CLEMSON, S.C. — Casio's Education Division Tuesday announced that Clemson University is Casio's Center of Academic Training. This partnership enables Casio to further organize its nationwide professional development program for math teachers.
Along with Casio's PRIZM graphing calculator, a Clemson University instructional model called 4Ex2 will be used to frame lessons in this program, which is based on ideas developed through Clemson University's Inquiry in Motion Institute and Center of Excellence for Inquiry in Mathematics and Science. The 4Ex2 model helps teachers foster deep thinking about content (engage, explore, explain and extend) as they guide students, then make instructional decisions through formative assessments and reflection.
Designed to enrich mathematics classrooms by implementing the latest advancements in educational technology, Casio's Professional Development Program further embraces the 4Ex2 Instructional Model. This model is strongly focused on inquiry-based instruction and unites three major learning constructs to improve learning: inquiry instruction, formative assessment and reflective practice.
Casio's PRIZM will foster investigations and a deeper level of thinking and understanding of in-depth mathematical concepts, resulting in a rigorous and authentic inquiry-based learning experience, said Bob Horton, professor of secondary mathematics education in Clemson's Eugene T. Moore School of Education and co-director of the Inquiry in Motion Institute and Center of Excellence for Inquiry in Mathematics and Science. Horton will oversee Clemson's educational involvement in the center's activities. Horton has consulted with Casio Education for more than a decade in his pursuit of the best approach for teachers to use calculators to enhance learning in the mathematics classroom.
"This partnership with Casio will enable us to help make mathematics meaningful for students," Horton said. "With tools such as Casio's PRIZM, we can engage students in explorations that delve into important ideas and encourage critical thinking about content. Too many people, including adults, have not developed the ability to think and reason mathematically. When we use technology such as graphing calculators appropriately, students will have not only the skills they need for success in tomorrow's world, but they will have a much deeper understanding of the power, the beauty and the connections that math has to offer."
Casio touts its latest innovation, PRIZM, as revolutionary among graphing calculators with features that enhance users' understanding of mathematics, including a high-resolution color LCD display with various functions designed to assist with mathematics lessons. Equipped with the world's first Picture Plot function, students and teachers can experiment by graphing mathematical expressions on top of real-life images, allowing for more visual, discovery-based learning.
"The days of a calculator being an 'answer device' are in the past," said Amber Branch, director of curriculum and training of Casio's Education Division. "Today, we are charged with preparing students to be viable trail-blazers in the 21st century and Casio has pioneered ground-breaking technology that allows teachers and students to attack STEM-driven (science, technology, engineering, math) curriculum from multiple fronts. Our technology doesn't take over the math and science classroom, but enhances it, making an immediate impact on the way students comprehend science and mathematics — a critical component of not only succeeding, but surpassing STEM-related standards and expectations."
As the Center of Casio Academic Training, Clemson University will host a "train-the-trainer" session in late July for all of Casio's lead trainers. Clemson and Casio also will work together to prepare the entire mathematical division at Lakeside Middle School — a STEM School of Inquiry and Innovation located in Anderson — on the PRIZM as part of a major research project, which will determine how the use of the calculators affects student achievement and attitude.
"Casio has become a major player in improving mathematics education in the United States and we're proud that Clemson is a partner in that effort," said Horton. "We are pleased that Casio recognized the leadership potential in the Eugene T. Moore School of Education."
For more information on this partnership, visit http://www.casioeducation.com/support/community/News and www.clemson.edu/iim.
Casio America Inc.
Casio America Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions, established in 1957. Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products.
Casio's Education Division is a global pioneer of handheld learning, with innovation at the heart of everything we do. From the world's first electronic calculator, scientific calculator and graphing calculator to today's current models — our inspiration is born from working with teachers. For more information, visit www.casioeducation.com.
Clemson University
Ranked No. 23 among national public universities, Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered community characterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration, school spirit, and a competitive drive to excel.