[Phys-L] Re: Why Calculators? (Was: Calculators a Distraction?)

[rlamont <rlamont@POSTOFFICE.PROVIDENCE.EDU>]

I totally - absolutely - agree. No one should spend more than $15
on a simple solar calculator. If a complicated expression must be
evaluated or if a graph must be made to conceptualize what is
going on, it's time to move to Excel. I can help a student with
an error they make while setting up a spreadsheet. I can't help a
student with an error they have made in a long calculation using
calculator that I would need about a week to learn how to
operate.

Bob at PC

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Forum for Physics Educators [mailto:PHYS-
> L@list1.ucc.nau.edu] On Behalf Of Gary Turner
> Sent: Monday, February 07, 2005 12:14 PM
> To: PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU
> Subject: Why Calculators? (Was: Calculators a Distraction?)
>
>
> One of my pet peeves right now is trying to show college
students how
> to do
> elementary arithmetic on a $100+ calculator.  Apparently,
somewhere
> along
> the line, they were told to buy this thing, but were never
shown how to
> actually use it.  Some students can't do any more with it than
the sort
> of
> calculator that comes free with a box of corn flakes!