Two Issues
Daniel Dudley
First, I am very happy that such a group has been formed. I am afraid that I may be one of the rail-birds that tends to reads more than posts, but I will make an effort to become involved. I have two thoughts that I thought I would put to the group. One there might not be able to do much about, but I think that the battery consumption is getting worse. Ti-83’s batteries seemed to last for years, 84’s about a year and a half, since last summer, I have replaced the batteries in the N-spire twice. It seems to me that rechargeable batteries are getting much better, I realize that the price may increase, but i-pod batteries last a long time, it would be nice to have an ability to put in rechargeable batteries that could be charged through the USB plug. Just a thought.
Two, I think that 2 licenses for the computer software is way too restrictive, even Microsoft gives 3 for the Office package. I have 3 computers that I use nearly equally as much, one is hooked to my smartboard which I usually just put files on that I create from the other two computers. Anyone else feel that this is too restrictive?
Dan
Mrs. Heidi Rudolph
re-installed my second install on my new hard drive. Now, there are
NONE left. : (
On Feb 13, 2:25 pm, "Daniel Dudley" <Dani...@verdevalleyschool.org>
wrote:
Ray O'B1
TI-CARES. I feel fairly certain you will be given a solution for
another install.
Ray
On Apr 10, 7:14 pm, "Mrs. Heidi Rudolph" <heidirudolp...@gmail.com>
wrote:
mc
and talk with them about it (hint, hint - I did it). What I also find
frustrating is the lack of a site license for the software. My school
district is considering N-Spire and it is hard to go to them with,
"You have to buy a license for each computer [whether it be
individual, 5- or 10-packs]." instead of "There is a site license
(like megaCorp MS) for x computers." I understand TI is trying to make
$$, but come on!
I started to write a tangent to this thread the other day, a thread
where (esp. if TI reads this) -- a thread with suggestions to TI on
how to improve the N-Spire technology (handheld, software, non-CAS/
CAS). I know I have called TI-CARES at least a handful of times with
suggestions that I think would be helpful as I use the technology
more:
PC Software:
1) Have a "Send to handheld" option under File instead of having to
use the N-Spire link software separately.
2) Have the character/symbols palette able to be a toolbar/floating
palette so I do not have to always click on the button to open the
symbol palette.
3) Have a font for both the handheld and software that represents the
buttons/keys -- this is much easier, esp. for Special Ed. and even
younger students!
4) Perhaps have keyboard shortcuts for the different 'Modes/Pages'
e.g. on a Notes page: Ctrl + I = italics, etc.
5) Have the End key on the keyboard find the end-of-line character and
not the end-of-file character.
Handheld:
1) **I know this will NOT happen due to TI wanting to make $$** : have
a CAS Faceplate for the N-Spire handheld!!!
2) Have a PTT to turn off CAS features and enable school districts to
buy these (^^^although: look at above suggestion^^^) instead of N-
Spires.
3) One word: COLOR (I ask my students: "What is the first thing you
remember learning about?" many come up with numbers, letters, etc. and
then I ask them about colors and you should see the light bulbs go
off! We use color at a young age to differentiate between objects - we
can use color on a PC (GSP, Cabri Jr., CAR, MAPLE, etc.) - Casio does
color...!)
Well - any additions? Perhaps a new thread can be started. I was told
that while compiling and sending these suggestions to TI via their web
site is good, 1:1 contact over the phone is much better and gets
stronger consideration!
~thanks~
Rex Boggs
> where (esp. if TI reads this) --
As the list moderator, I can assure you that a number of folks from TI are members of this
discussion list and that they are reading your suggestions on how to improve both their product and
their service.
So suggestions on how to improve the tinspire are most welcome as are suggestions about training,
resources, how TI can help to meet school needs, etc.
Cheers
Rex
Jessica Kachur
BY the way, in response to Rex's post about ideas for TI, more of the intermediate trainings would be nice in better places than all in the south! Also Advanced trainings would be great also! John Hanna and Sean Bird a few of you others would do a real service if you offered a full day training somewhere (preferrably by Sean - It is closest!) or even a few days!
Jess Kachur
Muka, CGC, TDI, CL2, CL3-F, CL3-S, CL3-H, TN-O, WV-N
and
Jibay, Sandy Acres lil' Phantom, CGC, CL1
Sean Bird
Thanks for the compliment of mentioning me regarding advanced training. Two preliminary questions: 1. Can we find enough people whose schedules match up and are interested in deepening their TI-Nspire training? 2. Do you have any ideas about what would be considered advanced topics or what specific things would you like to have a workshop for to get more hand-on experience with? [When I say "you," I mean anyone can chime in.]
After a discussion on the AP Calculus electronic discussion group, where people expressed a desire for an AP Calculus Summer Institute with a focus on integrating the use of a SMART Board and the TI-NspireCAS, I volunteered to host and be the instructor for this at my school in Indianapolis. Within several hours I had 10 people sign up for the week of July 7-11. (It is starting to get close to full.) However, the participants generally look like they are fairly new to the Nspire.
I'm interested in doing a day or two workshop if we can find enough other people interested in the area. I could even travel.
Sean Bird
Indianapolis, IN
 
--
Sean Bird
AP Physics & Calculus,
NHS Adviser & Rocket Team Supervisor
Covenant Christian High School
7525 West 21st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46214
Phone: 317/390.0202 x104 Fax: 317/390.6823
Website: http://cs3.covenantchristian.org/bird
work Email: sean...@covenantchristian.org
personal Email: covena...@gmail.com
Psalm 111:2 "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them."