HP Launches Web-based Virtual Classroom Training for Calculators

HP recently launched three teacher training and learning aid programs for educators and students.

The programs include online courses, virtual classrooms and ’emulator’ software that allows for HP calculators to be presented on a computer screen and projected digitally. The interactive software is expected to quickly replace the clunky, outmoded traditional overhead projectors and transparencies that most teachers have been using.

The programs are designed to maximize the benefits customers get from the company´s broad line of calculators, whether they are used in high school, college or the professions of science, math, medicine, engineering, surveying, finance and real estate.

The online courses are free to the public. The virtual classes and emulators are available free of charge to educators(1) in high schools, higher education and businesses.

Online for everyone

HP released an array of training modules including interactive, self-paced Web modules (in English). The courses range from topics in pre-algebra, calculus and statistics through figuring return on investment, bond yields and mortgage loan amortization. Initial courses will be for the HP39g+ graphing calculator, which is aimed at high schools, and HP´s line of financial calculators: the HP10bII, HP17bII+, HP12c and HP12c Platinum.

A general ‘Power of the HP Graphing Series’ class is planned to be offered beginning Nov. 15. These online courses are expected to be translated and offered in other languages within the next six months.

Virtual classes

For educators who want a more interactive experience, HP will host eight new virtual classrooms for educators in the United States. These classes, hosted by a distinguished HP panel of experienced educators, are set in real time with an instructor always on hand throughout the session to answer questions and to introduce new, unscheduled topics to the virtual class. Some of the topics include introduction to finance, pre-calculus, algebra I and II and solving for electronic circuit applications. Educators are urged to register now for these complimentary classes on the HP Calculator Web site.

Calculator emulators for educators

Also available now to qualified educators(1) is emulator software for most of HP´s calculators. This software transforms a PC into a working calculator, giving both educators and students access to a mouse-controlled, on-screen replica of a completely functional calculator. The software is available now to educators in the United States and Europe and will be available in other geographic regions by the end of the month.

Using the emulator software is simple. The teacher connects a PC loaded with the software to a projector and has instant access to an ’emulator’ calculator. Similar to a real calculator, the projection screen shows a larger-than-life demonstration of each keystroke required to solve complex engineering, computer science, math and business problems.

Instead of peering over shoulders to look at a handheld device, students can sit in lecture halls observing with ease the step-by-step instructions the instructor is demonstrating.

The HP calculator emulator software requires the use of a PC with a CD reader and Internet access for activation. PC-compatible projector and PC are not included in this offer and must be purchased separately.

Note: HP reserves the right to refuse fulfillment. Only one emulator CD will be issued per educator. Each emulator CD can be installed on up to 3 computers. Software automatically expires after 3 installations. User must agree to HP software license agreement at time of installation. Allow 4-8 weeks for delivery.

-- Math educators for HP39g+, 48gII, 49g+ graphing calculators, which are popular for teaching math and physics concepts using visual representations.

-- Engineering / computer science educators for scientific calculator models HP48gII, 49g+ graphing and HP33s - a pocket-sized powerhouse preferred by many medical, engineering and surveying students and professionals that meets requirements for many licensing exams.

-- Finance professors for HP models 10bII, 12c Platinum, 17bII+: hp.com / go / bizemulators. Favorites of real estate and financial planners as well as MBA students, HP financial calculators can calculate mortgage and loan payments, do amortization on loans, process principal and interest, figure internal rate of return and do currency conversions, percentage markup, statistics and trend analysis.