May 2001 Online Newsletter for Greater Essex County Computer Using Professionals

The May issue of GEC Computers in the Classroom is always the last one of the year. As we prepare to slip into summer mode, it's nice to look back at all that's transpired during the year. I went back to last year's May issue and noted that it surrounded the CIESC dinner at Villanova. At that evening, Diane Bedard gave a presentation about Adobe Photoshop and the creation of web graphics. This year, we're awaiting the delivery of this excellent product, recently Ministry licensed. Mary Pat MacDonald gave us a preview of the Mathville primary math software that has subsequently been licensed. Gisèle Winger and Janice Blencowe introduced the concepts of Clay Animation which has been enthusiastically embraced by a number of teachers and movies are popping up all over the place, in the most interesting applications. Steve Cox was the good will messenger for classroom intranets which continue on the rise. By publishing "safely" in the classroom, students get another chance to be creative. This experience has turned into better web pages for our schools. Rob Murphy and a group of students lead an inspiring session showing what can be done with Hyperstudio as they introduced us to "Natural Disasters". Great stuff. How could you top it? This year's event was held at Western Secondary School and proved to be equally as motivating. Jackie Connelly pushed the envelope beyond comment creation as she planned and assessed with eTeacher. Steve Cox and his DV camera cranked out a movie using iMovie. Julie Parkyn gave some people their first look at StudeNTVista. Ron MacNamara and Doug Sadler revealed what was new with the Ontario Curriculum Planner. Finally, Diane Bedard in an encore presentation inspired her group to touch up those photos and web graphics with Photoshop Essentials. Our keynote for the evening was Rick Murray from Thames Valley who proved that bigger isn't necessarily better as he wowed us with his collection of gadgets designed to increase productivity in those who are leaders in technology. And leaders in technology were what packed the room. The Computers in Education School Contacts, principals, and members from the Information Technology Department strive for excellence in all that happens with computer and related technologies in our classrooms. Our supporters for the evening -- Apple Canada, IBM Canada, Heidt Furniture, PlanetMicro, Edcom, Courseware Solutions, JASC Software, OSAPAC, and Monarch Office Supply made sure that some lucky CIESCs had some additional tools to help them with technology integration. So, inspired, we move towards the 2001-2002 school year and, I know, more great things. The landscape will definitely be different next year. There will be some retirements from our cadre of CIESCs this June. I wish those who are retiring all the best in their future endeavours. The face of the CAIT complement will change as well. For the past three years, I've been privileged to work with Janice Blencowe, Steve Cox, and Neil MacTavish. While they each have taken on special projects such as Clay Animation, Digital Movies, or Filemaker Pro development, they will be fondly regarded for their patience and expertise in their schools, standing alongside teachers developing computer skills. These very talented individuals will be moving to a hopefully less report card centric environment. I wish them every success. And, finally, I have to acknowledge all of the hard work and organization of Debbie Primeau. Through her perseverence and diligence, we all stay connected and up to date in a timely fashion. Please remind her how much you appreciate her efforts when you call or email her next. Summer Institutes have been scheduled for those who want to maintain your technological edge during the summer! But even the most powerful hand operated computer requires recharging every now and again. Have a restful and recharging summer!