New Math and Science Learning Solution
Texas Instruments Announces New Math & Science Learning Solution.
TI-nspire™ CAS+ learning solution benefits students with different learning styles and increases comprehension by providing the ability to simultaneously see math concepts presented in multiple representations.
(Wellington,NZ) Friday 12 May 2006 –
Texas Instruments announced today the New Zealand
introduction of the TI-nspire™ CAS+, a classroom learning
solution developed specifically for teachers and students in
secondary school mathematics . In addition to improved
computer algebraic system (CAS) functionality, the
TI-nspire™ CAS+, solution provides the ability for users to
view different representations of a mathematical concept at
the same time. These representations are dynamically
linked, so that any changes the user makes to one
representation is automatically made to the others to help
students see connections and build understanding. This is
the first time these representations have been this tightly
integrated, and its development was the result of extensive
educator feedback requesting this functionality.
“In developing TI-nspire™ CAS+,, we worked with educators around the world to better understand the classroom challenges they faced, and how our technology could help,” said Melendy Lovett, president, Texas Instruments, Educational & Productivity Solutions. “Having the ability to teach a child based on what would best help him or her understand the subject matter can make a dramatic difference in the success of that child in maths and science classes, and inspire them to continue studying these subjects.”
The TI-nspire™ CAS+,solution brings together representations including graphing, interactive geometry, and mathematical spreadsheets. Graphs, geometric sketches, spreadsheets of problem-based data, mathematical figures/symbols and text are organized and linked. Up to four representations can be viewed at one time. For instance, the student can view the problem’s description, the values and potential solutions, a graph plotting the data and the equations the student used to solve the problem.
Peter Fox, an educator involved in the New Zealand Ministry of Education CAS Pilot programme and who has worked in the development of TI-nspire™ CAS+, says "When computers changed from text to a more graphical interface it opened up a whole new world for the less technologically literate. The development of TI-nspire™ CAS+ followed a similar path. As an educator involved in the development of this product, much of the focus was on creating an environment that is as user-friendly as possible. If you want to see how an equation changes as the graph is shifted, drag it. As you would expect, the table of values will change too."
Another key teaching benefit of TI-nspire™ CAS+ is the ability it gives students and teachers to create and save their work, including text, graphs and mathematical equations, for use in classroom discussions or as homework. These electronic records provide teachers with the opportunity to better understand a student’s thought process and diagnose problem areas.
To maximize learning, TI-nspire™ CAS+ will be available in both a portable handheld device and a computer software version under the TI-nSpire name. Students can work seamlessly in both environments or use one as their primary platform. “Educators and students differed in terms of the platform they preferred, so we developed the handheld and computer software with the intent of providing them with virtually the same maths and science teaching and learning experience regardless of their preference,” said Lovett.
Activities from leading textbook publishers specific to the new product will be available for TI-nspire™ CAS+ to help teachers integrate the product into existing classroom practice. In addition, an international team of educators from Europe, Canada and Australasia are creating activities that will be included with the TI-nspire™ CAS+ solution.
Teachers Teaching with Technology™ (T3), TI’s professional development organization for math and science instructors, will begin integrating TI-nspire™ CAS+ into their Professional Development Programme early in 2007.
TI-nspire™ CAS+ will be available in August through School Supplies
About Texas Instruments
Educational &
Productivity Solutions, a business of Texas Instruments,
provides a wide range of advanced tools connecting the
classroom experience with real-world applications and
enabling students and teachers to explore math and science
interactively. Designed with leading educators, Texas
Instruments educational technology and services are tested
against recognized third-party research on effective
instruction and improved student learning. Such research
shows that use of graphing calculators and wireless
collaborative technology in the classroom helps teachers
implement instructional strategies that lead to higher
student interest, engagement and achievement in mathematics.
For more than 15 years, TI has worked closely with educators
and administrators to develop student-focused curricular and
supplemental classroom materials, and it supports the
world's largest professional development organization for
the appropriate use of educational technology. More
information is available at http://education.ti.com.
Texas Instruments Incorporated is the world leader in digital signal processing and analog technologies, the semiconductor engines of the Internet age. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses also include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing or sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.
ENDS