The error isn't just limited to school pupils. In this sense the calculator becomes a crutch rather than a learning tool and can cause a slowdown for students when they are studying as they examine even the most insignificant results using the calculator. Additionally, it is possible for an elementary school child to enter 1 x 1 and then get the correct result, 1 without understanding the concept involved. Teachers attempt to counter this by urging the student to make an estimate of the result by hand and making sure it is in line with it.

Other concerns are, for instance students may utilize the calculator in a wrong manner but trust the result since that was the result given to the calculator. There is still a debate about the importance of having the ability to calculate calculations with a pencil as well as 'in the head,' with some curricula restricting calculator usage until a certain proficiency has been achieved and others focusing in teaching estimation skills and problem-solving. There was initially some resistance to this idea due to concerns that basic arithmetic skills might be diminished. In most developed countries, students use calculators for schoolwork.