Unit 2: Operating the TI-Nspire and TI CAS Teacher Edition Software

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Objective: By the end of Unit 2, you should be able to operate the TI-Nspire and TI- CAS Teacher Edition Software.

Back to course outline: Better Understanding of Mathematical Concepts through the Graphing Calculator

Scavenger Hunt

Before we start using the Nspire graphing calculator and TI CAS Teacher Edition Software to modify and create activities, you need to make sure you have the necessary calculator and computer skills. Make sure you have an updated TI-Nspire graphing calculator and TI-Nspire Teacher Computer Software (edition 2.1). Next, complete the activity at this link using your TI-Nspire to make sure you are ready to start.

Scavenger Hunt: [[1]]

If you need help with the scavenger hunt at any point, using the following website as a reference guide.[[2]] Make sure you use the tutorials that are designed for the calculator and not the software.

Software Skills

(Screen capture of TI-CAS Teacher Edition Software with calculator emulator - TI-SmartView)

Software copy.jpg

(Screen capture of TI-CAS Teacher Edition Software with calculator emulator - TI-SmartView)


Many of the skills you practiced during the Scavenger Hunt are the same for the TI-CAS Teacher Edition Software while others are different. You will use the same skills on the software as the handheld calculator when adding and creating pages of Graphs & Geometry, Lists & Spreadsheets, Data & Statistics, Calculator, and Data Collection.

Other skills are needed to modify and create activities on the TI-CAS Teacher Edition Software.

Basic Software Skills

Basic software skills are those needed to begin using the TI CAS Teacher Edition Software. For an introduction to using the software visit [[3]] and scroll down to TI-Nspire Computer Software. Click on the Basics tab and look at video 1 (Using the TI-Nspire Software). You do not need to login to view any of the videos.

Document Creation and Editing

The skills listed below are essential to know in order to begin using the software. If you need help with any of these skills, visit this website [[4]] and scroll down to TI-Nspire Computer Software. Click on the Basics tab and look at videos 2 and 3.

  • Creating and saving a new document (2)
  • Finding and opening a document (3)
Altering the Standard View of Documents

The skills listed below allow you to alter the standard view of the documents you create or find. Though you will still be able to operate the software without these skills, you will be able to make more interactive activities with these skills. If you need help with any of these skills, visit this website [[5]] and scroll down to TI-Nspire Computer Software. Click on the Basics tab and look at videos 4 - 7 and 9.

  • Changing page layout and position (4)
  • Changing document and system settings (5)
  • Accessing and using the catalog (6)
  • Using templates in Notes (7)
  • Using Panels (9)
Advanced Basic Topics

The skills listed below are necessary to keep your software up to date and help you learn how to download lessons from the websites. The "My Files Tab" is where you will store lessons that are on your emulator calculator. The transfer tool allows you to send documents to students from the software. If you need help with any of these skills, visit this website [[6]] and scroll down to TI-Nspire Computer Software. Click on the Basics tab and look at videos 10 - 12. The "Transfer Tool" video is under the Teacher Software tab and it is video number 6.

  • Working with Lesson Bundles (10)
  • Updating the Operating System (11)
  • Using the My Files tab in the TI-Nspire Computer Software (12)
  • Transfer Tool (6)

Future Help

Future Help: If at any point during the course, you are confused on how to do something the website [[7]] has many tutorials to assist you.

Also remember, that the TI CAS Teacher Edition Software has a Nspire emulator (TI-SmartView) that you can always use if you prefer to create using the calculator instead of the software buttons (the ones along the top in the image above).


Unit 3: Locating Existing Concept Activities for the Nspire

Back to course outline: Better Understanding of Mathematical Concepts through the Graphing Calculator

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