TO CALCULATE OR NOT TO CALCULATE - THAT IS THE QUESTION!

Alot of my adult students are not used to the technology. In fact, they procrastinate learning the technology of a TI83 calculator. In most classes, you do have to show your work on paper, so that gives students (they think) the excuse not to learn how to use a TI83. The fact is that the analytical work is necessary, but the calculator can back up your answer. I have seen students up their test grades by 20% just by taking the time to back up their answers on the calculator. The TI83 or TI84, which ever you are using at this time, is a mini computer almost. It can do everything but take the course for you. So take full advantage of it. I have seen the opposite effect though in the younger students. They want to use the calculator only, but can't multiply 2 x 2 in the heads. It is a balance of the two. You can still make an error keying into the calculator, but if your paperwork matches the calculator, you know it is correct. Take advantage of both methods fully. The other question is frequently asked, "When do I need to get one"? My answer is yesterday. If you are in grade school or high school, start now. If you are in college developmental classes at MTC, you can not use one in MAT032 and the first few tests in MAT100, but from then on you can and should. The earlier you start, the better.