Desmos is a simple to use but complex internet-based graphical calculator. It can be accessed on the majority of devices including i-Pads (i-Pad App here). Most importantly, it's FREE!
The screenshot below shows the basic functions:
A Desmos account is quick to set up, enabling you to save graphs. By connecting Desmos to your Google account, graphs can be quickly saved to Google Drive. Graphs can also be uploaded and shared to the wider Desmos community. Or simply, graphs can be used on your blog:
Where to start? DESMOS Quick Start Guide or try it's dedicated Youtube Channel with a number of How-to Videos to help you get started.
Desmos has a growing on-line community and is developing lots of resources for Mathematics teachers, via Desmos blog with resources by Dan Meyer and Fawn Nguyen amongst others. Further resources are available on youtube:
Desmos has a fun and creative side.
Stopwatch created by Ania Kuriata
See more at Desmos staff picks. These graphs can be saved to your area, allowing you to see how it was made. Just showing these pictures to younger students has allowed me to introduce and discuss more complex topics (e.g. equations of circles and ranges/domains) without frightening them off. It also allows for them to see applications with the real world, especially animation (see my previous blog, Mathematics and the Movies)
From a teacher's point of view, Desmos is very quick to pick up. It has a Projector Mode which makes class presentations clear for students. It is dynamic and simple to animate, leading to clear explanations. Graphs are easily saved and retrievable. Best of all, due to it being FREE, it has a growing community of teachers who share freely their resources. I LOVE DESMOS!
A special thank you to Eli Luberoff (Founder and CEO of Desmos)
Colleen Young has written extensively about Desmos on her excellent blog Mathematics, Learning and Web 2.0
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