An investigation into the use of graphics calculators with pupils in Key Stage 2

This paper outlines an experiment in which pupils in Key Stage 2 were encouraged to use graphics calculators, in particular two simple programs, which helped them develop recall of their tables and allowed them to practise multiplication. The pupils responded very well to the calculators and seemed to have been motivated by them. The pupils did not find them difficult to operate and experienced very few technical problems. The authors concluded that the graphics calculator has considerable potential to enhance the mathematical experience and learning of pupils at this level, and that although the extent of the investigation was fairly limited the results were encouraging enough to justify further work in this area.