The ClassWiz+ range: what do teachers think?

Whenever we make a significant change to the Casio calculator range, one of the first things we want to know is what teachers think about it. Listening to the professionals who use our products every day is central to everything we do.

That’s why we’re always in conversation with the education community. In this blog, we share what teachers have told us about our new ClassWiz+ range of scientific calculators.

You’ll hear from:

• Vicky Moore, Year 11 Raising Standards Lead and maths teacher at Brakenhale School
• Connie Naker, Head of Maths at Brakenhale School
• Adam Creen, maths teacher at Salesian School

Welcome upgrades to functionality

Some of the most significant changes being introduced with the ClassWiz+ range are in direct response to feedback from teachers and maths professionals.

Adam said he was “really impressed” by the updates, adding: “Casio have tried very hard to take onboard the feedback they had when the ClassWiz range first came out.”

One of the clearest examples of this is the adjustment we’ve made to how the Format key works.

How Format has changed

It’s now possible on ClassWiz+ handsets to set the Format key to perform standard-to-decimal conversions with a single press. That means it can operate in exactly the same way as the old S↔D key that teachers and students used so frequently.

Moreover, there’s the option to press Shift > Format for a full menu of other formatting options, including sexagesimal conversion.

All of the teachers we spoke to were particularly positive about this change.

Vicky said: “We’re really excited to see the S↔D function back, meaning that students can flick between decimals and fractions really easily.

“We also have the opportunity to press Shift and Format, and see all of the listed functions. Students have the opportunity to use standard form via that function, which is really great.”

Connie also commented on how useful it is to have standard form listed in the menu, considering how frequently this terminology appears in UK exams.

Better navigation through shortcuts

Shortcuts have been added to all menus on ClassWiz+ handsets. This means operations can be accessed simply by pressing the relevant number, rather than having to scroll through the menu.

Adam put this into context with the example of selecting a distribution when using the fx-991CW+ UK.

“If I’m looking at the list of different distributions and want to go straight to the normal cumulative distribution, I just press 4 and I’m right there,” he said. “That’s going to save a lot of time for teachers; it’s much more intuitive now.”

Both Connie and Vicky also highlighted the addition of shortcuts as one of their favourite aspects of the new ClassWiz+ range, along with the upgraded Format key and the easy availability of standard form.

The new Shift > Catalog option

Another welcome change that Adam was keen to highlight is the new option on ClassWiz+ calculators to press Shift > Catalog for quick access to a full list of all functionality available on the handset.

He said this is a particularly useful feature if you’re not someone who enjoys navigating through menus.

“I’ve done this with lowest common multiple,” Adam explained. “I could go into Catalog, then numerical calculations and LCM, or I can just press Shift and Catalog, then go straight to LCM, type the numbers in and I’m good to go.”

Positive steps on sustainability

Sustainability is a key theme in the development and launch of our ClassWiz+ range.

The steps we’ve taken include:

• Using between 45% and 90% recycled plastics in the body of the fx-85GT CW+
• Adopting environmentally conscious materials in the protective bags for the fx-85GT CW+, cutting plastic use by 70% compared with traditional wrapping
• Shipping all ClassWiz+ calculators in packaging made from recyclable cardboard

Moreover, we’ve taken quality assurance actions to ensure the introduction of recycled materials won’t affect the performance, reliability and durability that Casio is known for.

Connie said it was “brilliant” to see the introduction of a model featuring recycled plastics in the shape of the fx-85GT CW+. She noted that we’re living in more environmentally conscious times and predicted that, given the option, lots of people would choose to purchase a calculator with clear sustainability benefits.

On the subject of durability, Connie added: “Casio has always been environmentally conscious – they create calculators that last for a very long time. I personally still have my calculator that I used at school, about 20 years ago.

“They’ve also had the solar panel feature for a very long time, and this [ClassWiz+ range] adds recycled plastic.”

Tailored to the UK curriculum

The most advanced model in the ClassWiz+ family is the fx-991CW+ UK. As well as additional capabilities such as equation solving, this handset now has all the functionality you’ll find on an entry-level scientific calculator, including GCD, LCM and recurring decimals.

Furthermore, the fx-991CW+ UK has been further improved based on feedback directly from educators, specifically tailored to the UK curriculum. It even has UK printed on the front, so you know it’s designed to be fully appropriate for your syllabus.

The optimisation of all calculators across the ClassWiz+ range for UK requirements is evident in details such as the inclusion of standard form conversion in the Format menu.

Adam commented on how the organisation of menus in Casio calculators underlines their relevance and usefulness for UK teachers and students.

“The things we need the most are at the top of the menu and the things we use the most are really accessible,” he said. “Casio have also gone one better and made the new ClassWiz+ models UK-specific.

“They’ve got everything right, with terms like standard form on there, and with the shortcuts you can just press one button and you’re straight into the menu you need.”

Informed by your feedback

A final key point that all teachers we’ve spoken to so far have agreed on is the importance of Casio not only listening to the education community, but acting on what we hear.

Connie said: “I’m really pleased that Casio have listened to feedback. It shows that us giving feedback actually makes a difference, and it will improve things for teachers and for students.”

Adam noted that the launch of the original ClassWiz range was accompanied by lots of videos and other helpful resources, which have expanded over time. He said this shows that Casio really cares about supporting teachers and wants to provide the most useful and effective products possible.

In the coming months, we’ll continue to work hard to support the ClassWiz+ launch with a range of useful materials. Keep an eye on our resources centre for forthcoming additions including webinars, Key Skills videos and more