Yet Another Frickin’ Graphing Calculator Update

Can you actually believe that they are updating the TI-Nspire already? I don’t think that its worth going to Baltimore for NCTM to see it.

Well, maybe so… Looks like they just seperated the numeric and alpha keypad. Unfortunately the keypad is not in the QWERTY format. I wonder if the upgrade is only the keypad upgrade, not the whole kit and kaboodle. Also, I wonder when they will update the TI-84 OS on the TI-Nspire that will allow the cool features of version 2.53MP?!

TI… we need some answers!

iPhone 4G 4me!

Hmmm…. Front facing camera could definately be useful. Wonder if education will ever allow or even REQUIRE such a device for academic use.

Busted…

I had a unexpected rude visitor to my classroom last week. Yes, the district network IT guy. After installing some printers, he discovered and reported that my little device was disrupting the school’s network (acutally it was disconnected not bothering anyone.) Not sure if I violated the district’s AUP. However in the end, I received a slap on the hand and severely inconvienced to retrieve my confiscated equipment.

The reason I used the router was to access the school’s network via my personal laptop. Now, I do not even bring it to school any more since I have a school issued one.

So… I guess I will continue to stay in my lane and keep my “hacker hat” off at work!

Graphing Calculator Upgrade Pains

Last week, I was happy to discover of the new OS upgrade for the TI-84 graphing calculator. Unfortunately my school has a limited supply of the 84′s and a plethora of the 83′s.

So until TI mirrors the upgrade or makes MathPrint available on the 83, there will not be any function equitability. My issue is that high stakes testing is around the corner and I am hesistant in recommending in upgrading the 84 devices due to this issue.

I played around with the new upgrade this weekend and it is a great addition to the 84. (As a highschooler, I would be thrilled to perform matrix functions at the home screen.) In NC, 8th graders are permitted to use graphing calcs for the whole test (End-Of-Grade).  The MathPrint function that allows stacked fractions would really give them an edge.

So, TI…. what is next?