So this started in algebra class when we were working on exploring characteristics of quadratic functions. We were using a PC and the digital projector, but I didn't have software installed to display the graphs. On to Google to search "quadratic graphing" or something similar. Up pops dozens of free options for the PC. When we stitched to a MAC, we found an already installed tool named Grapher(click search icon in upper right corner, start typing "grapher" and you'll see it) and it's worked great.
A student, Jay, then came in the next day with a $1.99 app he purchased for his iPod that gave him all the tools of a graphing calculator for under $2. That's just awesome. I pulled out my Droid, went to the Android Market and found dozens of free and inexpensive options. I downloaded the highest rated free graphing calculator app that I saw and it seems to work very well. Keep in mind, you get what you pay for and you still can't use 'em in class, but at home, you've got access on your computer and on your portable devices...
This isn't your parents math class anymore.
A student, Jay, then came in the next day with a $1.99 app he purchased for his iPod that gave him all the tools of a graphing calculator for under $2. That's just awesome. I pulled out my Droid, went to the Android Market and found dozens of free and inexpensive options. I downloaded the highest rated free graphing calculator app that I saw and it seems to work very well. Keep in mind, you get what you pay for and you still can't use 'em in class, but at home, you've got access on your computer and on your portable devices...
This isn't your parents math class anymore.