| Many high quality mathematics computer software programs are available to community college instructors and students. Yet what makes one type - such as TI-Nspire™ software for teachers and students - more appealing than another kind of software designed for exploring complex mathematics? According to Wade Ellis, mathematics instructor at West Valley Community College (Saratoga, CA), it's the smart combination of giving the end user a simple-to-operate user interface and built-in interactive features that can do the job.
"There is a lot of mathematics software available that can be effective in its own way," he said. "It's the interactive (dynamic) linking capability of TI-Nspire software (teacher and student versions, PC or Mac®) that make it that much more easily accessible to students and faculty. There isn't any programming knowledge involved."
Educators can quickly learn the software, too, becoming familiar with the basics in less than an hour. Again, no special programming required. Another advantage: The software's drag-and-drop capability, which lets a user customize how the user interface looks and operates. Templates and symbols, for example, can be clicked on, selected and moved across the screen with ease.
And what about "dynamic linking?" Here's what Ellis is talking about: Instructors and students can dive into math using TI-Nspire software functions that welcome exploration and discovery:
- They can see multiple representations of a problem all at one time and in full color.
- They can change properties of an equation or formula in one representation and instantly see how another "dynamically linked" representation changes with it. All without having to know any special software code.
User interface simplicity: multiple representations, including spreadsheets
TI-Nspire technology is unique in that educators and their students can view concepts in different ways - in ways that work best for individual learning styles. They can explore multiple representations of a single problem all on one screen: algebraic, graphical, geometric, numeric and written. In fact, research* shows that students grasp mathematical concepts more readily and with deeper understanding when they can learn across different forms of representations.
For example, TI-Nspire technology's built-in Lists & Spreadsheet application provide educators and students the ability to capture and track the values of a graph and collected data, and observe number patterns. They can organize results of statistical analysis and experience capabilities similar to using a computer spreadsheet: label columns, insert formulas into cells, select individual cells, and change the size of cells.
User interface simplicity: full color display
TI-Nspire software displays full color, which takes graphs and geometric objects to another level of vibrant on-screen visualization. Along with the ability to create a rainbow of color-coded lines, curves and equations, assigning an array of colors to different mathematical properties actually helps instructors maintain the flow and focus of lessons.
According to Ellis, it's easier to match lines, curves and objects to their algebraic equation by color-coding each on the screen. Rather than trying to direct the class to the location of an equation - "upper right corner just below the highest equation," for example - instructors can simply call out a color identification to begin or continue explorations. The lesson moves on pace, on task.
Built-in interactivity: enhanced Notes application
Not only can instructors and students define functions and variables using TI-Nspire software's built-in Notes application, they can make changes to these mathematical properties and then observe how the corresponding graphs automatically update to reflect any new inputs (see screen shots below).
Educators can type notes in the software and then insert math test boxes within these notes. The math text boxes are interactive and dynamically linked. Changes to mathematical information in one box will automatically update any other text boxes that are created and linked together.
"This is a big deal," Ellis said. "It allows for the easy creation of symbolically interactive (TI-Nspire) documents. You can change variables and immediately see numeric and algebraic consequences. It's much clearer and easier. You don't have to go to different places to make updates. You don't have to hunt around."
Create notes around mathematical functions being explored.
Built-in interactivity: action-consequence documents
Electronic TI-Nspire documents available online - similar to documents used on a computer - are the basis for action-consequence activities and lessons, which gives instructors the students the ability to manipulate the math in order to observe different outcomes and, from those, make connections and conclusions.
"The action-consequence documents are easy for student so use because they are not embedded in any kind of computer programming language," Ellis explained. "The TI-Nspire software's environment is easy to use, and students can build and edit documents by themselves."
The TI-Nspire document, which can be saved as a .tns file on the computer acts much like an applet that educators and students can access even when they are not online.
For example, students could split the screen to display graphical, tabular and algebraic representations of a linear parent function (see screen shots below). Then, by grabbing onto the graphed line to change the slope, the table and function equation are automatically updated in real time. Students can move the graphed line up and down to see changes to the y-intercept. Changes to the y-intercept in the equation would immediately update the "linked" graph and table's data.
  Subscription Software- Beginning in April, students can purchase a 365-day subscription for TI-Nspire software from the TI-Online Store for just $27. TI-Nspire CAS software is available for $29.50. Students who want both the handheld and software can purchase them together at local retailers and instructional dealers.
Swell of activity: professors and colleges getting on board
Ellis has encountered growing interest and enthusiasm by professors in the potential of using TI-Nspire software, especially the electronic TI-Nspire (action-consequence) documents and user-friendly interface that simplifies when most other software choice remain perhaps too complex. Adding the TI-Nspire handheld to the mix is perceived as a bonus, too, making the technology convenient to acquire and cost-effective as a one-time, all-in-one purchase.
"The community college landscape in terms of using technology like TI-Nspire software is dynamic," Ellis said. "Students will be able to purchase their TI-Nspire handhelds and get it bundled with the software this fall. The professors I've spoken to have feedback that is very positive. They think it's a really good idea." | 
