The TI-82
Teacher Learning System
Department of Mathematics
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
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The TI-82 Teacher Learning System (TI-82 TLS)
The Teacher Learning System for the TI-82 graphing calculator (TI-82 TLS)
has been developed to assist the secondary mathematics teacher with learning
about this technology as well as designing and managing instruction using
it appropriately in the delivery of the secondary mathematics curriculum.
This may seem like a monumental task at this point! We hope teachers will
find this is not the case and will approach this new challenge confidently
and enthusiastically.
The components of the TI-82 TLS are:
- Independent Study Written Materials
- Graphing Calculator Programs and Functions for Algebra/Statistics,
Trigonometry, and Calculus
- Video Supplements: Learning to Use the TI-82; Using Algebra/Statistics,
Trigonometry, and Calculus Programs; Programming the TI-82; Suggestions
for Designing and Managing Instruction
- Listings of Calculator Programs
Numerous papers have been written documenting the advantages of using graphing
calculators to teach and learn mathematics. Many of these papers have even
described specific methods for integrating graphing calculators into the
secondary mathematics curriculum. Two different positions seem to be common
among practicing mathematics teachers. Some regard integrating graphing
calculators into the mathematics curriculum as a sort of panacea for teaching
mathematics in the next century. In an idealistic way, they believe students
will be able to easily learn the procedural manipulations of the graphing
calculator when they are introduced (after all, graphing calculators are
"user-friendly!?"). And, students will be enthusiastically looking
forward to their next opportunity to use them!
Other teachers maintain a more cautious posture. To them, perhaps a more
realistic scenario would be the following. Because calculators are so powerful
and offer so many options, it is likely that many students will push the
wrong key at the wrong time thereby finding themselves locked into a mode
from which they have no earthly idea how to recover. Since the teacher may
not know how the students entered these modes, he or she may not be immediately
able to return them to the proper format to continue the lesson. By the
end of the class, most students will have their hands in the air begging
for help! The class has the potential to end in disaster where students
and teacher alike are frustrated and convinced that the graphing calculator
is more trouble than it is worth! There is also the very real question of
whether students are learning mathematics or learning a sequence of procedural
steps required to obtain an answer.
Using the Teacher Learning System
The TI-82 TLS has been developed to help you learn about the TI-82 graphing
calculator using written materials, programs, and a video supplement.
The initial portion of the video supplement sets the stage for learning
how to use the TI-82. It assumes you know nothing about the TI-82 and introduces
you to its organizational setup. If you are not familiar with the TI-82,
we suggest you view this segment without your calculator; then, watch it
again with your calculator in hand. Knowing how the TI-82 is organized will
prove essential to your continued learning.
The initial chapter of the written materials builds upon the video by introducing
you to some of the fundamental programs. A brief explanation of each program
is given together with some examples. You should work through each of the
programs in this chapter using your calculator. As you continue, you will
undoubtedly feel more confident in your own abilities and begin to understand
the simplicity (or "friendliness") of this powerful learning tool.
The second portion of the video supplement introduces and explains how to
use some of the host of algebra and statistics, trigonometry, and calculus
programs that have been written explicitly for your classroom use. The companion
chapters in the written materials are arranged according to algebra and
statistics, trigonometry, and calculus. The introduction to each of these
chapters describes the programs and functions included in it. A concise
explanation for each program or function shows how to execute it and is
followed by examples and exercises; try them! Because the programs and functions
relate directly to the topics in the secondary mathematics curriculum, integration
of the TI-82 should be relatively simple. A brief introduction to programming
the TI-82 is also included in this portion of the video supplement.
The final portion of the video supplement discusses various aspects of designing
and managing instruction that integrates the TI-82 and includes suggestions
for gaining school and district acceptance and support.
The final chapter of the written materials includes the statements of the
programs developed. This is a valuable resource for teachers desiring to
do their own programming, i.e., extending existing programs or developing
new programs.
Written Materials and Programs/Functions for the TI-82 Graphing Calculator
The content of the TI-82 TLS written materials is listed below. Clicking
on the desired topic will work. The page references for the topics in the
TI-82 TLS book are also given in parenthesis, e.g., (G-4), if you have access
to this source.
General Information
Algebra/Statistics Programs and Functions
Trigonometry Programs and Functions
Calculus Programs and Functions
Listings
of Programs (P-1)
Credits. The Graphing Calculator: Teachers and Students Learning
Together is made possible through funding to Oklahoma State University
from the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department
of Education under grant number R203A40026 with assistance from the Southwest
Educational Development Laboratory.
Disclaimer. The project materials are based on work sponsored wholly,
or in part, by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S.
Department of Education under grant number R203A40026. The content of these
materials do not necessarily reflect the view of OERI, the Department, or
any other agency of the U.S. Government.
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This page is maintained by Doug Aichele (aichele@math.okstate.edu).