Graphing Calculator Policies
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Is a graphing calculator required?
At Capilano University the Mathematics and Statistics Department believes that the graphing calculator greatly enhances mathematics instruction and learning. Consequently, we have fully integrated this technology into all courses numbered Math 096 and higher, with the exception of Math 124 and Math 190. Students enrolling in these courses are required to have a graphing calculator. For Math 096 and all our first year courses, with the exception of Math 124 and Math 190, we recommend a Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus calculator. For all second year courses a graphing calculator with symbolic capabilities is required. For these courses we recommend a TI-89 or TI-92 Plus or Voyage 200 calculator.
Why the TI-83 or TI-84 Plus?
Since it is not feasible to offer instruction on all brands of calculators, we have standardized on the TI-83 plus or TI-84 plus models. TI models below the TI-83 plus, like the TI-82, lack the necessary features that we require in our first-year courses. The higher models TI-85 and TI-86 have most, but not all, of the features we require of the TI-83 plus and TI-84 plus. Furthermore these calculators are not as user friendly as the TI-83 plus or TI-84 plus; therefore we do not recommend them. The symbolic calculators TI-89 or TI-92 Plus or Voyage 200 (or the equivalent in another brand name; e.g. Sharp, Casio, etc) are not allowed in any first year math course.
In first year courses, instruction (classroom and workshop) on how to use a graphing calculator will be given only on the TI-83 or TI-84 models .Why a TI-89 or TI-92 Plus or Voyage 200?
The TI-89,TI-92 Plus and Voyage 200 are symbolic calculators and are very similar in style to the TI-83 and TI-84 models . Most first year students will be using a TI-83 or TI-84 calculator and so the move into a second year course that requires a graphing calculator with symbolic capabilities will be much smoother for these students with the use of the TI-89 or TI-92 Plus or Voayage 200.
In second year courses requiring a graphing calculator with symbolic capabilities, classroom instruction on how to use such a calculator will be given only on the TI-89.
What about other brands of calculators?
Students who wish to use a different brand of calculator must have it approved by their math instructor at the start of the semester and be prepared to learn how to use it on their own. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the features of their calculator are reasonably equivalent to those of the TI model used in the classroom.
What about the Term Rental Program?
The Mathematics Department has a limited number of TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus calculators that may be rented by students for one term at a non-refundable cost of $20.00. Second year mathematics students may rent the T1-89 for one term at a non-refundable cost of $30.00. Rental application forms are available in the Math Learning Centre, BR 289. Calculators must be returned by the date shown on the rental form. Students who fail to return calculators by the due date will be required to pay an overdue fine and will have their University records sealed until the calculator is returned. Students planning to take a number of math or science courses are strongly encouraged to purchase their own calculator.