Chapter 4: Calculators: Boon Or Bain In Developing A Mathematically Literate Society

Calculators have become as common in the mathematics classroom as textbooks. Students take them for granted, and if calculators were to suddenly disappear, many students would feel that continuing their mathematical endeavors would be impossible. Yet, if many teachers and parents had their way, calculators would be disallowed in the mathematics classroom. In the following pages I will examine various aspects of calculator use (as well as brief mention of computer use) in the school mathematics program. First, I will present various arguments supporting and opposing their use which appeared in the days before they became an accepted mathematical tool. Then I will consider the evidence of studies that have been done concerning the effects of calculator use. Following this, I will outline various recommendations for their use in the mathematics class in light of the needs of present and future societies. Next, I will indicate the place of calculators (and computers) in the current Saskatchewan mathematics curriculum as well as in the new curriculum to be implemented in the next several years. Finally, I will indicate my personal views on the new curriculum and the place of calculators in mathematics.