DALLAS, Apr 22, 2002 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN), the leader in handheld educational technology, today announced the findings of a research project conducted by an independent team of educators on the use and value of handheld graphing technology. Through a synthesis of peer-reviewed, published research, the researchers found that gains in student learning of mathematics with handheld graphing technology are directly related to how the technology is used in the teaching process. The evidence indicates that handheld graphing technology can be an important factor in helping students develop a better understanding of mathematical concepts, score higher on performance measures, and achieve a higher level of problem solving skills.

The study provides findings in five key areas:

-- Comprehension -- The research indicates that students who use

handheld graphing technology, along with curriculum materials

supporting its use, had a better understanding of functions,

variables, solving algebra problems in applied contexts and

interpreting graphs than those who did not use the technology. The

length of time students had access to the technology affected the

impact of their learning.

-- Performance -- While there is little research on issues of equity,

some studies found that lower achieving students made larger

performance gains when using handheld graphing technology than did

moderate and high achieving students. Also, the use of handheld

graphing technology decreased the performance gap between higher and

lower achieving students.

-- Professional Development -- The findings indicate that simply

providing teachers with information about how the technology

functions will not lead to effective integration in the classroom.

Substantial professional development and support is necessary for

teachers to make informed decisions about how they choose to use

handheld technology in their classrooms.

-- Usage -- Some evidence suggests that handheld technology can be

under-used, especially when students are not sure how to make use of

the technology as a tool in their work.

-- Approach -- The research indicates that students with access to

handheld graphing technology engaged in investigations more often

than students without access and were more flexible in their

solution strategies.

"This research is solid confirmation of the work TI has done with teachers for many years. TI continues to place a heavy emphasis on co-developing our technology with teachers so that their one-to-one computing needs are met with tools that can further provide equity in the classroom," said Richard Schaar, president of the Educational & Productivity Solutions business for TI. "The research shows that when handheld technology is used correctly, teachers will see performance gains and greater comprehension, ultimately increasing their success in the classroom."

"The research we compiled sheds light on the work that still needs to be done on the effective use of handheld graphing technology in the classroom," said Gail Burrill, former director of the Mathematical Sciences Education Board and past president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. "While trying to reduce complex findings from the studies to simple conclusions is very difficult, some important areas for consideration did emerge. For example, the studies indicate that, with a solid foundation in mathematics, students can use handheld graphing technology in ways that contribute to their understanding and ability to effectively solve math problems. The results also highlight important considerations for teachers in making informed decisions about how and why they use the technology in their classrooms."

The independent team of educators, led by Burrill, examined more than 180 published research reports on the subject, ultimately determining that 44 reports met the rigid criteria for inclusion into the research summary. The team focused on five central areas regarding the use of graphing technology in America's secondary schools.

The team's findings are fully documented in the TI research report entitled, "Research on Handheld Graphing Technology at the Secondary Level: Research Findings and Implications for Classroom Practice," which will also be discussed by Burrill at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 80th Annual meeting in Las Vegas April 21-23, 2002. Additional information will also be available at education.ti.com .

About Texas Instruments

Educational & Productivity Solutions, a business of Texas Instruments, is a market leader in education technology, providing a wide range of advanced classroom tools that enable students and teachers to interactively explore a diverse curriculum of educational subjects. TI's learning tools and services are designed with leading educators to meet the evolving needs of the classroom. Connecting the classroom experience with real-world applications, TI's products include a broad line of handheld technology, computer software and data-collecting devices. Additionally, TI has worked closely with educators and administrators for more than 15 years to develop student-focused curricular and supplemental materials for the classroom, and supports the world's largest professional development organization focusing on the appropriate use of educational technology. More information is available at education.ti.com .

Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.

Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at www.ti.com .

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SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated

CONTACT: Stacey Frantz of Springbok Cohn & Wolfe, +1-972-480-9980,

ext. 183, or stacey_frantz@springbokcw.com , for Texas Instruments

Incorporated; or Linda Beheler of Texas Instruments Incorporated,

+1-972-917-6432, or lbeheler@ti.com

URL: http://education.ti.com http://www.prnewswire.com