Texas Instruments Inc. today introduced two educational apps for the iPad — TI-Nspire and TI-Nspire CAS (Computer Algebra System) — designed to change how students visualize and interact with the math.
Using TI’s graphing technology, students can can “touch the math” by creating graphics (even using their own photos), interacting with graphics, completing homework and sharing the finished product with others. An interactive keyboard toggles between math notation and Qwerty configurations for adding notes and instructions next to problems.
TI “took a major step forward in our mission to improve student understanding and achievement in mathematics,” said Melendy Lovett, president of the Dallas-based company’s education technology. “The apps fill a critical need for an all-in-one math teaching and learning tool designed specifically for the iPad.”
The apps are designed for curriculum from seventh grade through college.
TI developed and fine-tuned the apps with help from researchers and teachers, including Stephanie Ogden, dean of research and development at L&N STEM Academy in Knoxville, Tenn.
Update at 2 p.m.: TI also showed early app models to Dallas-Fort Worth area educators and incorporated their suggestions into later versions and app support programs, said company spokeswoman Kim Morgan.
Each app costs $29.99 at the iTunes App Store.
TI-Nspire Apps for iPad will be featured in two days of workshops at the T³ International Conference – a TI event for math and science professional development — on March 8-10 in Philadelphia.