Reviewed by: Lina Dwi Aris S (09301241031, http://linadwiarissetiani.blogspot.com/)
In developed countries calculator found key position in the process of learning mathematics. In this case, shown with employing of calculator in learning mathematics begin at primary school until college. The study is a process is complex occur in everyone in their live. The process of study occur because there is interactions between the teacher and his environment. In give a service to the student, the teacher can not getting loose from their method of learning. There is some learning method can be choosen by the teacher that is discussion methode. Through discussion method appear interaction between student and teacher and interaction between student and student. While, calculator can be employed as a instrument in learning mathematics. The benefit can be expolred from employing ofs calculator in strategy of learning mathematics contemporary, that is: help in comprehend the concepts of mathemaics, to help strenghtened the skill of computation, to develop the skill of thinking high level, to increase the skill of problem solving, and make a problem solving more realistic. Shown its utilization calculator consist of two type, that is common calculator and scientific calculator. One of the scientific calculator is graph calculator. Merriweather and thrap (1999) explain that employing the graph calculator in the class can causing the student be influence and take a part in mathematics, and can finishing the problem mathematics which the problem can not finish in that time.
The porpose of the study conducted by researchers at SMK Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta IV is to identify the employing of graphics calculator in learning mathematics and to study the response of students to use graphics calculators in mathematics learning process. Based on the results of research conducted by the researchers, there are five stages of the use of calculators as a learning tool in mathematics at SMK Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta IV, the first stage is the stage of understanding about the importance graphics calculator, the second stage is the stage of understanding the theory and employe of graphics calculators in solving problems equations and inequalities, the third stage is the stage of entering data into the calculator about the process of moving the language into the language of mathematics in terms of graphics calculators, the fourth stage is the stage interpretation of the graphics calculator screen, and stage five is the stage of drawing conclusions.