Area Math & Science Teachers Attend Three–Day Texas Instruments MathForward & Science BOOST Training
While many area teachers were enjoying the lazy days of summer, 31 math and science teachers met on the McAlester campus of Eastern Oklahoma State College to attend the GEAR UP–sponsored three–day TI Navigator summer workshops.
Participants enjoyed sessions and learned 1) How to perform minor troubleshooting; 2) How to connect the equipment and how to setup Navigator for use; 3) How you as a teacher may author and create basic tns files that meet your needs; and 4) Content–specific training, drawing from various workshop materials.
Mr. Dale Philbrick, Director of Professional Development, Content, and Systemic Programs at Texas Instruments, demonstrated the newest technology, the TI–Innovator System. The system was not yet available and workshop participants got a “sneak peek” at what the TI–Innovator could do. The project–based system enables students to learn basic coding and design, use those skills to program and build working solutions, and connect science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts.
In addition, teachers networked with colleagues and enhanced their learning and usage of the TI–Navigator system.
“It was exciting to see the new technology,” said GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator John Spiegel. “Our teachers saw the Innovator system before the TI specialists and coaches throughout the nation learned how to use it. It was a special event.”
Eastern is beginning its sixth year of the $12.6 million federal GEAR UP grant. GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federal initiative to increase the number of low-income students who enter and successfully transition into postsecondary education.
Front Row: Liz Belcher,, Panama; Cindy Tobey, Panama; Deward Palmer, McCurtain; John Johnston, Clayton; Lisa Goddard, Wilburton; and Marco Gonzalez, Texas Instruments MathForward Implementation Supervisor.Row 2: Judy Phillips, Whitesboro; Kathy Anderson, Talihina; Patti Brannon, Crowder; Whitney Stanford, Haileyville; Kim Suttles, McAlester; Shelby Taylor, Haileyville; and Dixie Culwell, McCurtain.
Row 3: Doug Roberts, Texas Instruments Specialist/Coach; Charles Geis, McAlester; Tammi Bethell, Talihina; Sandy Smith, Tannehill; Cydney Meglemre, Keota; Patsey Porter, Whitesboro; Sandra Hocutt, Texas Instruments Specialist/Coach; Jeff Williamson, Panola; Shelly Wansick, Hartshorne; John Spiegel, GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator.
Back Row: Tracy Loyd, LeFlore; Keith Craig, Spiro; Justin Bond, McAlester; Tammy McBride, McAlester; Chrissy Guthrie, McAlester; Lisa Hilburn, Quinton; Jeff Lukens, Texas Instruments Specialist/Coach; Carrie Rymer, Wilburton; Elizabeth Peterson, Canadian; Cathy Walling, Hartshorne; and Mike Smith, Texas Instruments Specialist/Coach.