by Alicia Ptak
Ranking first in iTunes productivity apps, the free MyScript Calculator is getting less recognition than deserved at Hudson High. Sold by Vision Objects, MyScript Calculator performs mathematical problems using your natural handwriting. The app converts a math equation written by the user into numbers, signs, etc., and solves the equation, for free. It’s capable of the basic operations (multiplication, addition, etc.) as well as percentages, square roots, absolute value, powers and exponents, trigonometry and trig inverses, logarithms, and constants.
The MyScript Calculator is fully capable of fulfilling a high school student’s mathematical needs. It can actually be easier to use than a regular calculator, where order of operations can ultimately botch an equation. Instead of needing to worry about what functions must be entered first and what digits must be in parenthesis, MyScript interprets the entire equation as you write, creating no need to worry about order of operations. Also, if the app is confused by what you have written, it creates question marks in missing or unreadable parts of the equations.
Even though the MyScript Calculator is useful and handy, few students at Hudson High own or use the app. So why would students not use such a convenient app?
Junior Madison Bowen likes the app, but she doesn’t find herself using it much. “When I first got it, I used it a lot, just to test it out and see its capabilities,” she says. “I was pretty impressed by what it could do, but when it came time to actually do my work, I just found myself using my regular calculator instead.”
Sophomore Jesse Gould, who thinks MyScript Calculator is a good app, says he doesn’t use it much either. “I would use it if I could, but we’re not allowed to use our phones in school,” Gould says. “When I do use it, it’s usually very accurate and never really makes a mistake. It can even be kind of fun to use, too. I wish I could use it more in school. It is helpful and could really help kids who struggle to use regular calculators.”
Mr. Otlin • Apr 5, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Thanks for this reporting, Alicia. I’d love to see more work like this. It’s important to get student perspective on the quality of new educational applications so we can spread the word about the good ones.