Let’s face it: for someone who’s never been a math enthusiast, I’ve owned way too many Texas Instruments calculators—at least five, to be exact. My journey with these gadgets started in high school, continued through my college years, and even included a surprising chapter as a math tutor. Every couple of years, I found myself purchasing a new one, usually because I misplaced or had one stolen. Now, I can’t help but wonder where that money went. If I’d invested the $500 I spent on those calculators back in 1988, it would have blossomed into a small fortune. But honestly, I don’t need a calculator to tell me that.
So, why are we still buying TI-83s? It’s been two decades since I first bought one, and here I am, prepping to purchase one for my kids. In an age where I can simply Google “compound interest” and get an instant answer for free, why would I fork out $140 for this outdated technology? With devices so small they could fit in your pocket, why are students still carrying around calculators the size of a cookbook? In short, why does Texas Instruments seem to have a lock on graphing calculators?
The truth is, they kind of do. As reported by journalist Sam Peterson, Texas Instruments has a massive grip on high school math tools. The American education system is practically addicted to their calculators. The TI-series has been around so long that it’s become ingrained in U.S. mathematics instruction. Peterson even points out that Pearson textbooks feature illustrations of these calculators, making it tough to transition students to new technologies.
One of the biggest reasons we—and our children—are tethered to Texas Instruments is standardized testing. For instance, only certain calculators are allowed in the SATs. While I understand the intention is to curb cheating, I’ve seen students program their TI-83s with formulas and notes, which seems counterproductive.
Furthermore, Texas Instruments employs a legion of educators trained to use their calculators, who promote the products passionately. They even set up extensive displays at teaching conferences. The numbers are staggering: in the 2013-2014 school year, Texas Instruments sold 93% of graphing calculators in the U.S. They manufacture these devices for roughly $15 to $20 but sell them at a significant markup, making them one of the company’s most lucrative products.
Of course, there are cheaper alternatives—like Casio calculators, which retail for about $50. One math teacher in Pennsylvania told Peterson, “The difference between TI and Casio? Marketing.” This disparity isn’t much of an issue for families that can afford the pricier option, but it becomes a significant burden for those struggling to make ends meet. Requiring students to buy a bulky, outdated piece of equipment for math class and standardized tests? That’s a tough sell. As Peterson notes, the way Texas Instruments collaborates with testing companies and educational publishers perpetuates the achievement gap between affluent students and those from lower-income families.
The good news? There are now free apps that are user-friendly and gaining traction in classrooms. Honestly, I found that I learned math more effectively when I used pencil and paper, and I think my students did too. When it comes time for my own kids to tackle math, I’ll be encouraging them to stick with No. 2 pencils and graph paper. If they want a taste of ’80s tech nostalgia, they can always pop a cassette in my Sony Walkman.
Summary
The TI-83 calculator has remained a staple in education for years, largely due to its monopoly in the market and its deep integration into standardized testing and teaching practices. As alternatives emerge, the question remains—why are we still tied to such outdated technology?