John81

[John81]

The only present I remember from graduation was the hundred dollar bill my Mom gave me. She had been telling me for years that if I graduated on time she'd give me a hundred dollars; and she did!

[Ashlee]

I traded $100 from graduation for a laptop.

[John81]

I've never used a laptop.

[Ashlee]

they're cool

[John81]

The first one I ever saw looked very tiny and cramped. I've seen some since then that actually looked pretty decent.

[Ashlee]

yep

[John81]

I need a new computer. This one is several years old and seems to be developing more bugs all the time.

[Ashlee]

computers are important in today's society. We even have homework that requires computers.

[John81]

I can still remember when calculators first came out and they were banned from schools and we were not allowed to use them for homework.

[HappyChristian]

Neither were we. Our son was allowed one when he got into some higher math - 'cause you can't figure some things out otherwise!

Speaking of homework - our son just got his acceptance letter for the college he needs to attend while he's doing ROTC. He starts in December on his road to becoming an officer...

[John81]

Cool! Very good for your son. I know you are one proud mom!

These days the schools have them using calculators very early on. I've read several reports stating that memorizing the times tables and such isn't healthy for kids and there is no reason to do so since everyone has calculators. Several reports say it doesn't matter if a child learns how to do math without calculators or not!

No wonder so many of the young cashiers at the stores can't count change and have to look at the monitor a half dozen times before they finally figure out your change due. :roll

[Ashlee]

We are allowed to use calculators in some areas of math. When we get into math that requires calculators or three hours per problem we can use one. When it is a relatively simple math application we are not supposed to use them.

[John81]

Many public schools today have children using calculators in elementary school!

[JerryNumbers]

In most schools is not calculators required?

[John81]

These days it's part of the supply lists they send out. It's easier to teach kids to push buttons than it is to teach them to actually do math.