CALCULATOR &

COMPUTER
What is a calculator?

 A calculator is an electronic device that uses modern

technology to obtain fast
 and accurate answers for the four basic operations
as well as operations of
 various trigonometrical, logarithmic, and statistical
functions.
Brief history of calculator
 The calculator originated from the Western world.
The first calculator was invented by a Frenchman
called Colmur, in the year 1820.
 However, a more complete calculator to calculate
problems involving the four operations was invented
by Boldwin, an American, in the year 1875.
 Ever since then, new and more sophisticated models
have surfaced from time to time.
What is your opinion on this?

“The simple calculator should be used in the teaching

of primary school mathematics”.
The Computer

 The use of computers in the classroom brings

reformation and new development to the teaching
and learning of mathematics in terms of strategies
and techniques.
Using computers in Education
 the use of computers can be classified into several
categories
 (a) Computer Aided Education ( CAE )
 (b) Computer Assisted Instruction ( CAI )
 (c) Computer Managed Instruction ( CMI )
 (d) Computer Assisted Testing ( CAT )
(a) Computer Aided Education ( CAE )

 This involves the use of sophisticated technology and

computer systems to carry out teaching activities to
achieve learning objectives.
 Apart from this, sophisticated technology and computer
systems can also be applied to the management of
education and other teaching-learning techniques.
 Computer literacy is now considered to be as important
as basic skills such as reading, writing and calculating.
 Future generations who do not possess computer
literacy skills will be at the losing end in our modern-
day, progressive society.
(b) Computer Assisted Instruction
( CAI )
 Computers can assist a teacher in the teaching process. Pupils learn by
making use of sophisticated technology and computer systems, for instance,
pupils go through planned self-learning materials on their own without the
aid of the teacher.
 You, as the teacher, play the role of a facilitator. You do not need to do
any direct classroom teaching, rather you only need to design the content of
the programme, usually in the form of modules, for the pupils.
 Teaching is carried out through the computers. Hence, computers have
become the medium between teachers and pupils.
 In this respect, many modules have been planned in the form of formal
learning packages, controlled exercises, individual leaning materials,
computer games as well as problem solving activities.
 Since the teaching modules are used by pupils for their learning purposes,
this Computer Assisted Instruction ( CAI ) is also known as Computer Aided
Learning ( CAL )
(c) Computer Managed Instruction
( CMI )
 Technology and computer systems can also be used
to collect data and consequently perform analysis
to evaluate the (a) effectiveness of teaching, (b) the
utilization of learning materials, (c) situations in the
teaching-learning process, and (d) student
interaction in the classroom.
 Findings obtained from the evaluation of this
programme are used to modify and improve the
teacher’s scheme of work for subsequent lessons.
(d) Computer Assisted Testing ( CAT )
 Technology and computer systems too can be used to
evaluate the effectiveness in learning. This type of
evaluation is usually conducted in two ways.
 (i) Pupils answer questions and the answers are given in the
computer. In this way, pupils’ answers can be checked later
by the teacher or by the student himself through the
computer itself.
 (ii) The computer is used to select questions stored in the item
bank and each question is displayed in different sequences
in the monitor. Pupils answer question by question, and later
check the marks given in the computer. In this way, the pupils’
performance can be tracked immediately.
Appropriate and inappropriate uses
of Calculator and Computer
 Experience suggests that calculator usage in
primary school should be minimized, if not
eliminated entirely.
 Students should learn basic mathematical skills using
the paper-and-pencil method, therefore building a
strong mathematical foundation for higher-level
mathematical concepts.
Advantages of using Calculator
 fast
 accurate
 exploring
Disadvantages of using Calculator

 does not encourage student to think

 costly
 does not encourage student to memorise
multiplication table
Computer-Advantages

 is good for motivating students

 Students can obtain different types of input
 Through simulation and other techniques, computers can
present abstract things in a concrete and easily understood
way.
 Learning can be individualized using computers. Students
can study materials related to their individual goals and
what they need or are interested in, with the appropriate
difficulty level and at their own pace.
 can overcome barriers of time and place
 Students can also use computers to work on projects with
their classmates
Computer-Disadvantages

 requires computers and softwares as well as other

equipment, all of which are expensive
 a special classroom is necessary
 technicians to keep the computers working properly
 if many classes are using the computer room,
scheduling would be difficult