TI-Nspire graphing calcs get full color displays, 3D, WiFi, and new OS

It's been a good year or so since the TI-Nspire line of graphing calculators got a refresh, but that was nothing compared to what the company's planning for this year. Possibly responding to changing times (or the Casio Prizm), the new Nspire devices are getting a WiFi dongle for communication with TI-Navigator workstations, a 16-bit (320 x 240) full color display, and a number of new functions, including the ability to load images and analyze images for such things as curve fitting functions and regressions. Perhaps even more exciting, the new Nspire OS 3.0 features 3D functions -- and, yes, the original grayscale TI-Nspire models will be able to upgrade to the new OS when it becomes available this spring. Tech Powered Math is reporting a mid-April release date, for an MSRP of $165. Totally psyched? We bet you are! See the PR after the break for more info.

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TI-Nspire CX Handheld by Texas Instruments Brings Color and Images to Math and Science Learning

New suite of Nspired Learning tools creates the foundation for interactive classrooms

DALLAS, Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In its quest to support math and science educators in achieving learning goals for their students, Texas Instruments rolls out its Nspired Learning solution with the introduction of the new color-display TI-Nspire™ CX handheld. With the Nspired Learning solution, teachers are able to build their own interactive and engaging math and science classrooms.

The TI-Nspire CX handheld is the cornerstone of the Nspired Learning solution. The TI-Nspire CX handheld offers a set of fully integrated tools that allow dynamic links among multiple representations of a problem. The color display enables students to better observe patterns and make connections between math and science concepts and real-world learning. With the TI-Nspire CX and TI-Nspire CAS handhelds' new 3D graphing capabilities, students can explore concepts from multiple points of view to develop deeper conceptual understanding.

"The TI-Nspire CX handheld exponentially changes how we can teach mathematics," said Carlo Trafficante, the first educator to pilot the TI-Nspire CX handheld in a classroom. Trafficante teaches Calculus, Integrated Algebra and Geometry, and Advanced Math at Austintown Fitch High School in Youngstown, Ohio. "With the addition of color as a key learning cue and with 3D graphing, students can better visualize and interact with class exercises. I can emphasize different parts of an equation with color, so the charts, tables, graphics and even photographs that I import into my lessons have more impact and relevance, and enable students to make the important connections among all of these representations."

Research(1) shows that when students are engaged and actively participate in their own learning, they progress faster and further in understanding mathematics and science. Graphing handhelds such as the TI-Nspire handhelds have been shown to foster student engagement and encourage participation in their own learning.

"At Texas Instruments we work with educators to develop new math and science learning technology to help them better engage students in mastering key concepts," said Melendy Lovett, president of Texas Instruments Education Technology. "The TI-Nspire CX handheld and software update is not only a graphing calculator; it is special-purpose technology created to give teachers new ways to reach students and achieve learning breakthroughs."

The TI-Nspire CX and TI-Nspire CX CAS handhelds deliver a 16-bit, 320 x 240 pixel high-resolution color display for clear, crisp viewing. With this display, teachers and students can see sharp, full-color images and animations. The new TI-Nspire CX handhelds offer a slim profile, sleek design, and a rechargeable battery.

The TI-Nspire CX handheld is permitted for use on the SAT*, AP*, PSAT/NSMQT*, IB®, and ACT® college entrance exams, as well as many state standardized tests.

TI-Nspire Software Version 3.0

TI-Nspire Software Version 3.0 includes the new PublishView™ feature, a digital content authoring and publishing tool. With the PublishView feature, educators can create interactive lessons that can be published to the Web or easily printed as worksheets. Students can use the PublishView tool to create reports and class presentations. The software allows users to load their own images, animations and even video into their TI-Nspire documents to create vibrant activities. The software can be loaded on a PC or MAC® computer.

Nspired Learning

Along with the handheld, the Nspired Learning offering includes student monitoring and assessment technology, ready-to-use digital lessons, and professional development services. With its Nspired Learning solution, Texas Instruments empowers teachers to create interactivity in their math and science classrooms in ways that complement the way they teach and the way their students learn.

When a TI-Nspire handheld is linked to a teacher's classroom computer via the wireless TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ system – including the new TI-Nspire™ CX Navigator™ system – teachers can better understand the progress of individual students, personalize their teaching style to fit class needs, and promote discussions that allow students to share ideas and learn from each other.

TI also offers the Math Nspired resource center, a collection of free, online lessons and tools that enable teachers to leverage TI-Nspire technology with ready-to-use lessons that cover tough-to-teach, tough-to-learn topics. TI will launch the Science Nspired resource center for Physics and Chemistry in time for back to school 2011.

TI rounds out its Nspired Learning offering with T3™ - Teachers Teaching with Technology ™ - professional development services. The T3 organization provides customizable professional development in a variety of formats, ranging from conferences and workshops to live and on-demand webinars to help educators sharpen their pedagogy skills using the latest TI technology.

For more information on the TI-Nspire CX handhelds or the full line of TI-Nspire technology and resources, visit http://education.ti.com/calculators/products/US/Nspire-Family/CX-Handhelds.