Journal Screenshot

International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2226-6348

The Effectiveness of eCalculator in Enhancing Students' Comprehension in Calculus

Siti Mariam Saad, Siti Nurleena Abu Mansor, Ahmad Rashidi Azudi

http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v13-i3/22140

Open access

Integrating technology into education can improve learning outcomes and teaching quality. For instance, the use of a scientific calculator, a type of educational technology, has been explored for its potential to enhance the teaching and learning of calculus. Since calculus is fundamental to fields such as science and engineering, possessing a strong mathematical and calculus foundation becomes essential for students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) study programs. To empower students in understanding calculus and solving problems related to differentiation and integration, an innovative tool, namely the eCALculator, has been developed. The eCALculator provides a comprehensive and accessible solution, guiding students in using a scientific calculator to learn calculus, especially in determining a function’s derivatives and integrals. This innovative tool has been presented in the form of a step-by-step e-manual, which is accessible via a flipbook and includes instructional videos on using a scientific calculator, along with exercises. The tool has been tested with 40 students enrolled in calculus courses at UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang. Results indicate that the use of the eCALculator manual has helped students improve their comprehension of fundamental calculus concepts and enhance their accuracy in solving calculus problems. This tool, particularly beneficial for students with lower achievements in mathematics, has the potential to boost motivation and interest in learning calculus.

Abdul Rahman, M. S., Mansor, S. N. A., & Saad, S. M. (2022). Scientific Calculator Proficiency and Competency Among Secondary School Students in Mathematics Education. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 11(2), 1002–1011. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v11-i2/14043
Abedalaziz, N. (2011). Assessment of Students Attitudes Towards Scientific Calculators Use in Mathematics Instruction. OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development, 2(8), 11–22.
Amanti, P. G., Natasya, L., & Kok Min, N. (2023). Scientific Calculators in Mathematics Classroom: A Hindrance or a Scaffold? In Instructional Media for Mathematics (Vol. 1, Issue 1).
Dagan, M., Satianov, P., & Teicher, M. (2020). Improving Calculus Learning Using a Scientific Calculator. Open Education Studies, 2(1), 220–227. https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2020-0125
Darling-Hammond, L., Flook, L., Cook-Harvey, C., Barron, B., & Osher, D. (2020). Implications for Educational Practice of the Science of Learning and Development. Applied Developmental Science, 24(2), 97–140.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2018.1537791
Ellington, A. J. (2003). A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Calculators on Students’ Achievement and Attitude Levels in Precollege Mathematics Classes. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 34(5), 433–463. www.nctm.org.
Kissane, B., & Kemp, M. (2012). The Place of Calculators in Mathematics Education in Developing Countries. In The Place of Calculators in Mathematics Education in Developing Countries Journal of Science and Mathematics Education in Southeast Asia (Vol. 35, Issue 2).
Nardo, M. T. B. (2017). Modular Instruction Enhances Learner Autonomy. American Journal of Educational Research, 5(10), 1024–1034. https://doi.org/10.12691/education-5-10-3
Ochanda, J. P., & Indoshi, F. C. (2011). Challenges and Benefits of Using Scientific Calculators in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics in Secondary School Education. Journal of Media and Communication Studies, 3(3), 102–111.
Parrot, M. A. S., & Leong, K. E. (2018). Impact of Using Graphing Calculator in Problem Solving. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 13(3).
https://doi.org/10.12973/iejme/2704
Polly, D. (2008). Modelling the Influence of Calculator Use and Teacher Effects on First Grade Students' Mathematics Achievement, Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 27(3), pp. 245-263
Radzuan, F. S., Kamarudin, N., Khambari, M. N. M., & Arsad, N. M. (2021). Impact of Scientific Calculators in Mathematics among Low-Achieving Students in a Secondary School in Kajang, Selangor. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 29, 199–214. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.29.s1.11
Satianov, P. (2015). Using Calculators in Teaching Calculus. Mathematics Teaching-Research Journal Online, 7(4). www.hostos.cuny.edu/departments/math/mtrj
Tan, H. (2015). Gender and Technology: A Case of Graphics Calculators in the Singaporean Mathematics Curriculum Context. In Diversity in Mathematics Education: Towards Inclusive Practices (pp. 81–102).
Wijaya, A., Retnawati, H., Yunianto, W., Laksmi, P. A., Meilina, M., & Amanti, P. G. (2019). Scientific Calculators to Improve Students’ Critical Thinking Skills: An Evidence from Mathematical Exploration in Mathematics Classroom. Electronic Proceedings of the 24th Asian Technology Conference in Mathematics, 1–18.
Zhu, M., Berri, S., & Zhang, K. (2021). Effective Instructional Strategies and Technology Use in Blended Learning: A Case Study. Education and Information Technologies, 26(5), 6143–6161. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10544-w

(Saad et al., 2024)
Saad, S. M., Mansor, S. N. A., & Azudi, A. R. (2024). The Effectiveness of eCalculator in Enhancing Students’ Comprehension in Calculus. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 13(3), 1754–1760.