Calculator or Crutch?

Read the following articles:

1) "The Calculator in the Elementary Classroom"

APA Reference:

McCauliff, E. (2004, Spring). The calculator in the elementary classroom: Making a useful tool out of an ineffective crutch. CONCEPT: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Graduate Studies, Article 2. Retrieved January 13, 2010, from http://www.publications.villanova.edu/Concepts

2) "Effects of Calculator use"

APA Reference:

Cook, C. M. (2008). The Effects of Calculator Use on Solving Systems of Equations. Studies in Teaching 2008 Research Digest.

3) "Educators Battle Over Calculator Use: Both Sides Claim Casualties"

APA Reference:

Starr, L.(2002). Educators Battle Over Calculator Use: Both Sides Claim Casualties. Education World: The Educators Best Friend. Retrieved January 13. 2010, from http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr072.shtml

Due April 12th

Blog: When do you think calculators should be used in the classroom? You can take two different directions in your comment: 1) When do you see yourself teaching with calculators? 2) When should students be first allowed to use calculators?

Due April 10th

Topic Paper 4:

How can teachers use calculators to teach mathematics?

a) Idenitify some of the advantages and disadvantages of using calculators in the mathematics classroom.

b) How does appropriate use of technology apply to these readings?

c) Which reading did you find the most beneficial to you as a future teacher?

Topic papers should be at least two pages long (double spaced) and written as one coherent document that addresses all of the statements/questions above. The italicized question should be used as the central theme of the paper. Make sure to reference your reading and other sources for support as you answer this question.