MicroComputer Support

February/March 2004

In the MCS Spotlight: 
Levittown UFSD
TI-Navigator in Action!

On January 29 MicroComputer Support sponsored a seminar on the TI-Navigator, an instant assessment tool for the classroom using Texas Instruments graphing calculators.

The workshop took place at Levittown’s MacArthur High School at the invitation of Darlene Rhatigan, Director of Computers & Media Services. Presenting their use of the system were Math Chairperson, Ann Davidian and her staff of teachers, Christopher Bergersen, Jennifer Dallari, Rosemary Kaste and Kathryn Oswald.

The TI-Navigator system is comprised of two parts, hardware and software. The hardware creates a wireless network for TI handhelds. The software allows the teacher to send and receive student assignments and maintain student results. Wireless hubs distributed throughout the classroom can connect up to four TI handhelds. Students log in, complete an assignment and send the results to the teacher’s work station. Teachers receive an instant assessment of right and wrong answers to determine which areas require further review.

The Levittown teachers had high praise for the TI-Navigator, claiming that it was simple to use and provided them with invaluable insight as to which concepts the students were grasping, or not. Instant assessment allows them to focus instruction on areas where it is most needed. Sharing results with the students often leads to engaging discussion regarding a particular problem, and helps foster a climate of camaraderie, such as when the entire class scores 100% on a challenging question.

The entire system is housed in a secure, mobile cabinet that allows it to be moved from classroom to classroom, which is a good thing considering how popular it has become with the staff and students. Word of its success is traveling fast, and the district is planning to purchase an additional system for its other high school next fall.

For more information use the following link to read about the TI-Navigator system.