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Survey Analysis

Based on the numerical results of the survey, I can conclude that the typical
student in my class uses a TI-83 in class on a daily basis. He or she quite
likely owns one and uses it at home for homework on a daily basis, and rarely
if ever uses it for anything else. The typical student feels that the graphing
calculator is very helpful but not strictly necessary. His or her skills with the
graphing calculator are limited to classroom-introduced concepts and use on homework.

The students' answers to the free response questions on the survey yielded some
surprising and useful insights. Many students consider the graphing calculator to
be "helpful" or "useful;" one student specified increasing "understanding."
When asked what graphing calculator functions they were best at, 8 students
replied "graphing," 2 mentioned functions under the MATH menu (probability,
factorials, combinatorics, etc.), and 2 expressed proficiency at using the calculator
for homework. 3 only described basic arithmetical operations.

In contrast, some students complained that the calculator was overly complicated
and too expensive; many expressed difficulty figuring out what all the buttons mean,
finding the functions they needed, using programs and matrices, and changing
settings. In short, these students know the basic functions described in class,
but do not know how to use the calculator to fullest advantage: they are
struggling with a cumbersome and ineffective tool, and certainly not a
mathematical instrument as described by Guin & Trouche.



Data Summary

16 of the 23 students in my class completed the initial survey.
Not every student responded to every question. Of those surveyed...

What sort of graphing calculator do you use most frequently?

  • 12--use a TI-83
  • 2--use a Casio fx

    Do you have access to a graphing calculator at home?
  • 10--yes
  • 6--no

    How often do you use a graphing calculator in math class?
  • 12--(almost) every day
  • 2--about once a week
  • 2--less often

    How often do you use a graphing calculator for your math homework outside of class?
  • 7--(almost) every day
  • 1--about once a week
  • 1--less often
  • 5--never

    How often do you use a graphing calculator for anything else?
  • 1--(almost) every day
  • 2--about once a week
  • 2--less often
  • 10--never

    What statement best describes your dependence on the graphing calculator?
  • 1--I can't do math without it.
  • 12--It's very helpful and I use it a lot, but I don't really need it.
  • 2--I could take it or leave it.

    What statement best describes your skill with the graphing calculator?
  • 4--I know what most of the buttons and menu functions do.
  • 10--I can use it for everything on my homework, but that's about it.
  • 1--I can use it for basic arithmetic and graphing.




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