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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Jul 19, 2005 by Mathematics |
| Overview: |
This site provides written explanations (in .pdf format) as well as flash videos
demonstrating many uses of the TI-83 or TI-83+ graphing calculator. The
keystrokes given in the written explanations and almost all of the keystrokes
given in the videos can also be used for the TI-83+ Silver Edition, TI-84+, and
TI-84+ Silver Edition. The following calculator topics are addressed: order of
operations, graphing, setting the viewing window, solving linear equations,
solving linear inequalities, solving three-part inequalities, finding x and y
intercepts, creating tables, finding the line of best fit, solving systems of
equations using matrices, finding the local maxima and minima, using the numeric
solver, evaluating functions, graphing piecewise-defined functions, creating a
scatter diagram, and statistical calculations.
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| Learning Goals: |
This site provides written and video explanations of many uses of the TI-83 or
TI-83+ graphing calculators. The topics covered range from algebra to basic
statistical concepts.
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| Target Student Population: |
Intermediate, College Algebra, Pre-calculus, and Elementary Statistics students.
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| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
None.
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| Type of Material: |
The written content is presented in .pdf format for easy printing and the videos
are delivered through Flash videos.
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| Recommended Uses: |
This site can be used as a resource for students to learn or refresh their
understanding of how to use the TI-83 or TI-83 Plus graphing calculator for
algebraic and statistical concepts.
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| Technical Requirements: |
Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to view .pdf files. A Flash plug-in is needed if
the latest version of Internet Explorer is not being used.
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| Strengths: |
This site provides both written and video explanations of content that appeal
to all learning styles. In the videos and written instructions, algebraic
explanations are given, when applicable, alongside the instructions for the
utilization of the graphing calculator. In the video instruction, an actual
image of the TI-83 is shown. There is a cursor that points to buttons that are
pressed and comments that are presented in the left margin. The authors
commentaries are synchronized with the moving cursor. The text instructions are
well formatted and include color coding that makes it easier to follow.
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| Concerns: |
Often there is only one example presented for a topic.
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:  |
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| Strengths: |
Because of the clarity of explanation and the incorporation of video
explanations, a student with no experience can learn to use the TI-83 or TI-83
Plus graphing calculator. The selected examples are well selected in that they
show the student how to accomplish the less intuitive operations of the TI 83
calculator such as graphing piecewise-defined functions. In the text portion,
the author points out common mistakes such as using the minus sign when the
negative sign should be used.
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| Concerns: |
The written instructions (.pdf files) cover the keystrokes for the TI-83+
calculator; however, the videos demonstrate a TI-83 calculator. Though almost
all keystrokes will be the same for both models, this is not always the case
(for example, accessing the matrix menu).
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
| Rating: |
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| Strengths: |
The site has a very simplistic format. Written explanations can be printed for
use while the videos are playing. The pace of the video is slow enough for a
student to follow and take notes if desired.
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| Concerns: |
No explanation of how to use the site is given. If the user has a pop-up
blocker, then it must be turned off in order to use this site. The calculator
is too large for some small computer screens. A note that dial-up users may
have to allow the choppy play of the video to run first and then select rewind
to see the video smoothly would be helpful.
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
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