The Calculator Issue has just turned up again in a slightly different format from those in which we have previously discussed it. Hitherto we have considered the possibilities and hazards of building calculators into the choice and presentation of our course content. This time the issue is not the courses but the students. Barry Minai, working closely with students at the Instructional Center, feels that there has been an alarming increase in blind calculator dependence. David Prince and Ken Plochinski, also working closely with students at MSEP and the Study Center respectively, agree that the issue is important, but have slightly different slants on it.

All three will be at the Brown Bag to launch a discussion of

• the strengths and weaknesses to be expected in the current generation of calculator-habituated students and
• how we can best use the former while diminishing the latter.

We will meet at NOON in the MATH LOUNGE on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7