A model for the educational role of calculators

Calculators can be used effectively for mathematics education in a number of ways, although frequently they are regarded merely as devices for undertaking computations. In this analytic paper, we describe and illustrate a four-part model to understand more fully the potential role of calculators for learning mathematics. The four elements of the model include representation, computation, exploration and affirmation. Effective use of a calculator by students learning mathematics will often involve more than one of these four components. The model has been derived from analysis of educational materials developed to support rich calculator use.

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