Understanding the Wgu Calculator Policy: A guide to avoid academic penalties
Learn about the calculator policy at WGU, including which types of calculators are allowed for exams and how to request a calculator exception.
Do you dread taking math courses because of the strict calculator policies? Do you find yourself constantly worrying about whether or not your calculator will be allowed during a test? Well, fear no more! Western Governors University (WGU) has implemented a new calculator policy that will put your mind at ease.
In the past, WGU prohibited students from using calculators with built-in functions for its online assessments. However, this policy was met with criticism from students who felt that it hindered their ability to perform well on exams. After careful consideration, WGU has now updated its calculator policy.
So, what does this mean for you as a student at WGU? You are now able to use any calculator with any function during your assessments. That's right – you heard it correctly. Whether your calculator is basic or advanced, it is now fair game for use during tests.
This new policy is a breath of fresh air for many students who have struggled with complex equations and formulas. Gone are the days of having to manually solve seemingly difficult problems without the help of a calculator.
But wait, there's more! In addition to this revised policy, WGU also offers a free calculator tool that can be accessed through its learning platform. This tool is specifically designed to help students solve math problems in a user-friendly way and is perfect for those who may not have access to a physical calculator.
Now, you may be thinking, This all sounds great, but why is it important? Well, statistics show that students who have access to calculators during exams tend to perform better than those who do not. The ability to use a calculator during a test can reduce stress and increase confidence for the student, ultimately leading to better results.
Furthermore, this new policy aligns with WGU's mission to improve accessibility and provide an inclusive learning environment for all students. By removing the strict calculator policy, WGU is promoting a more equitable and fair examination process.
So, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of this new calculator policy and tool offered by WGU. Don't let the fear of not being able to use a calculator hold you back – excel in your math courses and exams with ease.
In conclusion, WGU's updated calculator policy is a game-changer for students who struggle with math courses and exams. This policy change is in line with WGU's mission to create an inclusive learning environment and promote academic success for all students. By using a calculator during exams, students can reduce stress, increase confidence, and ultimately perform better. So, next time you have a math exam, bring your trusty calculator and ace that test!
Introduction
Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit online university that offers competency-based education programs. This ensures that students get the requisite skills needed to excel in their fields of study. However, there are certain policies that the university enforces. One of these is the WGU Calculator Policy, which has generated varying opinions from students.
The WGU Calculator Policy Explained
According to WGU, students are required to use a calculator for all objective assessments in courses. The calculator should be non-graphing and non-programmable. This policy is put in place to ensure that students have an equal playing field for their exams. Students can bring their calculators, or they can use the calculator provided by the testing center.
There are valid reasons why WGU insists on a non-graphing calculator. Firstly, a graphing calculator can perform more complex calculations than a non-graphing calculator. This can give some students an unfair advantage. Secondly, graphing calculators can store information, which means students can cheat if they store formulas, notes, and other relevant data.
The Rationale Behind the Policy
One of the reasons that WGU has this calculator policy is to ensure that students can solve problems on their own. Efforts have been made to create assessments that are adapted to the real-world needs of students and employers. Therefore, having access to high-end calculators would hinder students' learning and mastery of the relevant concepts. Similarly, it would distort the accuracy of assessment results and feedback.
In addition, there are some degrees that require proficiency in math without using a sophisticated calculator, such as accounting and finance. Therefore, it is crucial for students to understand what they are doing and to know how to use basic arithmetic effectively.
Is the WGU Calculator Policy too Strict?
Some students at WGU have criticized the policy, saying it is too strict. Some even argue that the subject they are studying does not require complex calculations, which makes the calculator policy irrelevant. However, WGU has always maintained that basic math skills are critical in every field of study.
It is also essential to note that WGU's policy on the use of calculators is standard for most academic institutions and professional organizations. It is therefore advisable for students to familiarize themselves with the university's guidelines and adhere to them.
The Benefits of the WGU Calculator Policy
There are numerous benefits to implementing the WGU calculator policy. Firstly, it levels the playing field for all students, regardless of their background and expertise. This means students can put their knowledge of the subject matter to the test without relying on sophisticated calculators to solve problems.
Additionally, enforcing this policy will help students remember basic arithmetic principles better and hone their problem-solving skills. These individuals will also be better equipped to handle real-world problems once they enter the workforce.
Conclusion
It is clear that the WGU calculator policy was created for valid reasons. The policy ensures that students do not have an unfair advantage over others during their examinations. Ultimately, it helps to prepare students for real-world scenarios where basic arithmetic and problem-solving skills are critical. While some students may feel like the policy is too strict, understanding the rationale behind it is crucial for their success in school and beyond.
Comparison of WGU Calculator Policies
Introduction
As a student, you rely heavily on your calculator for assignments, quizzes, and exams to ensure that you arrive at the correct answer. Therefore, it is important to know the calculator policy of your institution and understand what type of calculators are allowed. In this article, we aim to compare the calculator policies of Western Governors University (WGU) before giving our opinion on their suitability.WGU Calculator Policy
WGU's calculator policy allows the use of any calculator for all assessments except in cases where the assessment indicates otherwise. Students are not allowed to use advanced graphing or programmable calculators. Calculators with storage, printout capability, or electronic devices that can communicate/transfer data are also not allowed.Comparison of WGU Calculator Policy with Other Institutions
Compared to other institutions, WGU has the most relaxed calculator policy. Some universities have specific models of calculators that they allow, while others permit only basic or scientific calculators. For example, Harvard University permits only specific models of Texas Instruments calculators for all exams.The Advantages of WGU's Calculator Policy
WGU's calculator policy allows students to choose the calculator that suits their learning style or needs. Students who have already invested in a specific model or brand do not need to purchase another calculator to comply with the university's policy. Additionally, students are not restricted from using certain functions of their calculators, which could be beneficial when it comes to time management during exams.Drawbacks of WGU's Calculator Policy
One drawback of the WGU calculator policy is that it allows past exams to be done easily. If the same problem appears in various exams, a student can easily retrieve and reuse the data from their previous exams. Furthermore, some institutions believe that allowing students to use any calculator can lead to academic dishonesty and cheating.WGU Calculator Policy Compared with Online Learning
Compared to online learning institutions, WGU's calculator policy is still relatively relaxed. Some online institutions do not allow the use of calculators at all, while others limit the use of basic or scientific calculators only.Suitability of WGU's Calculator Policy
Overall, WGU's calculator policy is suitable for them because it allows the use of a wide range of calculators which encourages choice and provides more flexibility for students. However, in maintaining academic integrity, it would be better if WGU could specify certain models that are accepted instead of simply allowing any calculator.Comparison Table
| Institution | Types of Calculators Allowed | Restrictions ||-------------|-----------------------------|--------------|| WGU | Any except advanced, graphing, programmable calculators | Calculators with storage, printout capability, or electronic devices that can communicate/transfer data not allowed || Harvard | Specific models of Texas Instruments calculators | Other models not permitted || Online | Limitations to basic or scientific calculators only or no calculators at all | N/A |Conclusion
A calculator is essential to every student, and therefore, an institution's calculator policy is crucial for students’ success. WGU’s calculator policy is still ideal as it provides more freedom to students to choose what calculators are best for them. Nonetheless, students must use their calculators ethically and avoid cheating. Lastly, we hope that this comparison blog has been helpful in providing insight for institutions that are developing their calculator policies.WGU Calculator Policy: Tips and Tutorial
The Western Governors University (WGU) calculator policy ensures that students use calculators effectively to solve mathematical problems. The policy applies to all courses that require mathematical calculations, including math, science, accounting, finance, and business. Here are some tips and tutorials to help you understand and comply with the WGU calculator policy.Overview of WGU Calculator Policy
WGU allows only non-graphing scientific or basic calculators for assessments and exams. The university provides an approved calculator, the Casio FX-260 Solar, to all enrolled students. Students must bring their own calculator to assessments. The calculator cannot have any external attachments or programs. Students cannot use their mobile phones, laptops, tablets, or other electronic devices as calculators.Basic Calculator Functions
Before using a calculator, students should familiarize themselves with its basic functions. The Casio FX-260 Solar performs various arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also has functions for fractions, percentages, exponents, roots, logarithms, trigonometry, statistics, and conversions. Students should learn how to enter values, perform calculations, round answers, and clear memory.Entering Values
To enter values in a calculator, students should press the corresponding keys, such as digits, decimal points, or negative signs. They can also use the SHIFT or ALPHA keys to access additional functions or symbols. Some calculators have parentheses keys to enclose expressions or order of operations. Students should enter values accurately and check for errors before solving problems.Performing Calculations
To perform calculations on a calculator, students should use the appropriate operator keys, such as +, -, x, or ÷. They can also use the = key to display the result or the ANS key to reference the previous answer. Some calculators have memory keys to store and recall values, such as M+, M-, MS, or MR. Students should use caution when using the memory keys, as they can cause errors if not cleared properly.Rounding Answers
To round answers on a calculator, students should follow the instructions given in the problem or the nearest rounding rule. For example, if the problem specifies rounding to the nearest hundredth, students should round the answer to two decimal places. If the answer ends in 5, they should round to the nearest even digit. If the problem allows for significant figures, students should count the digits from the leftmost nonzero digit to the rightmost digit and round accordingly.Exam Room Etiquette
During assessments and exams, students should follow the WGU calculator policy and exam room etiquette. They should arrive on time, with their approved calculator, student ID, and any other required materials, such as scratch paper or pencils. They should turn off their mobile phones and other electronic devices and place them in a designated area. They should remain quiet and focused and avoid distracting or cheating activities. They should raise their hand if they need assistance or clarification from the proctor.Saving Calculator Variables
During exams, students may encounter problems that require the use of previous answers in subsequent calculations. To save calculator variables, students should use the STO or STORE key followed by a letter or symbol to represent the variable. For example, STO A stores the current answer in variable A. To recall the stored value, students should use the RCL or RECALL key followed by the same letter or symbol. For example, RCL A recalls the stored value from variable A.Checking Calculator Settings
During exams, students should also check their calculator settings to ensure that they comply with the WGU calculator policy. They should:- Check the display for clarity, contrast, and battery level.- Set the mode to degree or radian, depending on the problem.- Set the angle to the appropriate function, such as sine, cosine, or tangent.- Set the fraction format to improper or mixed, depending on the problem.- Turn off any additional functions, such as scientific notation, complex numbers, or base manipulations.- Clear the memory, including saved variables, before each problem.Practice Problems and Resources
To prepare for assessments and exams that require calculators, students can practice with various problems and resources. The WGU assessment system provides sample questions and a calculator tutorial to help students understand and practice using the Casio FX-260 Solar. Students can also use external resources, such as textbooks, online calculators, or educational videos, to learn and practice mathematical concepts and techniques.Mathematical Concepts and Techniques
To use calculators effectively, students should understand the mathematical concepts and techniques behind the problems. For example, they should:- Understand the definitions, properties, and applications of arithmetic operations, fractions, percentages, exponents, roots, logarithms, trigonometry, statistics, and conversions.- Identify the relevant formulas, equations, or rules to solve the problems.- Apply the correct order of operations and use parentheses when necessary.- Recognize common mistakes and errors, such as rounding, carrying, or solving for the wrong variable.- Check the reasonableness and accuracy of their answers.Online Calculators and Educational Videos
To supplement their learning and prepare for assessments, students can also use various online calculators and educational videos. Some useful resources include:- Mathway (https://www.mathway.com), which offers step-by-step solutions to various types of math problems.- Desmos (https://www.desmos.com), which provides an online graphing calculator and interactive activities for math concepts.- Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org), which offers free educational videos and practice exercises for math, science, and other subjects.Conclusion
The WGU calculator policy serves to ensure that students use calculators effectively and ethically in their studies. By following the tips and tutorials provided in this article, students can comply with the policy, learn the basics and advanced functions of their calculator, and prepare for assessments and exams that require mathematical calculations. Remember to practice, check your settings, and understand the concepts behind the problems. Good luck!Understanding the WGU Calculator Policy: Everything You Need to Know
Welcome to our blog post about the WGU calculator policy! As you may already know, Western Governors University (WGU) has a strict policy regarding the use of calculators during exams and assessments. In this post, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the WGU calculator policy.
Before we dive into the details of the calculator policy, let's take a moment to discuss the importance of understanding and following institutional policies. WGU is committed to academic integrity and expects its students to uphold high standards of ethical behavior. Familiarizing yourself with the calculator policy is just one aspect of ensuring that you are meeting these standards.
The WGU calculator policy outlines the types of calculators that are allowed during exams and assessments. According to the policy, students are allowed to use only basic, non-scientific calculators that do not have graphing or programmable functions. These calculators must also not be able to perform algebraic or calculus functions. Additionally, the calculator should not have external connectivity, as that could be used to access prohibited materials.
If you have specific questions about whether your calculator meets the WGU policy guidelines, you can contact the assessment support team before your exam to receive clarification.
Now, let's talk about why this calculator policy is in place. The use of scientific calculators or graphing calculators could potentially give some students an unfair advantage during exams and assessments. WGU wants to ensure that all students are assessed equitably, regardless of the resources they have at their disposal.
The calculator policy is not meant to make things more difficult for students. Rather, it is intended to level the playing field and promote fairness in the assessment process. By adhering to the policy guidelines, students can show that they have mastered the material without relying on advanced calculator functions.
In addition to the calculator policy, WGU has other institutional policies in place to promote academic integrity. These include policies related to plagiarism, cheating, and evidence of academic dishonesty. It is important for all WGU students to be familiar with these policies and to understand their role in upholding them.
If you have further questions about the calculator policy or any other WGU policies, you can refer to the university's website, student handbook, or contact your program mentor.
It is also important to note that the calculator policy may vary depending on the program or course you are taking at WGU. Some programs may allow certain types of calculators that are not permitted in other programs. Be sure to check the specific guidelines for your program before taking any exams or assessments.
We hope that this post has been helpful in explaining the WGU calculator policy. By adhering to the guidelines and maintaining academic integrity, you can demonstrate that you have truly mastered the material and earned your degree through your own hard work and dedication.
If you have any feedback or thoughts about this post, we would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below or contact us directly.
Thank you for reading, and best wishes on your academic journey with WGU!
People Also Ask About Wgu Calculator Policy
What is Wgu calculator policy?
WGU calculator policy is a set of guidelines that the university has established to ensure that students use appropriate calculators when taking their exams.
Is there a specific calculator that I need to buy for Wgu?
Yes, WGU requires students to use either a TI-30X or TI-84 graphing calculator.
Why does Wgu have a calculator policy?
WGU has a calculator policy to ensure that all students are given equal opportunities to succeed during their exams. By having standardized calculators, it minimizes the chances of any potential cheating or unfair advantages.
Can I use my own calculator at Wgu?
No, WGU does not allow students to use their own calculator during exams. Students must use either a TI-30X or TI-84 graphing calculator as per the WGU calculator policy.
Do I need to have a calculator for all my courses at Wgu?
Not all courses at WGU require a calculator; however, it is essential to verify if your specific course requires one. You can check your course's instructions or contact your faculty mentor for more information.
What happens if I don't have the required calculator?
If you do not have the required calculator, it is recommended that you purchase one as soon as possible. You will not be permitted to take an exam without the designated calculator as per the WGU calculator policy.
Where can I buy the required Wgu calculator?
The required WGU calculators can be purchased from various online and physical retail stores.
Can I use a calculator app on my phone or computer during the Wgu exam?
No, students are not allowed to use any calculator apps on their phones and computers during exams as per the WGU calculator policy. Only the designated calculators, TI-30X or TI-84 graphing calculator, are permitted.
People Also Ask About WGU Calculator Policy
What is the calculator policy at WGU?
WGU, or Western Governors University, has a calculator policy in place for certain courses and assessments. The policy outlines the types of calculators that are allowed and provides guidelines on their usage during exams and assignments.
1. What types of calculators are allowed?
WGU allows both scientific and graphing calculators for most courses and assessments. However, it's important to note that specific restrictions may apply depending on the course or exam. It is always recommended to consult the course materials or reach out to the instructor for clarification.
2. Are there any calculator restrictions?
While most scientific and graphing calculators are permitted, there are some restrictions in place. Calculators with built-in symbolic algebra systems, internet connectivity, or QWERTY keyboards are generally not allowed. Additionally, any calculator that can run external applications or store text or formulas is also prohibited.
3. Can I use my smartphone as a calculator?
No, WGU does not permit the use of smartphones or any other electronic devices besides approved calculators during exams or assessments. It is essential to adhere to the calculator policy to maintain academic integrity and ensure fair evaluation.
4. Do I need to purchase a specific calculator for my courses?
WGU does not require students to purchase a specific calculator model. As long as your chosen calculator falls within the allowed types and adheres to the policy's restrictions, you can use it for your coursework and assessments. Be sure to check the course requirements or contact your instructor if you have any doubts about the suitability of your calculator.
5. Where can I find more information about the calculator policy?
You can find detailed information about WGU's calculator policy in the course materials provided for each specific course. Additionally, you can reach out to your course instructor or the university's academic services department for any further clarification or questions you may have.
6. Can I use my calculator during online proctored exams?
Yes, in most cases, you are allowed to use an approved calculator during online proctored exams. However, it is vital to review the specific exam guidelines to ensure that calculators are permitted. Some exams may have restrictions on calculator usage or require specific calculator models.
Remember, always refer to the official WGU calculator policy and consult with your instructors or academic services if you have any doubts or questions regarding calculator usage in your coursework or assessments.