The Northwest Minnesota INFOCON, is providing technology training to K-12 teachers in its 13-member group. INFOCON, comprised of public and private K-12 schools in Northwestern Minnesota, received a grant from the MN Department of Children, Families and Learning in the amount of $250,000; this money provides schools with laptop computers and teachers with technology training at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
Prior to training, the teachers completed a survey of skills and experiences with technology and are now attending sessions conducted by the UMC faculty and staff skilled in using technology applications in the classroom. UMC student aides provide hands-on assistance. The software used in the training is the latest version of Microsoft Windows and Office 2000. Proper usage of the Internet and e-mail are also covered in the classes. The teachers will be re-surveyed in May to determine the effects of the training. It is expected that both teachers and their students will utilize technology in classroom activities such as research and analysis, writing, group projects and presentations.
Sessions began in September and will run through February to provide the training to almost 200 teachers. Each school received three laptops under the grant, which provide the mobility necessary for the teachers to participate in the hands-on training at UMC and practice at home or school between sessions. Some teachers had not previously used a computer in the classroom and were presented with a variety of applications. “I began knowing - hardly anything! I have used hotmail (e-mail) regularly - websites nightly - written parent letters - flyers.” commented one teacher. Another teacher stated, “The workshop was definitely worthwhile - opened a new door of opportunity for my students and me.”
Jane Sims, UMC coordinator for the project, noted “The teachers are enthusiastic about learning new ways to help their students learn. They are excited about technology applications in their classrooms and bringing the outside world in.”
INFOCON members are Climax-Shelly Public Schools, Win-E-Mac Public Schools, Red Lake Falls Public Schools, St. Phillip’s School - Bemidji, MN, Cathedral School - Crookston, MN, Holy Rosary School - Detroit Lakes, MN, Sacred Hearth Elementary School - East Grand Forks, MN, St. Michael’s School - Mahnomen, MN, St. Joseph’s School - Moorhead, MN, St. Mary’s Mission School - Red Lake, MN, St. Joseph’s School - Red Lake Falls, MN, St. Bernard’s School - Thief River Falls, MN, Sacred Heart High School - East Grand Forks, MN. For more information contact Fr. Tim Bushy at St. Joseph’s School in Red Lake Falls at (218) 253-2685 or Jane Sims, UMC, at (218) 281-8101. The INFOCON website is located at http://www.climax.k12.mn.us/INFOCON/infocon.html and the UMC INFOCON training site is http://www.umcrookston.edu/ag/infocon.
Posted by Andrew Svec 12/09/99
Contact: Curt Almlie, 218-281-8436