Session 1-Setting the Stage

Session 1 covers Chapter 1: Preparing to Use Technology, an overview of our knowledge on the subject we are embarking on. The first section of the book continues to Chapter 2: Hardware Basics and Chapter 3: Software Basics, both touch on equipment needs for basic implementation of technology, as well as adaptive technologies.

Most of the questions by participants steered the spirit of the discussion to SmartBoard hardware. Hardware CMS has available that will be covered for our course this spring's Master Teacher Professional Development includes

• CPS, also known as 'clickers,' require a blue receiver, a cable and adapter, and the remotes. Must be used with a projector or a tv and Avery Key (patches pc into a tv).
• Projectors, generally called Infocus machines.
• Make your own Psuedo-Elmo--cool things to do with projectors is to make your own by patching a digital camera or camcorder into the Video Input. Requires two $3 cable to video adapters for a regular tv cable line. I will post a video on how this works in the next week or so! Works without a pc, does not interact with SmartBoard but is an excellent way to do demos, dissections, modeling worksheet or note taking activity.
• SmartBoard, which is only useful if you have a projector and a pc. But boy is it useful!
• Slam Ins response systems, which were recently donated by the PTSA and are available for check out.

The class here at CMS will focus on utilizing the tools we have available to us, and supplemental material will be copied focusing on user manuals for the equipment we have at our disposal. The planning for upcoming sessions established SmartBoards as the main goal, so the next meeting will be held in Berry's room, N04, on Wednesday. At this time, Berry and Nichol's rooms will be configured with CPS units ans tested, while Berry's room will be set up with a SmartBoard and used by all participants. The meeting April 7 will be in the East Wing. to set up the rooms down there with SmartBoards and CPS units, and train on Slam Ins.


http://web.utk.edu/~bobannon/preparing/student_materials.shtml
Has all the powerpoints summarizing the information presented in the chapters.