21-241: Using Tecnology

I've been asked about the use of technology (graphing calculators, computer algebra systems) on your homework assignments. I don't place any restrictions on the use of these tools. As you use them, however, you need to bear in mind a few things:

1. The goal of the course (and homework assignments) is for you to learn techniques, not "get answers." If a question requires you to solve some system of equations, using Maple's 'solve' command will not get you any credit. You can, however, use commands that make Maple perform the various operations, just as if you were doing them on paper.



2. As you work on your assignments, bear in mind that you will not have access to a calculator on the exams. Don't come to rely too heavily on technological approaches.



3. At the same time, some homework problems may assume that you do have access to a calculator. If a problem requires you do divide 12.983 into 137.98372423, don't worry about how you would do that on the exams. Just get out your calculator and do it.