Press Releases

Casio launches calculator emulator for UK schools

London, 26 February 2007 – Casio Electronics Co. Limited has announced today the launch of its new FX-ES emulator for use in mathematics classrooms across the UK. The PC software replicates the Casio FX-83ES and FX-85ES scientific calculators, currently used by over one and a half million people in Britain. The new product allows teachers to demonstrate step-by-step instructions to the whole class, on how to perform calculations and get the most out of their calculator. This teaching aid is set to increase interaction between teachers and pupils as well as save time on class administration and resourcing.

The emulator, which is used on interactive white boards, enables students to view the enlarged display screen and follow the teacher with ease through each calculation. Not only is it beneficial to the students in their learning experiences but it also assists teachers in planning for their classes. The software additionally allows screen shots and images to be pasted into worksheets and presentations for students.

Traditionally this technology was only used with graphical calculators for advanced mathematics but this new software opens the scientific emulator market to all pupils in secondary schools. It is a National Curriculum requirement that each student at GCSE level can use a scientific calculator effectively; this is also the case for Standard and Higher grade students in Scotland. Casio predicts that the FX-ES emulator will enhance students’ mathematical understanding and numerical skills.
 
Scott Grant, Divisional Manager for Calculators at Casio, says, “We are very excited by this new technology and hope that it will roll out to every classroom in the UK within the next two years. More than a million pupils use our calculators in schools every day. We want to help ensure that they are taught how to use them properly and get the best out of them in preparation for their exams. The teachers have been asking for this technology and Casio with its company philosophy of ‘Creativity and Contribution’ is very pleased to assist in this way”.

Scott adds, “The UK is really driving the scientific emulator market at the moment and is far more advanced in computer display technology in classrooms than many other countries.”

The Casio FX-ES emulator is currently being trialled in two UK schools; Lodge Park Technology College in Northamptonshire and Dereham Neatherd High School in Norfolk. Francis Chalmers, ICT coordinator for Mathematics at Dereham Neatherd High School said, “The emulator was installed on the PC running the interactive whiteboard in each classroom. The students enjoyed these sessions and were really enthusiastic about the calculators. Several in each class already owned a Casio FX-83 ES, but they all commented on how much more effectively they were able to use them after one or two lessons using the emulator.”

In the schools the emulator was used by the teacher, and students were also given the opportunity to come to the board to demonstrate and explain calculator methods and their solutions to particular problems, making the lesson truly interactive.

“Combining the advantages of the emulator for whole-class teaching with the benefit of using a standard calculator across the class, enables learning to take place much more effectively,” Francis continued. “We are delighted with the results and the way the students have taken to it.”

The Casio FX-ES emulator is available now from Casio approved educational distributors.

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Notes to Editors:

Systems Requirements:

• Operating Systems: Windows 2000/Windows XP
• Computer: Computer with one of the Windows operating systems pre-installed (excluding computers with an upgraded operating system & self built computers)
• CPU: Pentium lll 800MHz or higher recommended.
• Disk Space: 40MB for installation or uninstall (installation on Windows 200 or XP requires administrator privileges)
• Other: Video adaptor and monitor must support resolution of XGA (1024x768) or higher, 16 bit or higher system colour. CD-ROM drive.

Suitable for keystages 3, 4 and above - Age 11-16+
Useful statistics:

• 1 in 3 of all calculators sold in the UK are made by Casio
• 1 in 10 of all calculators sold in the UK are the Casio FX-83 ES

(Source: GfK September 2006)

For further information or review samples please contact:

Rachel Cotton
FIREFLY COMMUNICATIONS
Tel:  +44 (0) 20 7386 1428
Email:  rachel.cotton@fireflycomms.com

Kate Harris
FIREFLY COMMUNICATIONS
Tel:  +44 (0) 20 7386 1536
Email:  kate.harris@fireflycomms.com

For sales enquiries please contact:

Stephen Kean
National Account Manager – Education
Casio Electronics Co. Ltd.
Unit 6, 1000 North Circular Road, London, NW2 7JD
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8208 9511