#balancelearning

As a tool for teaching and learning mathematics, the Desmos graphing calculator represents a remarkable advancement in educational technology. Its intuitive interface and powerful capabilities make complex mathematical concepts more accessible and visually engaging. However, as with any educational tool, there are both benefits and potential drawbacks. One significant disadvantage that stands out to me is the risk of reducing students' problem-solving skills. 🤔

Problem-solving is at the heart of mathematics education. It is through grappling with challenging problems, making mistakes, and finding solutions that students develop critical thinking and analytical skills. These skills are not only vital for academic success but also for real-world applications where solutions are rarely straightforward or provided by a calculator. 🧠💡

Desmos, while incredibly useful for visualizing functions and solving equations quickly, can sometimes shortcut this crucial learning process. When students rely heavily on Desmos to find answers, they may miss out on the valuable experience of working through problems step-by-step. The calculator provides immediate solutions, but without the struggle of manual calculation and logical deduction, students may not fully understand the underlying principles that lead to those solutions. 🚀🔢

For example, in substituting numbers into the expression 3𝑥^2+2𝑦−5𝑧, Desmos can instantly show the result for given values of 𝑥, 𝑦, and 𝑧. Suppose we have 𝑥=2; 𝑦=3; and 𝑧=4. Desmos will quickly compute the value as 1. However, without manually performing the steps—calculating 3⋅ (2^2), adding 2 ⋅3, and subtracting 5 ⋅4—students might not appreciate the nuances of each calculation. They lose the opportunity to strengthen their arithmetic and algebraic manipulation skills and deepen their conceptual understanding. 🔍✍️

Moreover, problem-solving often involves more than just finding the correct answer; it involves reasoning, strategizing, and sometimes approaching a problem from multiple angles. Desmos can inadvertently create a mindset where students expect immediate results, potentially diminishing their patience and perseverance when faced with complex problems that require sustained effort and creative thinking. 🧩🕵️‍♂️

This is not to say that Desmos does not have a place in the classroom. On the contrary, it is a powerful tool that can enhance learning when used appropriately. Teachers can leverage its capabilities to demonstrate concepts, visualize problems, and check work. An added advantage is that it encourages a balance between manual calculations and the use of Desmos. Use the software for complex graphing and visualization while ensuring students practice basic arithmetic and algebra manually. This balanced approach ensures that students develop strong foundational skills while benefiting from technological tools for more advanced concepts. ⚖️🔧

To mitigate this disadvantage, educators can adopt strategies that encourage the development of problem-solving skills alongside the use of Desmos. For instance, teachers can assign problems that require manual calculations first, followed by using Desmos to verify answers. They can also create activities that require students to explain their reasoning and the steps they took to reach a solution, ensuring that the process is valued as much as the result. 📝👩‍🏫