As a long time user of of the Iphone and now the Ipad. There are plenty of apps available for students. The one I really like is the Wolfram Alpha app both available for the IpodTouch/Iphone and Ipad. ( $50 before and now available for 99 cents) It's a math student's best friend whenever you get stuck and can't solve and equation. Asides from the algebra system, it contains plenty of useful data.
I actually show my students how to use this application but also warn them that although it can solve equations and show the steps, one still needs to learn and understand how to do the problems. It is a tool they can use when needed but it doesn't help a bit if they just copy the answers off the application.
My students understand that my homework and tests will have questions that will render Wolfram|Alpha useless. Computation skills are the foundation of doing well in math. Then analysis and interpretation of results count for the rest.
"The Elements" is a beautifully made periodic table with pictures and even a link to Wolfram Alpha for crystal latices.
There is a free version called EMD PTE of a periodic table but its not as fancy as "The Elements".
The scientific calculator app is also great for students so they don't have to worry about having their TI-84's with them all the time.
What are your thoughts on Wolfram|Alpha ?
Wolfram Alpha is a cool tool. It is also a website, so i doesn't need to cost anything! You do a great job of explaining to your students its value. Wish I had been in your math class back in the day! I might have actually understood what I was doing!
ReplyDeleteIt's free as a website but the mobile app versions cost 99 cents which is almost free on the iTouch/iPhone/Ipad. The Ipad/Itouch/Iphone app is more elegant than the website.
ReplyDeleteI use it myself to look for data I use for problems I create for my math classes.
But it's a great tool for checking your work.
I think I would have been a better math student myself if this resource was available years ago when I was in high school :-)