1. Opening Activity: Think -- Pair -- Share

a. Rangers were asked to brainstorm in groups some of the advantages and concerns of using Power Ranger laptops and "write down one best hope you have regarding the use of your laptop."
b. Comments were discussed with the person sitting across.
c. Comments were shared at table, and each table shared comments with the group:

Period 4: convenience when working at home and at desk when the technology works, it works very well attendance, grades, organizing made efficient can accomplish more in less time helps with IEP Airport adds extra flexibility (can be used in library) homework dropbox can occur on server personal work is preserved (bookmarks,etc) there is quicker service with the laptop better communication with students when they or teacher are away communication better with parents Period 5: convenience mobility -- take to conferences organization -- all in one place have more than one application open at a time all lesson plans on computer reduces the use of transparencies shared folder in teams/departments drop boxes for student assignments repaired quicker -- can carry down to be fixed Period 6: convenience organization easier access communications are more efficient you can carry all of your files in one place mobility easy organization of chapters, use of laptop for beginning of class activities

2. Concerns:

• Sam asked that those using SHS as their dial-up Internet service provider, begin to look for a new provider, as SHS will no longer provide this service to us next year. Also, the SHS connection is not as fast. (Note: Lightfirst.com offers unlimited Internet connection for educators at a cost of $4.95 per month. New users can sign up on the Lightfirst home page.)
• Sometimes Airport has to be physically connected
• Some discussion about how best to receive messages from non-Apple users

3. Best practices/integrating technology

During each lunch period,“Veteran” PowerRangers shared examples of how technology is being integrated into the curriculum.

PERIOD 4 ... Amy Read
Amy explained how she uses slideshow presentations to reinforce math problems, and how other teachers use projection lessons to stimulate discussion or reinforce previous points.

PERIOD 5 ... Angela Sacchitello and Jim Feurer
Angela shared the information on her teacher webpage. Besides providing grades online for her students, Angela has links to text help, "Study Spanish" and "Quia" -- used to develop online quizzes. Visit Angela's web page at: http://www3.district125.k12.il.us/faculty/asacchit

Jim Feurer is using slide shows to give his students pertinent information for the day. Jeopardy games provide review sessions for students.

PERIOD 6 ... Lori Polin-Silva
Lori presented her web page for her Spanish classes and although it is a work in progress she has already provided the following links for students:

a. dictionaries
b. newspapers from hispanic countries
c. translators
d. homework help
e. search engines
f. webquest for level 4
g. online rubrics
Visit Lori's web page at: http://www3.district125.k12.il.us/faculty/lpolin-s

4. Other items of discussion....

• Student privacy rights with regard to grades being posted on Web.
• Concern that too many staff print unnecessary copies of short emails and waste resources .
• Courses that have materials on line such as health and CAD already reduce the number of copies per month.
  

5. Administrivia

• STAR-online courses -- modules can be completed without University of Stevenson credit (Stevenson has 50 licenses available).
• Mentors were encouraged to continue to share, emphasis on the dual responsibilty was stressed: Mentors should have contacted mentee, mentees need to respond.
• Video Projection: Hardware (cords and connectors) from Charlene and Todd, supply is diminishing
• iBooks: - 12 karts total. MIL-Kart cannot project from Tangerine ibooks.. get the cart that's converted
• Be sure to update virus protection! Especially if using Microsoft products -- particularly susceptable.
  

6. Are your files backed up?

* Next meeting: Friday, Jan. 25, 2002 -- periods 4, 5, & 6, in room 7096.

Special thanks to:
Amy Read, Angela Sacchitello, Jim Feurer and Lori Polin-Silva for sharing their "best practices!"

Mark Biesiada, JoAnn Isleb and Jeri Rosenzweig for assisting at the meeting and taking note.