Issues with the use (or lack of use) of computers and calculators in the classroom

1. Physical Manipulatives

1.1. When students use computers they serve as temporary physical stand-ins for mathematical ideas, objects that the children can see with their eyes and manipulate with their hands while they learn to see and manipulate the mathematical ideas with their mind’s eyes and hands. Computers cut out the physical manipulatives in the classroom, they can only provide visual manipulatives.

1.2. Although, in the higher grades, many mathematical ideas just don’t have such physical models. Computers can provide interactive “virtual manipulatives” where physical devices do not exist. As always, the value of a tool depends on how it is used. If physical or electronic manipulatives are well designed and well used, they can increase the variety of problems that students can think about and solve.

2. Time

2.1. There is only so much time in a day for a teacher to teach all the subjects she is required to teach. When it comes to such things as division algorithms it is unnecessary to take so much time for children to figure out the entire process. Therefore, a calculator can give a teacher enough time to thoroughly teach the children what they want to know, and still give the students enough time to work out some problems in the classroom with a calculator.

2.2. Complex computations by pencil and paper are no longer necessary in the classroom.

3. Differentiation

3.1. I think this is the most important use for calculators and computers in the classroom. They can be used for students who are unable to do the work in a satisfactory way. The calculator and computer provides them with the opportunity to explore mathematical ideas successfully!

3.2. Also, for your more advanced students. Calculators and computers can give these kids challenges beyond what they are learning in the classroom.

4. Banning the use of calculators in the classroom.

4.1. Textbooks have yet to incorporate calculators into their programs as an instructional tool.

4.2. Few calculators exist in schools as teachers mainly emphasize pencil and paper for math.

4.3. There is a lack of familiarity for teachers and then in results for students as to how to use a calculator.

4.4. Calculators can be used as a great check for students, after they have completed their math problems on paper.

4.5. Calculators can not be used on standardized tests. Calculators do not do the problem for children! They do not punch the keys for the children! Calculators don't think for children, they just do what you do to tell them.

4.6. Calculators can be used to reinforce and expand many mathematic concepts that have been introduced.