#45 What do is our opinion of caluclators

I hate them, but have used them for so long, I can't seem to do it anymore in my head! I don't trust my brain anymore I guess?

This is a very good topic and discussion as I wonder too what happened to us using our heads to do math, especially the simple calculations like addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. As an instructor I try to get my students to do their math using scrap paper, pencil and their head. I think it is healthier for us to use our head than a computer or calculator but it seems people want to take the easy way out.

Here is a good one for you. It was busy in the store to the point that I was frazzled. I grabbed a calculator to figure out 5 in to 25. Yea.

I have real mixed feelings about this. It is sad how many kids to do not know simple addition/subtraction/multiplication/division. But, I also understand that it is important to know how to use a calculator. I believe once a student shows that they know how to do the math on their own, they can use the calculator for harder computations.

I used to be very good at math, but I am also guilty of becoming lazy and much too dependent on my calculator. I use it for even the most simple things, such as deducting a check from my checking account balance. I just don't seem to "trust" myself to do it right without the electronic help. Recently I was out shopping with my Mom and she wrote a check for a purchase in the store and entered the check, quickly deducting the check and writing the new balance. I was almost amazed, thinking to myself that I would have waited until I got home and done it with my calculator!

OMG :O ... you're first in reputation here on myLot ...

It is a disgrace, kids these days have terrible math skills and depend on calculators to do even basic math calculations.

I think calculators are used too often, especially in schools. My daughter especially has difficulty with maths and goes straight for a calculator to work anything out. Firstly I wonder why the teachers don't do more number fact tests each day as we used to. I know a calculator is nice and easy but I agree that if you don't use it, you lose it.

Withe the improvement of technology, computers and calculators are really a necessity now a day. Sometimes even I have some trouble in mental calculations of math now, good thing when we are in grade school we were ask to memorize the multiplication table, and until now, even if I forget some there are still good number that i can remember. I encourage parents to let their children do the math mentally, if they learn the basics of math at an early age, they will keep it for years.

most of my life I have worked in bars and restaurants so I've had to use my head and sometimes a piece of scrap paper for counting. But I always use a calculator at home! silly or what? calculate anything anywhere... online, pocket, pc, pda, wap and cellphone calculators http://www.calculator.com/

I am apalled at the number of people who cannot do simple calculations in their head. I was at the hairdresser recently and she asked me, "I found ...on sale and it was marked 75% off. It cost 25 dollars so how much will it be on sale if I go back to get it?" I wanted to cry. I feel we need to have children doing math in thier heads or long hand until they can manipulate numbers and do quick mental math very well. Only then should they get a calculator. Perhaps not allowing calculators until junior high!

It is true that in school they now encourage children to use calcualors . I am not sure why this is as it will be harder for them to figure out prices when they are older and in a store . I never learned my multiplications when I was in school and still struggle with this by using my fingers but now in school they will tell you this is alright as it is better then affecting the child's self esteem by trying to make them learn them . I figure the children of now are going to have a harder time in the future because the teacher's are so worried about affecting self esteen then they are with actually teaching children now adays .