Besides numerical calculations the machines graph, perform calculus functions, and have statistical packages. Technology, pedagogy, and content all influence one another, according to Dr. Keck. A lot of the old traditional computation we used to do by hand can be enhanced with the new calculators. But we don t want students to rely on the machines as a crutch. We want t hem to think of technology as helping them be able to do more elaborate things.
Students still have to learn the material, but they can perform calculations much more quickly now.
We are also introducing more investigation in the classroom. The calculators give students the opportunity to try an idea before they are told the answer. Sometimes we have small group projects in the classroom and we ve also experimented with group projects outside of class. We give students a relevant project a real-world type issue. It can allow them to see what the engineering world might do with such a project, for example.