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Conclusion: Students using graphing technology have demonstrated better understanding of functions and variables, and performed better in solving algebra problems in applied contexts and interpreting graphs.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Handheld graphing technology can be an important factor in helping students develop a better understanding of mathematical concepts, score higher on performance measures, and achieve a higher level of problem solving skills. |
 Reference: (Ellington 2003)
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SRI International
Students who have been taught effectively with graphing calculators:
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| • | Use graphs |
| • | Engage in problem solving |
| • | Are more flexible in choosing solution strategies, making conjectures, moving among algebraic, numeric, and graphical approaches, and working with real data |
| Reference: Center for Technology in Learning (2007), "Why should a teacher use technology in his or her classroom?" Research Note 8, Menlo Park, CA:
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Conclusion: Technology that supports multiple representations is shown to increase students' use of visualization in problem solving and gains in understanding.
University of York
A UK review of 14 studies of multiple representations found that gains in understanding and visualization can result from multiple representations, when:
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| • | Software is well designed |
| • | Teachers are skilled |
| • | Students know how to use the device critically, including use of visualization to solve problems in graphing. |
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| Lower attaining students preferred working with tables, and had trouble moving between symbolic, tabular and graphical forms, depending on the nature of the task assigned.
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| Reference: (Goulding 2008)
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Conclusion: Effective teaching with graphing calculators in developmental math has been reported to increase student success and greater student retention.
SRI International
While available research does not make a conclusive case, the results suggest the potential contribution of graphing calculators to success in developmental math, and thus to student retention, at the post-secondary level. |
| Reference: Research Note 1: What are the benefits of graphing calculators for students in developmental mathematics courses at the post-secondary level?
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Conclusion: Appropriate use of graphing calculators is shown to provide all students at various levels greater access to complex mathematical concepts.
SRI International
An interpretive review of research on graphing calculators concluded that graphing calculators have become one of the most widely adopted technologies in education because they are a proven-effective, affordable handheld device with direct linkages to curricula. A robust and consistent body of research shows that graphing calculators can effectively support mathematics learning and democratize access to complex mathematical concepts. Graphing calculators enable students to explore connections across multiple representations. Recent extensions support formative assessment via a wireless network. Graphing calculators are aligned with existing standards and curricula and support valuable pedagogical practices, such as increasing attention to conceptual understanding and problem solving strategies by offloading laborious computations. Innovators who want to provide new technologies that will have a real impact on learning would do well to heed the lessons and successes of the graphing calculator.
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| Reference: (Roschelle and Singleton 2008)
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