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| A basic graph on the TI-84 plus |
Graphing calculators have become a staple for middle school and high school math classes. In 2000, the National Council of Teacher of Mathematics recommend the use of graphing calculator technology . The research done on graphing calculators in the classroom has shown that it has a positive effect on student learning (Horton, Storm, & Leonard, 2004).
Most high schools now use or have access to graphing calculators the most common being the TI-84. Although these calculators are a great asset to math classes, there are a few disadvantages to using the normal school issued graphing calculator especially when it comes to graphing. One of these disadvantages being graphs are displayed in black and white. This becomes an issue when students are graphing multiple equations, it can be hard to tell the different graphs a part. Also, plotting points can also be very difficult and time consuming for students on the calculator.
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| Sunset created by functions on Desmos |
There is an amazing program that is free online called Desmos that can help with these issues. The program is an online calculator that has great features especially for students in algebra one and two. The user can easily plot points, and graph lines and functions. Each plot can be set as a different color, so each function is easily distinguishable.
This program can aid students who are first learning about functions because it is so easy to change the functions, the students can easily see how small changes to the function can affect the graph. Graphs can also be saved, which lends itself to fun creative student projects. It can sometimes be hard to incorporate student creativity into math classes but students can use Desmos and their understanding of functions and graphs to create colorful pictures. Desmos can also do basic calculator functions like addition and multiplication and work with trig functions.
This program can aid students who are first learning about functions because it is so easy to change the functions, the students can easily see how small changes to the function can affect the graph. Graphs can also be saved, which lends itself to fun creative student projects. It can sometimes be hard to incorporate student creativity into math classes but students can use Desmos and their understanding of functions and graphs to create colorful pictures. Desmos can also do basic calculator functions like addition and multiplication and work with trig functions.
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| Graphs of sin(x) and cos(x) on Desmos |
Desmos is also great for students in Trigonometry because the labels on the x and y axis can be changed to increments of pi. Which can make graphing sine and cosine much easier. There is also a projector setting for teachers to make sure all of the students can see the graph and equations.
Desmos will not completely replace the hand held graphing calculator in the classroom but it is definitely a great resource to enhance student learning.
Resources
Argyle_jiwonjeong. (Artist). Sunset [Web Drawing]. Retrieved from https://www.desmos.com/calculator/5ztag1oppl
Ball. (Artist). Sine and Cosine [Web Drawing]. Retrieved from https://www.desmos.com/calculator
Horton, Storm, & Leonard (2004). The graphing calculator as an aid to teaching algebra.Contemporary Issues in Technology and Te acher Education, 4(2), 152 -162.
Picture of Ti-84 plus [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://wp.lps.org/ehsmath/resources/
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