Contact: Maridith Geuder
A gift of computer software is providing Mississippi State with new methods of offering free technology training to the state's K-12 teachers.
Approximately $30,000 in software donated by Microsoft Corp. will allow the university to become part of a national consortium of technology training centers. The first of a number of daylong workshops begins this month.
The center "will tailor training to a teacher's experience level," said Regina Halpin, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in the College of Education. She coordinates the effort with Westley DeShazer, director of the college's Instructional Resources Center.
"Our goal is to have teachers in the state using software comfortably and being sure that the resources meet their needs for classroom instruction," Halpin said.
To be held at least three times each semester, the workshops will introduce a variety of computer applications. In a test session last fall, teachers learned to scan photos and developed a brochure for their schools.
Other areas that may be addressed include the use of HyperStudio and other multi-media presentation software, the capabilities of teleconferencing and the development of web pages.
Extensive computer knowledge is not required. "Regardless of their level of knowledge, teachers are welcome to attend our sessions," Halpin said.
The grant also will enable the education college to train its own. "In addition to classroom teachers throughout the state, this project will enhance the ongoing effort to provide the latest technology-based teacher training for our students and faculty," Halpin said.
For more information about the workshops, telephone Halpin after mid-February at (601) 325-7117. By that time, a listing of workshop dates and registration information should be complete.