6th Semester of the Laptop Initiative for Future Educators (LIFE) gets off to Inspiring Start!

Getting the sixth semester of the Laptop Initiative for Future Educators (LIFE ) off to an inspiring start, LIFE Coordinator Melissa Tothero planned and led a full day’s activities for the faculty who teach LIFE-related courses.

The thirty participants of the January 14^th meeting heard a lot about new and upcoming technologies. They were excited about the laptop-based classroom response system that IDEA Studio Coordinator Ken Tothero demonstrated, as well as the presentation by Karen French and Jim Haley on laptop videoconferencing with iChat software and iSight cameras.

The highlight of the day was the Exemplary Faculty/Student Technology Projects Showcase, when several digital documentaries and instructional videos created by students were shown. Explains Melissa, “these projects demonstrate that technology can provide students with a very compelling tool for self-expression, and that our faculty are well on their way to transforming the teaching-learning process in teacher education through the effective use of technology in their courses. I was truly inspired, and felt that our efforts toward technology integration were validated.”

The meeting wrapped up with participants sharing their technology integration success stories with one another. Most felt the day was beneficial to them, and, like Dr. Joan Shiring, appreciated the “witty, relaxed, and informal style” of Melissa and the other presenters.

—Laurie Caldwell, LTC Publications Editor