Use of TI-nspire calculators in exams

International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) decided that TI-nspire graphical calculators can be used in exams only if they are put in Press-to-Test mode directly before the beginning of each single part of exams.

Starting the Press-to-Test mode

When you calculator is turned off, you must press and hold esc and on at the same time. This starts the Press-to-Test mode settings. A special dialog box appears and you must follow the official IBO instructions:

First you must select the angle units: degrees or radians:

• It's possible to select degrees and use degrees only (for calculations and graphs).
    – recommended for Math AI course
• It's possible to select radians and use radians only (for calculations and graphs).
• It's possible to select degrees for calculations and radians for graphs.

CAS calculators (of the second generation) have a box where you must select CAS mode: Off. Non-CAS calculators don't have this box.

Later, the dialog box shows you restrictions: certain functions are disabled. You must leave the most of the »disable« ticks. However, IBO allows you to use certain functions, so untick (clear the tick or leave unticked) at:

◻ Disable inequality graphing

◻ Limit trigonometric functions

◻ Disable log_bx template and summation functions

◻ Disable Polynomial Root Finder and Simultaneous Equation Solver

◻ Disable Numeric Solver (*)

◻ Disable Sliders (*)

(*) If you don't see the last two lines listed here, you are probably using an older version of the operating system.

Hint: Use tab to move to the next option.

When finished, of course, press: Enter Press-to-Test.

After this procedure your calculator will be normally functional. The functions disabled are in fact the ones we've never used in IB math courses. However, be aware of the following two facts:

• Documents prepared before entering Press-to-Test mode cannot be accessed in Press-to-test mode.
• Documents created in Press-to-Test mode will be deleted when you exit Press-to-Test mode.

Exiting the Press-to-Test mode

Exiting the Press-to-Test mode is a little tricky. You must connect your calculator to another calculator of the same type by a cable and turn both calculators on. Then select:

It is not possible to exit Press-to-Test mode without connecting your calculator to another calculator.

Warning about CAS calculators

Calculators with CAS (Complete Algebra System) are allowed only if CAS is switched off on entering the Press-to-Test mode.

• TI-nspire CAS calculators of the first generation do not have the option of switching CAS off, so they are not allowed in IB exams.
• TI-nspire CAS calculators of the second generation have this option, so they are allowed in IB exams. They are recognised by II in the name: TI-nspire CX II-T CAS (letter T means that this calculator is approved for use in Europe).
• All types of TI-nspire non-CAS calculators are allowed in IB exams.

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