Mr. García attended the LIMACON 2014 conference where he learned about new teaching tools and techniques. The keynote speaker recommended an interactive website for common core math activities. A presenter convinced Mr. García to switch to the TI nSpire CX CAS graphing calculator for its high resolution color screen and built-in computer algebra system. Another session demonstrated using Vernier probes for data collection and analysis on the TI nSpire CX CAS. Based on what he learned, Mr. García recommends computer algebra systems for teaching math and science but the TI nSpire CX CAS for courses requiring graphing calculators on exams.

1. To: James T. Scannell, Superintendent for Instruction
From: A. Jorge García, Teacher of Calculus and CompSci
Date: May 22, 2014
RE: Limaçon 2014 Conference Report
CC: BSHS Mathematics Department
Background:
Every year in March, the Long Island MAth CONference (LI-MA-CON) is
held at SUNY Old Westbury. LIMACON 2014 attracted presenters and teachers
from all over the globe. The conference covers topics in teaching mathematics,
science and computer science from K-College using technology. I have been
attending every even year since 1989 and presenting every other year since 2001.
Observations:
The KeyNote Address was given by Dr. Willaim McCullum from Arizona
State, the author of one of our Reformed Calculus textbooks. His presentation was
about his new website offering many free Common Core Math activities. I highly
recommend it, https://www.illustrativemathematics.org.
My first session was “Do Flipped Calssrooms Really Work” by Aziz Elmrini
from Roosevelt HS. Mr. Elmrini made the case for screencasting lessons for students
to use at home as part of their homework. Of course, he's preasching to the choir as I
already do this, http://www.youtube.com/calcpage2009.
The second session was “Why TI-nSpire?” by Dana Morse from Texas
Instruments. Mr. Morse convinced me to switch my classes from TI-83/84 and TI-
89/92 to the TI nSpire CX CAS. This new Graphing Calculator has a high resolution,
color screen that is much easier to see. Also, the calculator is very easy to use and
has a Computer Algebra System built-in. So, I decided to raise some money to
purchase new calculators, www.donorschoose.org/calcpage2010.
The last session was “Math in Motion” by Robyn Poulsen from Lake Placid
JSHS. Ms. Poulsen demonstrated the use Vernier Probes for data collection and
analysis in Math and Science class using the TI nSpire CX CAS. I think I'll need
another DonorsChoose project to purchase these probes!
Recommendations:
I highly recommend the use of PC or Tablet based Computer Algebra Systems
for teaching and learning Mathematics and Science. In fact, I already use
http://sagecell.sagemath.org and https://sage.math.clemson.edu:34567/pub with my
students whenever possible.
However, for courses with exit exams requiring a Graphing Calculator, such
as AP Calculus AB and BC, I would use the new TI nSpire CX CAS.
a:limacon2014.mem.doc