Tech. Assessment

Assessing Texas Instrument’s TI-83 Calculator

For the assignment of assessing a piece of technology, I chose to assess a Texas Instruments T-83 calculator. The TI-83 is made out of plastic, a small amount of metal, batteries and a complex computing system. This technological tool called a TI-83 is mainly used for mathematical uses and recording data within it’s small storage capacity. It is also capable of transferring data and programs from one TI model calculator to another. The TI is very light and or temporary, meaning the TI-83 is capable of being transported or disposed of very easily. I would say it deals with information and does work for us humans. It is intelligent enough to inform the user when it’s batteries need to be changed. The TI-83 as an active piece of technology since the operator has to touch it directly and the fact that it a\can not function without human contact. The TI-83 is very dependable because calculators do not make calculating mistakes, a human may enter information into it incorrectly, but the calculations will always been done correctly.

The TI is a very efficient and speedy tool being only as slow as the operator’s fingers. It also extends the operator’s ability to solve mathematical problems and situations faster with a somewhat lower degree of human error. The human operator can still enter the information into the TI-83 incorrectly. However, a calculator like the TI-83 may be so handy and functional that people may rely on it too much. People extend their problem solving capabilities when using the TI, which ultimately may be detrimental to their ability to solve mathematical problems long-handed or in other words without a calculator. So does that mean people can become slaves to the TI-83 if we become too reliant on it to solve our math problems for us? People give up their natural ability to use their brain to calculate their information or data, but save time and headaches by having a helpful tool such as the TI-83.

The TI also has an emotional tie or bond with the operator. There is a sense of gratification from the when after many calculations on the TI-83 have been made and a correct final answer is obtained. The same goes for when an incorrect figure is calculated, which can follow with frustration and anger, just to name a few. Overall, the TI-83 is a superior calculator to other small hand held calculators. With its ability to quickly and correctly calculate and graph complex mathematical equations, the TI-83 is a piece of technology that has made the lives of its users much easier. It, along with the development of all calculators, has changed the way not only students and mathematicians use math, but people in general. As an owner and operator of a TI-83, I am very glad to have one as well as have wanted to throw it across the room.