For the past two years, math teacher Jane Gillespie has expanded her horizons beyond quadrilaterals and equations to working with TI-Nspire calculator technology. These new devices are capable of complex problem-solving. Gillespie has been chosen by Texas Instruments as a tester for new products.

Gillespie will travel to Atlanta, GA, to learn more about Texas Instruments teaching methods, at an event called Teachers Teaching with Technology International Conference, March 3-6.

After Gillespie’s first year of teaching at Washington Union High School, she was offered a spot in “piloting” the program for their school, which carried over to FC.

“This is my third year participating in the program,” Gillespie said. “I thoroughly enjoy the program and I am glad I am actively involved.”

The seminar will be held over three days. Throughout the time, Gillespie will be involved in many classes to learn more about calculator technology, as well as talking to others about her classroom tactics.

“The first day, professional development from TI will be talking to everyone and explaining new and better methods,” Gillespie said. “The second and third day will be filled with teaching others what we do in the classroom and how it affects the kids in a positive or negative way. There will be 50-100 people there.”

Gillespie says the opportunity to teach her own session is a good, if a nerve-wracking, one.

“I am really excited to represent Fresno Christian,” Gillespie said, “and learn more about different opportunities. I am a little nervous for my first session on my own, but I know it will be a great experience.”

The growth and development of the TI method has allowed participating students to utilize their best learning style.

“I’m not an auditory learner so the calculator helps me be more hands-on,” freshman Allie Frea said. “Just hearing a lecture from a teacher does not help me as much.”

The change and development of math technology has different effects on students. Gillespie hopes for positive feedback from students.

“The change in some students can be affective,” Gillespie said. “Not all students appreciate that special kind of learning but other students find help with it.”

Gillespie will next travel to San Diego for the 88th annual National Conference of Teaching Mathematics, April 21-24.

For more information on the math department, read the Dec. 16, 2009 article, Calculator technology expedites learning process or the Feb. 26 article, Fenton leads math trail-blazing. Or, check out its Web site.