Tech Task #8: A Graphing Approach To Algebra Using Desmos

In this tech task, I was appointed the task of researching academic literature. We were to find an academic article on any topic of our choice that was related to technology in the classroom. Using "Google Scholar" I looked up "Desmos in the classroom" and found the article I chose to do my task on.

The article is titled "A Graphing Approach To Algebra Using Desmos" a paper written by Ryan Thomas. 

A Brief Summary of The Article 

The author talks about how hand-held graphing calculators are a powerful tool for facilitating student learning, but there are also qualities of the devices that create barriers. Many of the tasks where graphing calculators are the most useful in the pre-calculus and applied curriculum (e.g., finding real roots, identifying extrema, and solving systems of equations) also have relatively steep learning curves. The result is often that too much attention is devoted to the mechanics and processes of working with the calculator, and not on the mathematics at work. 

There is the obvious issue of the high cost of graphing calculators (often around $100), as well as the less known problem that the skills with a handheld graphing calculator is not likely to transfer beyond the classroom.

While graphing technology is a powerful tool that can impact student learning, hand-held graphing calculators are expensive, have a steep learning curve, and require students to develop a specialized and largely non-transferable set of skills.

              

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Research Question

The question was simple, can Desmos be a more effective technology tool than a graphing calculator in the classroom?

How was the study conducted?

Study was conducted simply by students using the Desmos application vs people who used the graphing calculator. Evaluated time to needed to complete problems using the hand-held graphing calculator vs Desmos on a device. 

What were the Conclusions?

Desmos addresses many of the shortcomings of handheld graphing calculators. This online graphing utility is free, runs in a web browser with no additional downloads or installation required, and can be used as an app on many smartphones and tablets. Many of the features of Desmos are very intuitive; for example, zooming can be accomplished by mouse scrolling on a computer, or by the familiar pinch-zoom method on a tablet or smartphone. Intuitive design choices such as this make using Desmos more relatable for students, in turn greatly reducing the “learning to use technology” component of instruction and allowing for greater focus on developing skills, strategies, and mathematical concepts

Thank you for your time, until next time!

-DJ