NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #31/NN_1992_31.iso/spool/comp/sys/hp48/6440

Text File | 1992-12-21 | 3.3 KB | 76 lines

Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp48
Path: sparky!uunet!caen!spool.mu.edu!mixcom.com!kevin.jessup
From: kevin.jessup <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Using programmable calcs in exams
Organization: Milwaukee Internet Xchange BBS, Milwaukee, WI U.S.A.
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 1992 15:39:34 GMT
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
References: <[e-mail]> <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail] (Kevin Jessup)
Lines: 63

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (MILLER, DARREL L.) writes:

>  I'm looking for some feedback on the attitude different universities have
>  to using calculators like the HP48 in examiniations.

I ran into the same "resistance" to calculators in the undergraduate EE
program at Marquette University in Milwaukee.  This was back when the HP28C
first became available and I was the only one in class who had one.

While solving simultaneous equations (for a circuit analysis class) on an
exam, the prof "caught" me using the HP's matrix capability to solve
the equation.  I stated that what was important was NOT doing the laborious
math but setting up the equations that needed to be solved!  He then said,
"NO!  You are required to show ALL your work. Do not be LAZY and use your
calculator as a crutch."

A crutch?  Get a life, Jack!  How many times do you manually have to solve
a matrix before they realize you know what you are doing?  Is the time not
better spent studying the the principles needed to properly set-up the
equations in the first place?

Finally, two years later in a thermodynamics class, I found a professor
who understood that concept.  He allowed full open-book tests, crib sheets
and all the computing power you could haul into the room.  The tests were
so difficult that only those who fully understood the underlying theory
and the application to real-world problems had a chance of passing the test.
While a final numeric answer was was asked for, simple errors in math had
little effect on your grade.  More important were the systems of equations
you came up with which described the problem at hand.

Now just who are the lazy ones here?  The professors who write exams that
are so simple all you need is a calculator to get an "A" or the students
who use the calculators?  It's easy to write a "tough" exam if all you
are going to test is the ability to manually solve the same laborious math
problems over and over again.  What requires time and dedication, is writing
a test that will test your student's understanding of the theory required to
set up the equations in the first place.  Those professors are the ones that
get my respect.

Knowledge of the tools available in your work can help.  Knowledge of
when and where to apply those tools is another matter.

Giving someone an easel and canvas will not guarantee a work of art.
Giving someone a computer and software will not guarantee a solid design.


Kevin Jessup, Software Engineer
Diagnostics Division
Marquette Electronics, Inc.
8200 W Tower Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53223

Office:   [phone]
Home:     [phone]
HP48 BBS: [phone] (6PM to 7AM CST)

Note: Marquette Electronics is in no way affiliated with Marquette University

--
Kevin Jessup, [e-mail]

        "Friends don't let friends run DOS."
                          -- Microware