This conference report summarizes A. Jorge García's attendance at the Limaçon 2010 mathematics and computer science conference held annually at SUNY Old Westbury. García attended presentations on using graphing calculators and technology in the classroom. He also gave a presentation titled "Look Ma, No Calculator!" demonstrating how to teach without an actual graphing calculator by using alternative technologies. The report recommends refitting mathematics classrooms with projectors, computers, and tablets to allow teachers to present from the back of the class and record lessons for absent students.

1. Conference Report
To: James T. Scannell, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
From: A. Jorge García, Teacher of Calculus and Computer Science
Date: June 3, 2010
RE: Limaçon 2010
CC: BSHS Mathematics Department
Background:
Every year in March, the Long Island MAth CONference (LI-MA-CON)
is held at SUNY Old Westbury. LIMACON 2006 attracted presenters and
teachers from all over the globe. The conference covers topics in teaching
mathematics and computer science from K-College. I have been attending
every even year since 1990 and presenting every even year since 2000.
Observations:
My first session was presented by Kit Villani. Ms. Villani is a recently
retired teacher of Sequential Mathematics for Manhasset Schools. Her
presentation was about a graphical approach for learning iterated functions
using the TI-83 Graphing Calculator.
I spent the second session preparing a computer room for my talk.
The last session was presented by me. The title of my talk was “Look
Ma, No Calculator!” I presented a lesson as I do in class without an actual
graphing calculator. So, I spoke about how to use technology in the
mathematics classroom such as the Smart Airliner slate, Smart Notebook,
Virtual TI calculator and YouTube to store videos for later study.
Recommendations:
Now that most every Mathematics class uses the TI-83 or TI-89
graphing calculator, each Mathematics classroom should be remodeled.
Having to bring in and set up a projector at the beginning of each period
wastes too much of the teacher’s time between classes and instructional time
during class. I would recommend that each Mathematics classroom be
refitted like my room, room 429 at the High School. I have a PC in the back
of the room attached to a PC Projector controlled by a Tablet via Bluetooth.
The students focus on the presentation at the front of the class on a
projection screen. I can see that everyone is on task from my station in the
back. I also have a wireless microphone and recording software to make
YouTube recordings for students who are absent or who want to review an old
topic.
a:limacon2010.mem.doc