aims to improve results at this crucial stage of a child s education. At this level, GCs are helpful in teaching: using and applying mathematics; numbers; algebra; shape; space and measures; and handling data. It is also proven that GCs extend pupils interest in mathematics and inspire their creativity. At Key Stage 4 (14-16 year olds) graphical calculators are allowed in the GCSE and Standard Grade examinations. They are particularly useful tools for coursework, in which data handling is a compulsory element. In addition, GCs are used with confidence in AS/A level and Highers exams. Surveys suggest that over 60% of A-level maths students possess their own GC. The greater knowledge of GCs of teachers, small class sizes, the higher commitment of students and a higher level of maths provide an ideal basis for making the most out of advanced GCs. GCs also play an important role in post-secondary education. Most newer universities encourage their students to use GCs in subjects like maths, science and engineering as they are an approved part of the curriculum. Moreover, GCs are defined as ICT (information and technology), recognised by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) to benefit teaching and learning. 1

2 Product by School Level Matrix: Primary School Lower Secondary School GCSE Exams Standard Grade (Sco) AS/A Level Exams Highers University Professional TI-82 TI-83 Plus TI-84 Plus TI-84 Plus Silver Edition TI-89 Titanium Voyage TM Memory In your hand-held you have two storage devices, Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM). While your operating system lives in ROM, your data and applications that you create or add live in RAM. At a simplified level the difference between these types of memory is whether information is lost when power is removed. Once your calculator is running it needs a lot of extra memory that can be used as thinking space. RAM is the memory that your calculator stores data in temporarily. The amount of RAM provided by graphical calculators lies between 32 KB (i.e. TI-82) and 256 KB (i.e.ti-89). The more RAM your calculator has, the more information can be processed simultaneously. In contrast to RAM, ROM is a memory, which is not lost when you switch off your hand-held. While standard ROM memory is static and cannot be changed, Flash ROM memory is reprogrammable. This technology enables you to upgrade your calculator with Software Applications (Apps) and new operating systems (see Flash Technology). 2

4. Flash Technology Most graphical calculators are enhanced with Flash ROM, which provides an extensive memory like hard drive memory on a computer.

3 4. Flash Technology Most graphical calculators are enhanced with Flash ROM, which provides an extensive memory like hard drive memory on a computer. This makes calculators with Flash Technology the best investment in terms of value for money, as the technology allows you to upgrade your calculator the same way you would upgrade a computer with new software. You can customize your calculator by downloading new Handheld Software Applications (Apps) from the Internet and upgrade its functionality by updating the operating system. Flash-based technology in the classroom facilitates an easier transition from one subject to another just by changing the Apps loaded on the graphical calculator. Calculators with Flash technology: TI-83 Plus TI-84 Plus TI-84 Plus Silver Edition TI-89 Voyage TM 200 Examples of Flash Applications on TI Graphical Calculators: CellSheet TM like a spreadsheet on the computer but with the portability and versatility of a handheld platform StudyCards TM a tool that allows you to create sets of flashcards covering any subject, for review and study. A complete up-to-date list of available Apps for TI-graphical calculators can be found on the TI homepage and on the online web store ( You can currently choose from more than 100 Hand-held Software Applications which are developed to support teaching and learning. Many of them are free and for some paid Apps TI has licenses to equip entire schools at special savings. 3

5. Computer Algebra System (CAS) Some models of GCs have built-in Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) which enable you to evaluate mathematical expressions symbolically or numerically.

4 5. Computer Algebra System (CAS) Some models of GCs have built-in Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) which enable you to evaluate mathematical expressions symbolically or numerically. With this system you can calculate using terms and formulae, solve equations, trigonometry, analytical geometry, vector and matrix calculations as well as calculations of derivatives, limit values and integrals. Although CAS is not yet authorized for use in secondary school exams, it helps students understand advanced mathematical concepts and encourages them to broaden their perspective on maths outside of the classroom. Particularly students going on to further education benefit from exposure to CAS as it plays a more important role in maths and science exams at university. Graphical calculators with CAS: TI-89 Titanium Voyage TM 200 Graphical calculators without CAS: TI-82 TI-83 Plus TI-84 Plus TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 6. Student support Apps, Games, Homework Discussion Groups Graphical calculators don t just have mathematical functions! There are also a variety of games and useful applications available which keep you busy during those boring moments *outside* of class. The more Flash-Rom you have the more Apps you can store on your calculator. 7. FinnPack for TI-83 Plus TI- Organizer On the TI Student World website for example you can find loads of cool stuff programmes, games, and fun links. The download opportunities of the connecting software and the installation guide make it easy for you to upgrade your hand-held with the latest applications. 4

Teacher support Classroom Accessories, Training and Programs TI-View Screen TM Calculator with panel Graphical calculators are compatible with several classroom tools that help teachers address

5 Teacher support Classroom Accessories, Training and Programs TI-View Screen TM Calculator with panel Graphical calculators are compatible with several classroom tools that help teachers address mathematical topics using a variety of learning styles. Visual aids for example, like the TI-Presenter TM facilitate in-class presentations and other educational activities by displaying the calculator screen on a data projector. In order to connect the hand-held with an overhead projector special tools like the View Screen TM Panel (TI) are available. All teacher versions of TI calculators can be used with a TV or an overhead projector. In addition, there are Data logging devices like the CBL 2 TM and the CBR TM that open the possibility to collect a wide range of real-world data for experiments. Texas Instruments organises teacher training for graphical calculators and loan programs so that teachers can test GCs at no extra charge before deciding what the best investment is for the class. CBL 2 TM 8. Subject Areas A, Mathematics Graphical Calculators are ideal tools for the algebra classroom. The graphing features that include data plotting and analysis, multiple graph styles, modelling and much more support the exploration of algebraic concepts in a visual way. There are several Apps and resources available for use in algebra classes that enhance learning and make it more exciting in the process. In order to solve more advanced algebraic problems symbolic graphical calculators like the TI-89 Titanium or the Voyage TM 200 are equipped with CAS. This system enables students to explore mathematical concepts in depth. Especially, the TI-89 Titanium and the Voyage TM 200 are enhanced 5

with powerful graphing capabilities like the real-time rotation of 3-D surfaces and contour graphs. These built-in features allow students to visualise complex functions in 3-D.

6 with powerful graphing capabilities like the real-time rotation of 3-D surfaces and contour graphs. These built-in features allow students to visualise complex functions in 3-D. Transformation Graphing for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus family - with this App students can instantly see how changing the value of a coefficient transforms a graph. B, Science The use of graphical calculators with Apps and data collection technology (see Teacher Support) makes understanding chemistry, biology and physics relevant and fun. There are several different applications available for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus family. C, Engineering Graphical calculators are also powerful tools for engineering students and professionals. Especially, the TI-89 Titanium and the Voyage TM 200 with their specific Apps help electrical and mechanical engineering students study concepts for their coursework. Periodic Table This App includes 15 properties and important facts about the 109 known elements, and graphs important properties against atomic number to view the periodic nature of the elements. ME*Pro for the TI-89 Titanium contains a comprehensive set of equations used by students and professionals of mechanical engineering. 6

7 D, Finance The capabilities for visualisation of graphical calculators and the built-in finance and statistical features are a great choice for the classroom but also for professionals. The hand-helds open the possibility to explore Time-Value-of-Money (TVM), uneven cash flows, amortization, and other financial topics. Advanced Finance installing this application makes several financial operations and TVM Graph available. E, Multi Subject Resources Texas Instruments also offers a range of Apps for all-day learning. For example you can upgrade your GC with spreadsheet functionalities and basic word processing capabilities. NoteFolio TM this App can be used to take notes in and out of class. 9. Display GCs have larger displays than traditional calculators, so that plotted graphs, charts and diagrams can be viewed easily. The screen resolution of the different hand-held models varies from 64*96 pixels to 128*240 pixels. The Voyage TM 200 with its QWERTY keyboard features the largest display. In addition, displays of graphical calculators include split screen capability that allows students to view two applications at the same time - for example you are able to trace the graph and scroll table values simultaneously. Especially, the TI-89 Titanium and the Voyage TM 200 are improved by new screen technology and layouts. Their intuitive icon desktop facilitates navigation and helps organising your Handheld Software Applications (Apps). Through the new built-in Pretty Print function mathematical 7

8 expressions appear on the display the same way as they are written on the board or in the textbooks. TI Keyboard 10. Accessories Besides classroom accessories like data logging devices and visual aids (see Teacher Support), TI offers a specific keyboard, which is compatible with several calculator models. The TI Keyboard is a portable conventional keyboard that enables you to use basic word processing capabilities for notetaking, short essays, and lab reports on the TI-83 Plus and the TI-84 Plus family. In order to be able to download Handheld Software Applications (Apps), games or the latest Operating System on your graphical calculator you will need a connecting cable and the appropriate software. For the upgradable TI hand-helds, there are three different types of connecting cables available. One of the TI- Graph Link TM cables and the connecting software are already included in the purchase price of the TI-83 Plus Silver Edition, the TI-89 Titanium and the Voyage TM

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