HP CAS Calculators in New Zealand

HP calculators has been very active in New Zealand over the past few years. In partnership with Atlas Gentech a major project that HP calculators has actively participated in was the CAS Pilot Program. This program was instigated by the NZ Ministry of Education and primarily saw the introduction of CAS (Computer Algebra Systems) calculators into the year 9 math classrooms. Dr Chris Longhurst from Australia wrote programs, worksheets and presented a pd program to teachers in 2006 and 2007 allowing them to use this inovative technology in their classrooms. NZ is the first country to introduce CAS at the beginning of a students algebra experience.

The use of the extensive HP e-lessons, aplets and resources ensured that both teachers and students found the introduction of hand held CAS calculators in the learning environment was an easy and rewarding tool.

Schools that already use the HP 39gs graphic calculator found it a very simple transition to the HP 40gs CAS calculator. HP and Atlas Gentech are both committed to on going teacher education and the production of investigative worksheets for classroom use. The CAS pilot program is being presented to schools in Auckland at present, but Atlas Gentech is keen to involve schools in all areas of New Zealand in the future.