Wiimote Presenter

"Wiimote Presenter was initially created to use the Wiimote with PowerPoint presentations. The program is free to download and use, there are no warranties or guarantees. Wiimote Presenter can be used for pointer control of the computer with the infrared (IR) camera on the Wiimote and a single near-infrared source."

Jason Smith's webpage - Wiimote Presenter

DRAFT: Top Questions for Technology Committee to Explore 2008-2009

What does it mean to prepare students for the 21st century?

How do we recognize, evaluate, and facilitate effective technology usage by students and teachers?

What does appropriate technology support structures look like and how are they implemented?

What technologies models demonstrate improved communication between students, parents, and teachers?

What technologies models demonstrate improved student learning outcomes?

What technologies models demonstrate improved efficiency and effectiveness in organizations?

A Storehouse of Education Technology

Last year I took over my middle schools media technology class. The class had no formal lab / studio at the time. I spent the summer converting what amounted to two storage closets into a studio. During that time I battled a jungle of old equipment cords, forgotten computer components, and a slew of discarded tech junk. All purchased at one time to help teach kids. As I worked through and cleared the mess, reminders of Rudolf’s Island of Misfit Toys came to my mind. Was this storehouse of education technology the result of a lack of training? Use? Compatibility? Did these purchases spend any significant time in students’ hands or even their classrooms? The question that still lingers: Where will our future purchases get stored if no one uses the new equipment?