
It is not their fault. They enter high school and the teacher puts a calculator in their hands.Don't know the multiplication tables? No problem. Use the calculator.
Can't work with fractions? No problem. The calculator has a fraction button.
Can't solve an equation? No problem. The Casio will do it for you. And for the cheap price available, the school has one for everyone to borrow.
Can't work with complex numbers?No problem, the TI 83 has a mode that will work with all the imaginary numbers you want.
Attend a college that does not permit calculators?
BIG PROBLEM!!!!!!!
Kids are going through school taught to do everything on a calculator. Passing exams is all that matters and using a calculator correctly will certainly get them through the exams with good grades. These same kids are now sitting in a college class where calculators are not permitted. The school has standards and believes everyone should have basic arithmetic skills. The school believes their diploma should mean something. Too bad high schools don't have the same values.