Went to college for civil engineering. Even though calculators were available, we had to use a slide rule. The object was to use your brains first and then the machine. To clarify, he wanted us to know an approximate answer before we did any machine manipulating. The machine really amounted to a check on our brain work. The method was awesome.
I earned my EE degree back in the early 80’s. No graphing calculators then. We were allowed to use calculators to check our simple math. We had to use paper to graph equations.
I really have no idea how a person can actually graduate with any engineering degree just using calculators. The basic concepts don’t stick unless you physically put pencil to paper. Using computers seems to be a crutch and if none are available, how do you get the job done?
By the way, I still have and use my slide rule. My children think it is quaint.