Desmos is an online graphing calculator that can easily be accessed for free. It's a great way to show students a visual representation of different functions and what changes when you change certain parameters. There is also a free app that is downloadable on multiple smartphone platforms. Students could even use this app instead of purchasing a TI-83. The major downfall for this approach in the classroom would be that students cannot save any graphs/files without paying for the full version.
An actual assessment application of this website could be the following. Students need to learn behaviours of graphs when parameters change within a certain function.(i.e. odd,even,end behaviour, maximums, zeros, etc.) Students could be given a assignment where they need to draw a picture using different functions. A list of certain types of functions could be mandatory for students to include and screen shot of image and functions could be used for submission. This assessment could be a great way to include technology in the classroom, differentiate instruction using an artistic approach, and teach students a useful way their phone can be used for learning.
Desmos is a great app - there are also lessons and activities available for it as well.
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