Texas Instruments Announces New Software - and
Previews Future Concepts - For Its Graphing
Calculators; Advancements in Calculator Technology
Elevate Traditional Classroom Device Into Handheld Computer Complete
With Electronic Upgrades, Add-on Software, And Networking Capabilities
DALLAS, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (NYSE: TXN - news; TI), a leader in educational
technology, continues transforming the handheld graphing calculator into a handheld student computer with the introduction of 14
new titles to its library of math and science software applications (Apps) for its Flash-based handheld products. TI will also offer
educators a glimpse into the company's vision for networking handheld teaching tools via a technology preview at the booth. The
activity takes place at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Meeting in Chicago (Booth 1323) from April
13-15, 2000 at the Navy Pier, Festival Hall, 600 East Grand Avenue.
TI first applied Flash technology to handheld classroom devices over two years ago. These Flash-based products allow users to
electronically upgrade their unit's functionality, as well as download software Apps that support specific curriculum needs --
similar to adding software to a computer. The company now has a line of Flash-based products that complement classroom needs
from the middle grades through university levels.
TI's new software Apps, as well as the concept displayed in the technology preview, build on the company's advancements in
classroom technology and provide educators with new teaching solutions that extend the use of products many of them already
own. The benefits of this for schools and students are, of course, financial, but it also makes it much easier for educators to
implement new teaching technologies.
``Extending and enhancing the use of products that teachers are already familiar with will increase their comfort -- and use -- of
these tools,' said Richard J. Schaar, president, Educational & Productivity Solutions, Texas Instruments. ``Educators can leverage
the knowledge they already have about using our products to immediately use new application features in the classroom.'
According to Schaar, educator knowledge of the TI graphing tools provides a strong knowledge base for TI's Flash-based
products, and makes it easy for teachers to download the electronic Apps. These Apps take them further by allowing them to
select and quickly integrate specific functionality that will enhance their curriculum. The company's technology preview at NCTM
will extend even further into the future, with a network that connects student's handheld units with each other, the teacher and the
Internet.
New Software Apps
The majority of new software Apps support the TI-83 Plus, the company's most popular high school graphing product. This
includes Topics in Algebra I (also available for the TI-73 middle grades graphing product) and Selected Topics in Secondary
Science. These Apps provide teachers and students with actual curriculum in an electronic format that compliments their
textbooks. Each topic has a table of contents, an overview of the topic, suggestions on what is important to observe and activities
to reinforce skills.
Other new Apps, such as Inequality Graphing, Conic Graphing, and Constants & Conversions, add functionality and enhance
visualization to reinforce key concepts.
TI also announced that selected Apps would be available under a site license, enabling schools to easily implement the Apps in a
cost efficient manner. With a site license, an App can be loaded to any unit owned by a school, teacher or student while at that
school.
Several of TI's Apps were created by third-party developers. Interest in development of Apps for TI's Flash-based products has
increased significantly over the past year, and further positions these products as handheld computers.
Technology Preview
TI is previewing a new learning environment in which existing TI Flash- based technology can be used to help create a network
between students, the teacher and the Internet. Using TI-83 Plus units, the network offers simultaneous two-way communication
between the student's handheld units and the teacher's Internet-connected PC. Students can also communicate with one another
through the teacher's PC. As an aid to teachers, mechanisms are included that allow the teacher control over all communication.
The network promotes knowledge sharing for a more enriched learning environment. Teachers can deliver Internet data or
activities to students, students can work through interactive activities and assignments in class or on an individual basis, with the
capability to share questions and their solutions with the entire class. Teachers can collect homework and quiz answers
immediately and electronically, and evaluate student comprehension as they work.
Note to the Editor: The Educational & Productivity Solutions business of Texas Instruments helps students and teachers explore
and learn about the worlds of math and science, and connect the classroom experience with real world applications. TI's line of
learning technology and services is designed with educators to meet the changing needs of math and science. Technology includes
handheld and graphing tools, data collecting devices and computer software. Educator services extend the use and value of these
learning tools, and help teachers create specialized solutions for their classroom needs. More information is available at
www.ti.com/calc.
Texas Instruments Incorporated is a global semiconductor company and the world's leading designer and supplier of digital signal
processing and analog technologies, the engines driving the digitization of electronics. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the
company's businesses also include materials and controls, educational and productivity solutions, and digital imaging. The company
has manufacturing or sales operations in more than 25 countries. |
