* End of semester report:

Prior to "checking out" for the year, all Rangers are asked to complete an online assessment relating to specific areas of educational technology. In addition, complete three narratives that will support responses to the assessment questions, and substantiate the 2nd semester training requirement. The assessment is available at: http://www6.district125.k12.il.us/staffdev/assess/assessRanger.html

Sam congratulated Ron Urick for being the first Ranger to respond.

* End of year check out procedure

Charlene (or Sam) can sign off your check-out sheet.
Check-out requirements include:

online assessment completed

virus protection up to date

files backed up

visual inspection of the computer

"Spring cleaning" is available, but is not required -- please make advance arrangements with Charlene as the procedure takes about 25 minutes. Laptops can be "dropped off" for service if desired.

floppy disks, zip disks, remote control devices returned (after all Rangers have checked out, peripherals can be signed out again for summer use).

* Laptop upgrade options for 99 Rangers

99 Rangers wishing to upgrade to the new iBook will need to notify Sam by June 1 (sooner is better). Specifications of the new iBook were sent to the listserv last Wednesday. 99 laptops will be "reassigned" to replace the older laptops used by the Special Ed dept. There may be some available for sale. Anyone interested in purchasing a used laptop, should email Sam.

Sam detailed the computer replacements planned for the summer. Computers older than the all-in-one G3s will be replaced. Approximately 50% of the new computers (in most office and staff areas) will be equipped with built-in CD-RWs. Backing up files to CD-Roms will be a "drag and drop" procedure.

Due to the upgrades, all files will need to be backed up prior to leaving for the summer. Please advise and encourage your colleagues to be sure their files are saved onto the Faculty Server or disk.

The Faculty, web and student servers will also be upgraded over the summer. Work will usually occur in the afternoons, since summer school will be in session in the morning. At some point, new passwords may be assigned. The Faculty server, and web servers may have accessibility from home by the end of the first semester next year.

2000 and 2001 laptops will have the ability to connect wirelessly to the network via "Airport" stations in various building locations. Airports are currently in place in the Faculty dining room, Board room, Information Services, Principal’s conference room and 1418.

* Software upgrade plans for next year

Throughout the building, software upgrades will include new versions of System software (9.1), AppleWorks (6.1.2), Norton Anti-virus, Security software, Eudora, and Netscape. All laptops will need to be updated prior to, or at the beginning of school in August.

* Future of the PowerRanger program

Approximately 67 teachers will join the PowerRangers next year, bringing the total laptop users to around 200 (including special education facult and administrators).

* Mentor assignments for 2001-02

Mentoring of PowerRangers next year will hopefully improve over this year, although some mentorships worked very well, others were less successful. Please notify Sam with requests for mentoring assignments for specific teachers.

* Preview of the new iBook

The 2001 iBook was passed around for all to see.

Issues, concerns suggestions:

A question was raised about one of the online assessment questions pertaining to the "... use of technology resources to maximize learning and allow approaches to learning that are quite different from my previous classroom practice." Was this statement suggesting that previous classroom practice was inferior to methods using technology? Sam responded that the philosophy has not changed regarding technology supporting the curriculum vs. "driving" the curriculum. If any questions on the survey caused concern, it could be skipped.

A concern about whether a "Form C" was needed for PowerRanger participation. Sam advised that all documentation will be given to the directors and no other forms will be required.

Suggestions included:
With the increased use of the MilKarts, perhaps a survey could be developed about the concerns and issues relating to classroom use and procedures to follow if problems arise -- for example, what to do when a laptop is broken or damaged.

It would be more helpful to new Rangers if the first PowerRanger meeting could occur earlier in the school year.

Mentoring should be kept within a department.

Increase the availability of after school classes.

Question: Will AppleWorks 6 be available for purchase on a "staff buy?"