I'm Sooooo Excited!!

I am a math teacher; however, I am not a math geek. I like doing math problems but there are times when others are talking math and I'm thinking, "Huh?!? What in the world are you saying?"

I am a techie wannabe. I really enjoy teaching my students to use technology. Especially Texas Instrument's newest generation calculator -- excuse me, it's not a calculator...it's a handheld...that's how powerful it is.

The TI Nspire is a great tool for a math teacher. I first learned about the Nspire about three years ago. I was able to purchase one for myself but was having trouble learning how to use it on my own. I met a wonderful math teacher from a school located in the middle area of my state. She met me at my parents' home one Saturday over a year ago and taught me how to use the handheld. She then told me about a grant that the state was securing to have teachers train on the Nspires and teach other teachers how to use them. She encouraged me to apply for the program. I was accepted...that meant I received a class set (30) of the handhelds. But, I had to do presentations...300 face hours total. I've had since June of 2009 until June 2010. Today, I hit 303 hours!!!! If I didn't get the 300 hours, I would have had to return the handhelds. :(

That is why I am so excited today!!

Now, I just have to submit two more activities to TI's activity exchange and attend one more training session, which I am already prepared to do.

I loved doing those presentations. I'm already planning to do more this summer.

I am now one step closer to keeping those handhelds!!