tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7719550.post1337390547144306288..comments2007-06-24T12:07:53.826-04:00Tom Hoffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08577165613934129833noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7719550.post-30452185191870438342007-06-24T09:25:00.000-04:002007-06-24T09:25:00.000-04:00No one seems to be talking about programming here<BR/><BR/>the graphics calculator is basically a maths application, it does what the person who designed it intended - it's compatible with the existing maths curriculum (just a few changes) and the existing textbooks (ditto)- works with a lower skill level of teacher<BR/><BR/>a computer can run programming languages like logo or squeak / etoys which can be used to do whatever the child user conceives (opens up a whole new world) - requires teachers with a higher skill level<BR/><BR/>graphics calculator wins; maths education losesBill Kerrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00206808014093631762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7719550.post-62272173034997788402007-05-09T12:47:00.000-04:002007-05-09T12:47:00.000-04:00Vicki,<BR/>I think it is perfectly reasonable to expect that a computer given to a student to use in school should be capable of handling all their school-related computing needs. This seems like a reasonable requirement.<BR/><BR/>There is no reason that we can't have laptops for students that are physically convenient to use, hold a charge all day, wake from sleeping instantly, have calculator functions printed on the keyboard.<BR/><BR/>Practical, cost-saving uses of computers don't have to crowd out more ambitious ones, and they will make it a lot more likely that the hardware will stick around long enough to develop more sophisticated use.Tom Hoffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08577165613934129833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7719550.post-36419899137735446802007-05-09T12:09:00.000-04:002007-05-09T12:09:00.000-04:00Hi Tom,<BR/>But when ARE we going to get around to changing the way we teach math?<BR/><BR/>That is the whole problem... technology adoption (and the lack of it in math classes) is just a symptom.Sylviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07197716318141984888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7719550.post-66998044510167361352007-05-09T10:06:00.000-04:002007-05-09T10:06:00.000-04:00It is not about technology for the sake of technology, however, it is about using technology for what we cannot already do. Moving from a graphing calculator that is perfectly functional to a laptop to act like a graphing calculator is a little like killing a gnat with a sledgehammer -- overkill.<BR/><BR/>However, if that math teacher uses a blog to have his students scribe, or uses flickr (like Darren K), or adds Meaning and better teaches the subject by using the laptop, that is an entirely different matter.<BR/><BR/>Any person who thinks that a laptop is a replacement for a calculator is quite missing the point, as it seems that you insinuate.<BR/><BR/>I think it is about fixing what is broken and about amplifying and improving what works. There are some times that a calculator is what is needed and the time it would take to get out and boot up a laptop would be a waste of valuable class time.<BR/><BR/>I think many schools are looking for the "magic ticket" to better test scores when it takes a lot of hard work and effort and wise, pedagogically sound methods and a top notch curriculum that isn't changed every week.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for bringing this to our attention!Vicki A. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05549879610620143027noreply@blogger.com