Uncovering the Origins of Your TI Graphing Calculator

The iconic calculator has been a staple on back-to-school shopping lists for kids since the early 2000s, with Texas Instruments’ calculator division holding a strong grip on the market for even longer.

In the latest episode of Version History, David Pierce teams up with Nilay Patel and Victoria Song to explore the fascinating journey of TI graphing calculators and how one company managed to dominate the market and maintain its stronghold.

This marks the second episode of the fifth season of Version History, where we’re diving back into school-related tech. Previously, we discussed the challenging adventures of The Oregon Trail that many students faced in computer labs. In the coming weeks, we’ll also cover topics like One Laptop Per Child, Chromebooks, LeapPads, and overhead projectors.

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For those interested in the history of TI Graphing Calculators, here are some resources to get you started:
* The unstoppable TI-84 Plus: How an outdated calculator still holds a monopoly on classrooms
* State adding a tool for 8th grade math
* TI’s Calculator Monopoly Offers Lessons for Educators in the Age of Generative AI