College Sponsors Texas Instruments Workshop
(Press Release 08-10-09)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Submitted story and photos

    Texas Instruments Educational Technology Consultants Bill Caroscio and David Young recently led area teachers during Texas Instruments workshops highlighting the feature applications of the TI–Nspire calculator. The three–day workshops were sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College’s GEAR UP grant. The professional development is part of an on–going partnership with Texas Instruments.
 
    Coroscio conducted the math workshop which focused on using the TI–Nspire in Algebra instruction. The TI–Nspire handheld technology dramatically links graphing environments with interactive geometry, spreadsheets, and symbolic expressions. This allows students to investigate problem situations from multiple perspectives; numeric, algebraic, geometric, and verbal. Activities were modeled and participants had the opportunity to work through a number of activities that can be used in their classrooms. Time was also spent on learning the features of this new technology tool.
 
    Young conducted the science workshop which began with an orientation to the TI–Nspire handheld. After spending some time learning about the Document Model and the nature of the many applications of the Nspire, the group moved on to data collection. Participants used the EasyTemp probe for hands–on exploration of Newton’s Law of Cooling, the CBR2 for several experiences with motion, the Gas Pressure sensor to explore Boyle’s Law, and the Dual Range Force probe to investigate the relationship between mass and force. Participants were left with the challenge of planning some investigation for their classes, and to outline what equipment and training needs they anticipated.
 
    Teachers attending the workshop received a TI–Nspire calculator for their use in the classroom. They learned graphing functions, modes, tables, math and scientific functions, split screen manipulation, programming, and archiving/unarchiving features.
 
    Math teachers attending were: Jerry Mathews, Buffalo Valley; Patti Brannon, Crowder; Cecil Hallmark, Haileyville; Cydney Meglemre, Keota; Cathy Tadlock, Kiowa;  Deward Palmer, McCurtain; Brenda Reading, Panola; Lisa Hilburn, Red Oak; and Patsy Porter, Whitesboro.
 
    Science teachers attending were: Stephanie Bowen, Indianola; Phillip Scott, McAlester; Christy Self, McAlester; and  Judy Phillips, Whitesboro.
 
    Eastern Oklahoma State College received a $6.7 million federal GEAR UP grant and is beginning the fourth year of implementation. Eastern has partnered with 23 area schools to provide students, teachers, and parents with additional educational opportunities.

Caption info:
Left to Right Front Row: Cydney Meglemre, Keota; Brenda Reading, Panola; Patti Brannon, Crowder; Stephanie Bowen, Indianola; and Patsy Porter, Whitesboro.
 
Left to Right Back Row: David A. Young, Texas Instruments; Phillip Scott, McAlester; Christy Self, McAlester; Lisa Hilburn, Red Oak; Jerry Mathews, Buffalo Valley; Cecil Hallmark, Haileyville; Deward Palmer, McCurtain; and Bill Caroscio, Texas Instruments.
 
Not Pictured: Judy Phillips, Whitesboro and Cathy Tadlock, Kiowa.