Find here the original press release dated May 12, 2006:

TI-nspire™ CAS+ learning solution benefits students with different learning styles and increases comprehension by providing the ability to simultaneously see math concepts presented in multiple representations.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND, May 12, 2006

Texas Instruments announced today the New Zealand introduction of the TI-nspire™ CAS+, a classroom learning solution developed specifically for teachers and students in secondary school mathematics . In addition to improved computer algebraic system (CAS) functionality, the TI-nspire™ CAS+, solution provides the ability for users to view different representations of a mathematical concept at the same time. These representations are dynamically linked, so that any changes the user makes to one representation is automatically made to the others to help students see connections and build understanding. This is the first time these representations have been this tightly integrated, and its development was the result of extensive educator feedback requesting this functionality.

“In developing TI-nspire™ CAS+, we worked with educators around the world to better understand the classroom challenges they faced, and how our technology could help,” said Melendy Lovett, president, Texas Instruments, Educational & Productivity Solutions. “Having the ability to teach a child based on what would best help him or her understand the subject matter can make a dramatic difference in the success of that child in maths and science classes, and inspire them to continue studying these subjects.”

The TI-nspire™ CAS+ solution brings together representations including graphing, interactive geometry, and mathematical spreadsheets. Graphs, geometric sketches, spreadsheets of problem-based data, mathematical figures/symbols and text are organized and linked. Up to four representations can be viewed at one time. For instance, the student can view the problem’s description, the values and potential solutions, a graph plotting the data and the equations the student used to solve the problem.

Peter Fox, an educator involved in the New Zealand Ministry of Education CAS Pilot programme and who has worked in the development of TI-nspire™ CAS+, says "When computers changed from text to a more graphical interface it opened up a whole new world for the less technologically literate. The development of TI-nspire™ CAS+ followed a similar path. As an educator involved in the development of this product, much of the focus was on creating an environment that is as user-friendly as possible. If you want to see how an equation changes as the graph is shifted, drag it. As you would expect, the table of values will change too."

Another key teaching benefit of TI-nspire™ CAS+ is the ability it gives students and teachers to create and save their work, including text, graphs and mathematical equations, for use in classroom discussions or as homework. These electronic records provide teachers with the opportunity to better understand a student’s thought process and diagnose problem areas.

To maximize learning, TI-nspire™ CAS+ will be available in both a portable handheld device and a computer software version under the TI-nSpire name. Students can work seamlessly in both environments or use one as their primary platform. “Educators and students differed in terms of the platform they preferred, so we developed the handheld and computer software with the intent of providing them with virtually the same maths and science teaching and learning experience regardless of their preference,” said Lovett.

Activities from leading textbook publishers specific to the new product will be available for TI-nspire™ CAS+ to help teachers integrate the product into existing classroom practice. In addition, an international team of educators from Europe, Canada and Australasia are creating activities that will be included with the TI-nspire™ CAS+ solution.

Teachers Teaching with Technology™ (T3), TI’s professional development organization for math and science instructors, will begin integrating TI-nspire™ CAS+ into their Professional Development Programme early in 2007.

TI-nspire™ CAS+ will be available in August through School Supplies

About Texas Instruments

Educational & Productivity Solutions, a business of Texas Instruments, provides a wide range of advanced tools connecting the classroom experience with real-world applications and enabling students and teachers to explore math and science interactively. Designed with leading educators, Texas Instruments educational technology and services are tested against recognized third-party research on effective instruction and improved student learning. Such research shows that use of graphing calculators and wireless collaborative technology in the classroom helps teachers implement instructional strategies that lead to higher student interest, engagement and achievement in mathematics. For more than 15 years, TI has worked closely with educators and administrators to develop student-focused curricular and supplemental classroom materials, and it supports the world's largest professional development organization for the appropriate use of educational technology.