Do schools still use graphing calculators? The calculators are still a must-have for most classes and tests, including the SAT and ACT.
While there are free graphing calculator options for smartphones and online, schools generally haven’t embraced them. Texas Instruments calculators became the standard in classrooms years ago, and haven’t lost their position. Best for Algebra: Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus.Best Advanced: Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS Color.
The TI-Nspire CAS handheld and software incorporates CAS (Computer Algebra System) as a tool for students to explore, evaluate, and simplify expressions, numeric problems, and variables in symbolic form. If you’re unaware of what a CAS calculator is, it is a Computer Algebra System calculator.
TI-Nspire CX II CAS, the difference is that TI-Nspire CX II CAS has a computer algebra system (CAS), meaning it can do algebraic operations, while the TI-Nspire CX does not. What is the difference between TI-Nspire CAS and non CAS? But the non-CAS version would most likely give decimal answers when told to do something like simplify a radical/fraction. For example, factoring, solving for a variable, giving exact answers, simplifying long expressions.
(Over the years I've taught most math classes (except geometry) and I've been teaching calc with a TI-89 ever since they came out.) Having CAS capabilities in the students hands, especially with well designed exploration activities, can deepen students enjoyment and understanding of algebra.
Since you teach calculus, you know about having calculator and non-calculator portions on assessments. The exploring capabilities are greatly magnified with a CAS. Besides the visual aspects of seeing slope, you might tell me about the benefits of graphing a large number of equations quickly & exploring how changing the coefficients of, say, a quadratic effects the curve. If we were face to face having this conversation, I might ask you what advantages do you see in using a graphing calculator.