With calculators, students can spend less time thinking about steps in an algorithm and more time thinking about the underlying mathematics. Ask questions that focus on concepts, patterns, and relationships. Test algorithmic skills and use calculators. If you decided that students need to be able to perform an algorithm by hand that they can also do on the calculator, consider giving the students a mini-test with a couple of algorithm problems the day before and letting the students use calculators on the rest of the test. This frees you up to ask richer questions on the test.
Calculators can help students achieve.
Research has shown that calculators have a positive impact on student achievement relative to computational understanding and problem solving. Research has also shown that using calculators improves student attitudes toward mathematics. Calculators are used in standardized testing. Many of the standardized and state tests allow and expect students to use a calculator. These tests include the ACT, SAT, and AP Calculus exams.