Mathematics in Action: Creating a Graphing Calculator Tutorial

Abstract

Using the graphing calculator effectively and efficiently has been one of the biggest problems for the students enrolled in our math courses. A number of tutorials are available but none have sufficiently addressed the "button-pushing" required to solve the problems presented in our classes. Even with classroom time devoted to this issue, students were unable to master the steps needed. A more dynamic, interactive type of approach was required. We have created a web-based tutorial that will take students through the basics of calculator operation to more advanced operations. Students will be able to access these instructional modules either as tutorials or for a quick review of specific techniques.