eMINTS Teachers are trained intensively in how to improve their teaching. Lots of tax-payer money is used to buy technological equipment to help students.

And the reason for the whole thing? To improve learning!! (surprise, surprise)

eMINTS is a privilege. Like all privileges, it can be taken away temporarily or permanently. If teachers aren’t improving their teaching, the equipment goes bye-bye. If students aren’t improving their learning, the student loses computer privileges.

eMINTS Computers MAY BE USED FOR:MAY NOT BE USED FOR: 1. YPP Assessments1. Recreational purposes 2. MyAccess Writing2. Unauthorized searches 3. Final draft of Writing Projects3. Cheating on assignments 4. Presentation creation4. Game playing (unless educational) 5. Research (authorize all searches)5. Instant messaging 6. Checking class website6. Social networking (Facebook, Twitter) 7. Journaling? still not sure about this7. Watching videos, photos, etc. 8. Keyboarding practice8. Printing wastefully. 9. Other educational activities9. Instant messaging 10. Correspondence between teacher & students.

eMINTS Computers Must stay turned OFF until school begins each day at 8:35, unless you get permission from Mr. B. Monitor must be turned off during recess and during instruction. Must stay off all day on Sub. Days.

Working with Partners You must be willing and able to work with a partner, since we’re sharing computers. Question: Is it best to change partners frequently, or stick with the same one? Question: How should partners be chosen?

Caring for the equipment Keeping it clean. Not touching the screen. Knowing basic computer maintenance. Avoiding unnecessary downloads. Question: How will we pay for cleaning supplies?

Computer Knowledge Basic understanding of how computers work. The various parts of the machine. Using correct vocabulary. Knowing how to log in, log off, and shut down the machine.

Internet Knowledge Basic understanding of what it is and how it works. Understanding of internet safety issues and privacy issues. Understanding the difference between a home computer and a computer at your job. Knowing about browsing history and being responsible for it.

Copyright Knowledge When people create something, they at least want credit for it. And often, they want money for it. If we use their creations, we must be willing to give credit always, and money when it’s requested. Otherwise, create it yourself.

This includes WORDS. You cannot copy or change the words of another person without their permission. You CAN use some of the ideas of another person. If you’re not sure, ASK.

Programs You Should Learn to Use Word Power Point Interwrite Internet Explorer Mozilla MyAccess YPP Others?

What about class activities? One person runs the mouse, while the other works the keyboard.

Class Decisions January 4: Most of the class voted to use grades as the measurement for learning. This starts January 18 (two weeks). Any students with NI grades will lose computer privileges until they bring their grades up. Quite a few also voted for a growth model. So, students who want to use this can see Mr. B to set a goal to improve.

Computer Misbehaviors 7. Damaging the equipment on purpose. 7. Downloading something inappropriate. 6. Looking at something inappropriate. 6. Being on an unauthorized website. 6. Leaving eMINTS machine on over the weekend. 5. Bringing unauthorized media to the school computer. 5. Damaging the equipment on accident.

More computer misbehaviors 4. Not keeping the equipment clean. 4. Touching the screen. 4. Leaving eMINTS machine on overnight. 3. Making computer sound effects at wrong time. 2. Having computer turned on when it’s not supposed to be. 2. Not keeping your eMINTS desk clean. 1. Messing around with the computer equipment.

Consequences Seven strikes: Level 5 and lose computer for one month (30 days) Six strikes: Level 3 and lose computer for two weeks. Five strikes: Level 3 and lose computer for one week. Four strikes: Level 2 and lose computer for four days. Three strikes: Level 1 and lose computer for two days.

Questions for eMINTS teachers Do we assign one person ONLY to a computer? Can my Science students use the computers? What about cleaning supplies? What about the ink for the color printer? Teacher’s laptop: can it print wirelessly? How to clean computers properly? How to assign partners? Shared files?

Look into eThemes Download bluetooth patch for InterWrite tablet Convex mirror from CostCo? Store teachers laptop files on the external harddrive frequently; if they scrub or reimage, your files will be lost Washing hands? Microfiber towels dampened with water. Vacuum?

Teacher seating charts AND student seating Canisters of screen wipes Or microfiber towels dampened Time saver, if the teacher searches for the clipart, videos, and media that students will need for projects. These can be saved from year to year.

I drive, data folder