Graphical
Calculator Buying Guide
Overview
Application area
Memory
Flash technology
Computer algebra system (CAS)
Student
support--apps, games, homework discussion groups
Teacher support--classroom accessories, training and programs
Subject areas
Display
Accessories
Overview
Graphical calculators (GCs) were specifically designed for
mathematics and science education as programmable hand-held devices
for producing graphs, charts and diagrams. This type of technology
helps students to visualise key mathematical concepts instantly,
explore and understand data, work with dynamic images, produce and
observe patterns and thus gain a better understanding and a better
ability to apply what they are learning. GCs can be used to process
large amounts of statistical data and carry out pre-programmed
sequences of instructions. The most up to date range of GCs have
input/output ports and connectors that allow them to communicate
with each other, with computers, printers and the Internet.
Application
area
Graphical calculators (GCs) are approved for use in GCSE and AS /A
level mathematics exams and are already recommended from Key Stage 3
(11-14 year olds) as part of the Key Stage 3 Mathematics Strategy,
which aims to improve results at this crucial stage of a child's
education. At this level, GCs are helpful in teaching: in using and
applying mathematics, in numbers, algebra, shape, space and
measures, and in handling data. It is also proven that GCs extend
pupils' interest in mathematics and inspire their creativity. At Key
Stage 4 (14-16 year olds) graphical calculators are allowed in the
GCSE and Standard Grade examinations. They are particularly useful
tools for coursework, in which data logging is a compulsory element.
In addition, GCs are used with confidence in AS/A level and
Highers exams. Surveys suggest that over 60% of A-level maths
students possess their own GC. Greater knowledge of GCs by teachers,
small class sizes, the higher commitment of students and a higher
level of maths provide an ideal basis for making the most out of
advanced GCs. GCs also play an important role in post-secondary
education. Most newer universities encourage their students to use
GCs in subjects like maths, science and engineering as they are an
approved part of the curriculum.
Moreover, GCs are defined as ICT (information and technology),
recognised by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) to
benefit teaching and learning.
 
Memory
In your hand-held you have two storage devices--Random Access Memory
(RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM). While your operating system lives
in ROM, your data and applications that you create or add live in
RAM. At a simplified level the difference between these types of
memory is whether information is lost when power is removed. Once
your calculator is running it needs a lot of extra memory that can
be used as "thinking space". RAM is the memory that your calculator
stores data in temporarily. The amount of RAM provided by graphical
calculators lies between 32 KB (i.e., TI-82) and 256 KB (i.e.,
TI-89). The more RAM your calculator has, the more information can
be processed simultaneously.
In contrast to RAM, ROM is a memory which is not lost when you
switch off your hand-held. While standard ROM memory is static and
cannot be changed, Flash ROM memory is reprogrammable. This
technology enables you to upgrade your calculator with Software
Applications (Apps) and new operating systems (see Flash
Technology).
Flash
technology
Most graphical calculators are enhanced with Flash ROM, which
provides an extensive memory-like hard drive memory on a computer.
This makes calculators with Flash Technology the best investment in
terms of value for money, as the technology allows you to upgrade
your calculator the same way you would upgrade a computer with new
software. You can customise your calculator by downloading new
handheld software applications (apps) from the Internet and upgrade
its functionality by updating the operating system. Flash-based
technology in the classroom facilitates an easier transition from
one subject to another just by changing the apps loaded on the
graphical calculator.
Calculators with Flash technology:
Examples of Flash Applications on TI Graphical Calculators:
 CellSheet--like
a spreadsheet on the computer but with the portability and
versatility of a hand-held platform.
 StudyCards--a
tool that allows you to create sets of flashcards covering any
subject, for review and study.
You can currently choose from more than 100 hand-held software
applications that are developed to support teaching and learning.
Many of them are free and for some paid apps TI has licenses to
equip entire schools at special savings.
Computer algebra system (CAS)
Some models of GCs have built-in computer algebra systems (CAS) that
enable you to evaluate mathematical expressions symbolically or
numerically. With this system you can calculate using terms and
formulae, solve equations, trigonometry, analytical geometry, vector
and matrix calculations as well as calculations of derivatives,
limit values and integrals.
Although CAS is not yet authorised for use in secondary school
exams, it helps students understand advanced mathematical concepts
and encourages them to broaden their perspective on maths outside of
the classroom. In particularl, students going on to further
education benefit from exposure to CAS as it plays a more important
role in maths and science exams at university.
Graphical calculators with CAS:
Graphical calculators without CAS:
Student
support--apps, games, homework discussion groups
Graphical calculators don't just have mathematical functions. There
are also a variety of games and useful applications to keep you busy
during those boring moments outside the class. The more Flash-Rom
you have, the more apps you can store on your calculator.
On the TI Student World website you can find loads of cool
stuff--programs, games and fun links. The download opportunities of
the connecting software and the installation guide make it easy for
you to upgrade your hand-held with the latest applications.
Teacher
support--classroom accessories, training and programs
Graphical calculators are compatible with several classroom tools
that help teachers address mathematical topics using a variety of
learning styles. Visual aids like the TI-Presente facilitate
in-class presentations and other educational activities by
displaying the calculator screen on a colour TV. In order to connect
the hand-held with an overhead projector special tools like the View
Screen Panel (TI) are available. All teacher versions of TI
calculators can be used with a TV or an overhead projector.
In addition, there are Data logging devices like the CBL 2TM and
the CBRTM that open the possibility to collect a wide range of
real-world data for experiments. Texas Instruments organises teacher
training for graphical calculators and loan programs so that
teachers can test GCs at no extra charge before deciding what the
best investment is for the class.
Subject areas
Mathematics:
Graphical calculators are ideal tools for the algebra classroom. The
graphing features that include data plotting and analysis, multiple
graph styles, modelling and much more support the exploration of
algebraic concepts in a visual way. There are several apps and
resources available for use in algebra classes that enhance learning
and make it more exciting in the process. In order to solve more
advanced algebraic problems symbolic graphical calculators like the
TI-89 or the Voyage 200 are equipped with CAS. This system enables
students to explore mathematical concepts in depth. The TI-89 and
the Voyage 200 are enhanced with powerful graphing capabilities like
the real-time rotation of 3-D surfaces and contour graphs. These
built-in features allow students to visualise complex functions in
3-D.
Transformation Graphing for the TI-83 Plus family--with
this app students can instantly see how changing the value of a
coefficient transforms a graph.
Science:
The use of graphical calculators with apps and data collection
technology (see teacher support above) makes understanding
chemistry, biology and physics relevant and fun. There are several
different applications available for the TI-83 Plus family.
 Periodic
Table--this app includes 15 properties and important facts about
the 109 known elements. It graphs important properties against
atomic number to view the periodic nature of the elements.
Engineering:
Graphical calculators are also powerful tools for engineering
students and professionals. The TI-89 and the Voyage 200, with their
specific apps, help electrical and mechanical engineering students
study concepts for their coursework
 ME*Pro
for the TI-89--contains a comprehensive set of equations used by
students and professionals of mechanical engineering.
Finance:
The capabilities for visualisation of graphical calculators and the
built-in finance and statistical features are a great choice for the
classroom but also for professionals. The handhelds open the
possibility to explore Time-Value-of-Money (TVM), uneven cash flows,
amortisation and other financial topics.
 Advanced
Finance--installing this application makes several financial
operations and TVM Graph available.
Multi Subject Resources:
Texas Instruments also offers a range of apps for all-day learning.
For example, you can upgrade your GC with spreadsheet
functionalities and basic word-processing capabilities.
 NoteFolio--this
app can be used to take notes in and out of class.
Display
GCs have larger displays than traditional calculators, so that
plotted graphs, charts and diagrams can be viewed easily. The screen
resolution of the different hand-held models varies from 64x96
pixels to 128x240 pixels. The Voyage 200 with its QWERTY keyboard
features the largest display. In addition, displays of graphical
calculators include split-screen capability that allows students to
view two applications at the same time--for example you are able to
trace the graph and scroll table values simultaneously. The TI-89
and the Voyage 200 are improved by new screen technology and
layouts. Their intuitive icon desktop facilitates navigation and
helps you organise your apps. Through the new built-in Pretty Print
function mathematical expressions appear on the display the same way
as they are written on the board or in the textbooks.
Accessories
Beside classroom accessories like data-logging devices and visual
aids (see teacher support), TI offers a specific keyboard, which is
compatible with several calculator models. The TI keyboard is a
portable conventional keyboard that enables you to do basic
word-processing (say, note-taking, short essays or lab reports) on
the TI-83 Plus and the TI-83 Plus Silver Edition.
 In
order to be able to download apps, games or the latest operating
system to your graphical calculator you will need a connecting cable
and the appropriate software. For the upgradeable TI handhelds,
three different types of connecting cable are available. One of the
TI-Graph Link cables and the connecting software are already
included in the purchase price of the TI-83 Plus Silver Edition, the
TI-89 and the Voyage 200.
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