TI-Npsire Navigator System Makes Statistics Interactive

Ruth Carver, Chair of the US math department has been a change agent for the teaching of mathematics during the whole of her career.  An early adapter of technology in the classroom, her recent work with the TI-Nspire Navigator System is changing the way students interact with each other and the subject. The TI-Nspire Navigator System uses the school's network to connect student and teacher computers for realtime assessment and instruction. When asked about the the process Carver shared this: 

"Working with real data is an integral part of AP Statistics. In the past, this was not always easy to accomplish. In addition to finding relevant data sets, I would have to type them into my calculator and transfer them one at a time to student’s TI-84 calculators. This process was time consuming and also not an optimal way to utilize class time. It also pretty much ruled out using bigger, more interesting data sets. Using the system, I can copy a data set from the internet into the software version of the calculator on my computer and wirelessly transfer it to all of the students in the class. Voila! Within seconds we are ready to explore the data. The system also work seamlessly with the Smart board.  I can view all of the student’s calculator screens on the Smart board and select a student to be the presenter, allowing the rest of the class to follow what she or he is doing on the calculator in real time.  I can also add a link on Smart to a video clip or article that will give the class additional insight into the data that we are investigating. I have utilized the recording feature on Smart to produce interactive review lessons which can be accessed on the course site on the VLE in addition to applets for investigating statistical concepts and other interactive lessons.  Smart + VLE + TI-Npsire = an engaged an interactive math class."