Include Graphing Calculator in Edulastic Without Premium

How to Add a Graphing Calculator

Adding a graphing calculator to your Edulastic activities involves a few straightforward steps:

Step 1: Create or Edit an Activity

Begin by creating a new activity or editing an existing one in your Edulastic dashboard.

Step 2: Add a Question

Within your activity, add a new question. You can choose from various question types, but for graphing purposes, a "Text Entry" or "Multiple Choice" question works well.

Step 3: Embed a Graphing Tool

Edulastic allows you to embed external tools. Here's how to do it:

1. Click on the "Embed" option when creating or editing a question.
2. Select "Embed URL" from the available options.
3. Enter the URL of a free graphing calculator. Some popular options include Desmos, GeoGebra, or the Graphing Calculator from MathPapa.
4. Adjust the dimensions and other settings as needed.

Step 4: Provide Instructions

Include clear instructions in your question about how students should use the graphing calculator. Explain what they need to graph and what they should observe.

Step 5: Review and Publish

After setting up the question with the embedded calculator, review your activity to ensure everything works as expected. Once you're satisfied, publish the activity.

Alternative Methods

If embedding a graphing calculator isn't suitable for your needs, consider these alternative approaches:

1. Use Screenshots

Create graphs using a separate graphing tool and include them as images in your Edulastic questions. This method is simple but less interactive.

2. Describe the Graph

Instead of showing the graph, describe it in detail in your question. This approach works well for conceptual understanding but lacks the visual component.

3. Link to External Tools

Provide students with direct links to free graphing calculators. This gives them more flexibility but requires them to leave the Edulastic platform.

Best Practices

To make the most of graphing calculators in Edulastic, follow these best practices:

1. Choose the Right Tool

Select a graphing calculator that aligns with your educational goals. Consider factors like ease of use, available functions, and compatibility with Edulastic.

2. Provide Clear Instructions

Ensure students understand how to use the graphing calculator. Include step-by-step instructions if necessary.

3. Integrate with Assessments

Use the graphing calculator to enhance your assessments. For example, ask students to graph a function and then answer questions about it.

4. Monitor Student Use

Keep track of how students are using the graphing calculator. This helps you identify areas where they might need additional support.

5. Update Regularly

Regularly review and update your activities to ensure they remain effective and relevant.