Calculator Usage in College

I have a question about calculator usage in college. I've seen mentions about certain colleges allowing the usage of TI-89 calculators. Is this common in most colleges? Or do different colleges have different calculator policies?

Hello! To begin, the use of calculators like the TI-89 depends significantly on the class, the professor, and the college or university's general policy. Many colleges will allow the use of a calculator for higher-level mathematics, engineering, or science courses, where complex computations are necessary.

For instance, a professor teaching a Calculus or Engineering class might allow or even encourage the use of a calculator like the TI-89, as it can handle various functions including calculus operations, graphing, and more!

However, some institutions or professors may discourage or prohibit the use of calculators in certain circumstances. For example, in an intro-level math course where the focus is on developing strong foundational skills, professors may want you to perform calculations by hand to ensure a firm understanding of the base principles.

If you're unsure whether you can use a calculator like the TI-89 in a specific class, the best course of action is often to review the course syllabus or directly ask the professor for their specific policy. The syllabus usually contains detailed information about tools allowed in the class and during exams.

Remember, it's best practice in any class to understand the mathematical concepts and not rely solely on your calculator. The goal in these courses is to understand the subject matter deeply – and sometimes that means doing things manually, even if a calculator could do the work for you. It's all about balance!