STOP Using Algebra Calculators! …. it’s messing you up!

TabletClass Math
25 Jan 202218:18

TLDRIn this video, John, the founder of TabletClass Math and a middle high school math teacher, warns against the over-reliance on online algebra calculators, arguing that they can hinder true learning. He emphasizes the importance of understanding mathematical concepts and skills rather than just seeking answers. John also shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the pitfalls of taking shortcuts and encourages students to focus on learning and note-taking to achieve success in mathematics.

Takeaways

  • 🚫 Avoid relying on online algebra calculators as they can hinder the learning process of mathematics.
  • 🛠️ Recognize that while calculators are useful tools, they should not replace the understanding and learning of mathematical concepts.
  • 👨‍🏫 John, the speaker, is a middle high school math teacher and founder of TabletClassMath, offering various online math courses and test preparation.
  • 📚 Emphasizes the importance of taking good math notes as a reflection of focus and understanding, which is crucial for success in math.
  • 📈 Differentiates between basic, scientific, and graphing calculators, suggesting that the latter two are more advanced and suitable for higher education.
  • 📝 Shares a personal anecdote about the pitfalls of using technology as a shortcut instead of learning, highlighting the importance of genuine understanding.
  • ❌ Warns against the misuse of online algebra calculators, which can lead to a false sense of correctness and lack of comprehension.
  • 🤔 Encourages students to learn mathematical procedures and concepts through traditional methods like paper and pencil to enhance retention.
  • 🔍 Suggests that advanced mathematical software and calculators have their place in higher education, particularly in fields like engineering and computer science.
  • 💡 Advises that while technology is tempting, it's essential to use it as a resource and not as a crutch, especially when learning foundational mathematical skills.

Q & A

  • Why should students avoid using online algebra calculators according to the speaker?

    -The speaker argues that while online algebra calculators are excellent tools, they can be detrimental to learning mathematics for the majority of people because they may lead to a lack of understanding of the underlying concepts and processes.

  • What is the speaker's name and what is his profession?

    -The speaker's name is John, and he is the founder of TabletClass Math, a middle and high school math teacher, and has created an online math program.

  • What types of calculators does the speaker mention in the script?

    -The speaker mentions basic calculators, scientific calculators, and graphing calculators, each suitable for different educational levels and needs.

  • What is the main difference between using a physical calculator and an online algebra calculator according to the speaker?

    -The main difference is that physical calculators are supplemental tools that require the user to understand the mathematical process, whereas online algebra calculators can be misused to simply obtain answers without learning.

  • What personal story does the speaker share to illustrate the pitfalls of relying on technology for learning?

    -The speaker shares a story from his freshman year in college where he used a Spanish translation software to write an essay in Spanish, which resulted in an incoherent and embarrassing outcome, teaching him the importance of not taking shortcuts in learning.

  • What advice does the speaker give regarding the use of calculators in learning mathematics?

    -The speaker advises against using online algebra calculators for learning and instead emphasizes the importance of understanding the actual concepts and processes through traditional methods like paper and pencil.

  • What role does note-taking play in learning mathematics according to the speaker?

    -According to the speaker, note-taking is tremendously important in learning mathematics as it reflects the student's focus and understanding, and is a key factor in achieving good grades.

  • What are the potential issues with relying solely on online algebra calculators for problem-solving?

    -Relying solely on online algebra calculators can lead to a lack of understanding of the problem-solving process, the possibility of incorrect answers due to user error or calculator mistakes, and an overreliance on technology rather than developing mathematical skills.

  • How does the speaker define the proper use of calculators in the context of learning mathematics?

    -The speaker defines the proper use of calculators as a resource for those who already understand how to solve a problem, using them to assist in checking work or exploring solutions further, rather than as a replacement for learning the subject.

  • What is the speaker's perspective on the use of technology in learning and when should it be used?

    -The speaker believes that technology should not be used as a substitute for learning and understanding a subject. However, it has its place as a resource, especially in higher education or professional fields where complex calculations are required.

  • What is the final recommendation the speaker gives to students regarding their approach to learning mathematics?

    -The speaker's final recommendation is for students to focus on learning the actual subject matter and not to confuse tools with learning, emphasizing the importance of understanding concepts over simply getting answers.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Pitfalls of Online Algebra Calculators

John, the founder of TabletClass Math and a middle/high school math teacher, introduces his online math program and discusses the potential negative impact of online algebra calculators on learning mathematics. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the process of solving math problems rather than relying solely on calculators for answers. John also highlights the value of good note-taking and the necessity of focusing on learning rather than just getting the right answer.

05:02

🔢 The Evolution and Proper Use of Calculators

The speaker discusses the evolution of calculators from basic to scientific and graphing calculators, explaining their appropriate use at different educational levels. He clarifies that while calculators are powerful tools, they should not replace the learning process. John shares a personal anecdote from college about relying on a Spanish translation software, which resulted in embarrassment due to a lack of understanding of the language, drawing a parallel to the misuse of online algebra calculators.

10:03

🚫 Avoiding Shortcuts in Learning Mathematics

John warns against using online algebra calculators as a shortcut to learning, explaining that they can lead to a lack of understanding and retention of mathematical concepts. He advises students to learn the actual processes and skills involved in solving problems, rather than relying on technology. The speaker also touches on the importance of using calculators correctly and understanding that they are tools to assist those who already know the math, not to replace the learning process.

15:04

🧠 Embracing the Importance of Actual Learning

In the final paragraph, John reinforces the message that true learning comes from understanding and internalizing mathematical concepts, not from using online tools to find answers. He encourages students to focus on learning how to use scientific and graphing calculators effectively, as these are essential tools in higher-level math courses. John concludes by urging students to appreciate the value of learning over the convenience of technology and to consider the implications of not understanding the material when taking tests without access to online resources.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Algebra Calculators

Algebra calculators refer to tools, both physical and online, that are designed to solve algebraic equations. In the video's context, the speaker argues that while these calculators are excellent for checking work or assisting those who already understand the process of solving algebraic problems, they can be detrimental to the learning process if relied upon too heavily. The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning the actual concepts and procedures of algebra rather than just seeking answers from calculators.

💡Online Algebra Calculators

Online Algebra Calculators are web-based tools that allow users to input algebraic expressions and receive solutions instantly. The video script warns against the overuse of these calculators as they can lead to a lack of understanding of the underlying mathematical principles. The speaker shares a personal anecdote to illustrate the risks of depending solely on such tools for learning, suggesting that they should be used as a supplementary resource rather than a substitute for actual learning.

💡Learning Mathematics

The concept of 'Learning Mathematics' in the video emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamental concepts and processes of math, rather than just memorizing formulas or procedures. It is central to the video's message that true learning occurs through engagement with the material, practice, and comprehension, not through the mere use of tools that provide answers.

💡Abuse of Tools

The term 'Abuse of Tools' in the script refers to the misuse or over-reliance on educational tools like online algebra calculators to the point where they hinder the learning process. The speaker argues that while tools can be helpful, they should not replace the actual learning and understanding of mathematical concepts.

💡Note-taking

Note-taking is highlighted in the video as a critical component of effective learning in mathematics. The speaker suggests that students who take thorough and organized notes tend to perform better in math. It serves as a testament to a student's focus and engagement with the material, which in turn aids in understanding and retaining mathematical concepts.

💡Test Preparation

Test Preparation is mentioned in the context of the speaker's experience and offerings, particularly for exams like the GED, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, and others. The video implies that understanding mathematics is crucial for success in these exams, and the speaker offers comprehensive test prep courses to assist students in their studies.

💡Scientific Calculators

Scientific Calculators are a type of calculator that includes functions beyond basic arithmetic, such as trigonometric and logarithmic functions. The script positions these calculators as tools that become necessary as students progress to middle school and beyond, but also cautions against their misuse, especially when students are still learning the foundational skills of mathematics.

💡Graphing Calculators

Graphing Calculators, like the TI-84 mentioned in the script, are advanced tools that can plot graphs and solve complex mathematical problems. They are typically used at the high school or college level. The speaker advises that while these calculators are powerful, they should be used as supplemental tools to learning, not as a crutch.

💡Mistakes in Math Textbooks

The video acknowledges that even authoritative sources like math textbooks can contain errors. This point serves as a cautionary note that reliance on any single source, whether a textbook or an online calculator, can be misleading and that students should strive to understand the underlying principles of mathematics to verify and correct such mistakes.

💡Technology as a Resource

The term 'Technology as a Resource' is used to describe the appropriate role of tools like calculators and online resources in learning mathematics. The speaker advocates for a balanced approach where technology is used to enhance understanding and facilitate complex calculations, but not to replace the need for learning and practicing mathematical skills.

💡Shortcuts

Shortcuts in the video refer to the temptation to use online calculators or other tools to quickly get answers without fully engaging with the problem-solving process. The speaker warns against this approach, as it can lead to a superficial understanding and lack of true learning in mathematics.

Highlights

Online algebra calculators can be detrimental to learning mathematics for the majority of people.

The speaker introduces himself as John, founder of TabletClass Math and a middle high school math teacher.

John has created an online math health program with over 100 different math courses.

The program includes test preparation for various exams like GED, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, and more.

John emphasizes the importance of taking good math notes for academic success.

He offers detailed math notes for various levels, including pre-algebra, algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2, and trigonometry.

Different types of calculators are introduced: basic, scientific, and graphing calculators.

The historical development of calculators from the 70s to the 90s is briefly discussed.

John warns against relying on online algebra calculators for learning, as they can lead to a lack of understanding.

A personal story is shared about the pitfalls of using a Spanish translator software instead of learning the language.

Online calculators are compared to tools that should be used with understanding, not as a substitute for learning.

The speaker advises against using online algebra calculators during the learning process and emphasizes learning the actual concepts.

The importance of using scientific and graphing calculators correctly is highlighted, especially in higher education.

John explains that calculators are useful tools but should not replace the learning process.

He encourages students to focus on understanding the subject matter rather than relying on technology for answers.

The video concludes with a reminder of the importance of learning and understanding math rather than just getting answers.