Huddles

__12/4/09 -- "Field Trip" Day__
In the space below, we will be keeping track of our work today and providing some feedback and thoughts. Here we go. ..

A framework for envisioning the class = students gain the following...**P.A.C.T.**
 * P**roblem-solving
 * A**pplication
 * C**ollaboration
 * T**echnology

We want our kids to think rather than merely calculate. The computer is a tool or means to PACT. It is not "technology for technology's sake."

We want students to create rather than regurgitate or follow procedural steps. We want them to go beyond the pre-packaged templates and synthesize their skills-based learnings into original works.

__We like the following from what we've seen today__: All software loaded on all computers in the lab (rather than dedicated stations that are limited to one topic/theme) High-end video production studio via CLS Newtek Tri-Caster (a separate, adjacent room available for the studio would be ideal) Videocamera monitoring of the lab Lab Teacher's use of mic and sound system

__Some questions...__ Do we want to change the name of the class from Tech Ed to something else? How soon can we implement the video-production aspect? 2nd semester, 2009-2010 via WEB? If we build the lab in the new wing, we may want to use a flex room for the video production studio, and cover the windows with the magical, $2,000 curtain. Or, if the video-production piece becomes a separate class, we may need an entire classroom devoted to it.

__To consider for purchase__-- Light Scribe disc burner? Color printer?

__To consider for fundraising__-- Ads in the classroom? 30 sec spots on CMS TV? CMS DVDs for sale--sports team seasons, POMS, school play, music programs, club, LA Literary Compilations, class films?

__11/12/09 -- Initial Meeting__

 * Who we are, what resources we have, and where we'll be going (at least a glimpse);
 * Binder contents
 * Book introduction
 * Wiki work;
 * Next steps;
 * Information from MRMS visit and plans for team visit;
 * Meeting times/formats -- Skype? Wiki? E-Mail?

__**11/05/09 -- Update Meeting w/ Ron and Joe**__
Where do we stand? How would we like to proceed for the rest of the year?
 * Getting the bandsaw to work would be beneficial.
 * A Necessity: Computers and Software
 * Currently, 10 out of 16 modules working
 * Bridgebuilding
 * Computer Apps (pieced together; Goo, Faces, etc.)
 * CADD (Google Sketch-Up)
 * Transportation (gone)
 * Audio Broadcasting (Garageband)
 * Video Production (Stop action into iMovie)
 * Digital Photography (experimenting with Photography, required portfolio)
 * Dragsters
 * Research
 * Rocketry/Space
 * Electricity
 * Wing Design/Flight Simulator
 * Robotics
 * Desktop Publishing
 * Computer Graphics
 * Restoration (Sound)
 * Light/Lasers
 * Looking ahead to the future will be paramount --