08.23.06
Teachers – here come the laptops
As most of the teachers in MSAD52 (Turner, Greene and Leeds, Maine) know, they are receiving laptops during the first month of school. These machines are Windows based with “oodles” of software for supporting teaching and learning. I would like to hear from teachers with and without laptops — what do you expect? what do you use your laptop for? has it improved or made your teaching easier? etc.
Technorati Tags: laptops, teacher laptops
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August 24, 2006 at 10:38 am
As a 7th & 8th grade math/science teacher, I have found the laptops (MLTI) to be invaluable. Since we have had them, I have used the computer as the primary information source in science class. No longer do I have to rely on out of date science books, but am able to keep the students connected to what is current in the fields in which we are studying. In many cases, allowing the students to discover what is important to them as well as the important ideas around the topic. I could NEVER go back!
I have used the machines in math, but probably not as effectively as I could. Building the use into the program we use is not as seamless as I would prefer, but using a “canned” program is not as flexible.
In short, (now that I have rambled) I use it for everything. I find it to be much easier and more rewarding for myself and my students.
August 24, 2006 at 10:49 am
I would like to introduce myself to teachers in the Western Maine Region who don’t know me yet. I’m the MLTI/eMINTS trainer/mentor for Region 6. The focus of my job is to give intensive training and mentoring to 6 eMINTS teacher leaders from schools who are members of the grant consortium which includes Elm Street, Oxford Hills, Dirigo, Mountain Valley, Telstar, and Auburn. See my site at http://region6.mainelearns.org .
This is my second year in this position, and I will be available to more teachers in the region. Please let me know if I can assist with professional development within your school. My priorities are working with my original six schools, then AYP schools, and then with other Districts in the region. As time allows, I will attempt to be a resource to all in our Region. Don’t be afraid to ask. I just might be available!
Check here for outlines of workshops I did this summer and could customize for your needs:
http://region6.mainelearns.org/toolsforlearning.html
Also available is a growing list of teacher web resources at:
http://region6.mainelearns.org/maineteachers.html
Regards,
Jim Burke
MLTI/eMINTS Trainer/Mentor
Western Maine Region
Jburke@mainelearns.org
adagio@megalink.net
Jim_Burke@sad17.k12.me.us
Phone: 207-674-2006
http://region6.mainelearns.org/resources.html
August 30, 2006 at 9:12 pm
what do you expect from your laptop? a mobile computer – home/workshops/school/etc.. It’s just very handy because everything is accessible at all times
what do you use your laptop for? for everything from gradebook to presentations to research
has it improved or made your teaching easier? etc. I can’t really say it’s improved my teaching, except it’s given me more time because of it being mobile.