TI intros TI-Nspire navigator system for networked computers

DALLAS, USA: Math and science departments with one-to-one computing environments can bring a new level of student/teacher collaboration into their classrooms with the TI-Nspire Navigator System for Networked Computers. Using the new system, schools can use TI-Nspire technology across their own networks, allowing teachers to manage interactive math and science instruction on the classroom network.

The software-based TI-Nspire Navigator System for Networked Computers leverages a school's existing wired or wireless network and desktop or laptop computer infrastructure. The TI-Nspire Navigator System for Networked Computers gives teachers the capability to instantly transfer TI-Nspire files - as well as any other file type - from the classroom computer to all student computers simultaneously.

In addition to communicating between teacher and student computers, educators can create TI-Nspire documents for homework and assessment. When it's time to turn in the assignment, the system can collect the TI-Nspire document files and auto-grade them, saving valuable time for instruction.

"TI-Nspire Navigator is a powerful classroom tool that I use to actively engage my students and create a learning environment that helps them participate more, learn from each other and achieve a higher level of understanding," said Jennifer Wilson, a mathematics teacher at Northwest Rankin High School in Flowood, Miss., and an instructor for the Teachers Teaching with Technology (T3) professional development organization from Texas Instruments.

The TI-Nspire Navigator System for Networked Computers also gives educators the tools they need to gauge student understanding and adjust instruction according to individual learning styles. For example, teachers can perform quick polls using a wide range of question types at any point during the class session. Teachers also can monitor student work using screen captures, regardless of what application the student is using. This capability gives teachers the insight necessary to adjust instruction immediately to meet students' needs.

For students, the system encourages a higher level of participation, enabling them to stay more focused and take part in effective group learning. With the Live Presenter feature, students can demonstrate their problem-solving skills or present their work from anywhere in the classroom using any application.

"With the growing use of one-to-one computing environments and network infrastructures at middle and high schools, IT administrators can leverage the district's network infrastructure investment for direct instruction, assessment and classroom management using the TI-Nspire Navigator System for Networked Computers," said Mark Fry, TI-Nspire product strategy manager for Texas Instruments Education Technology. "With the TI-Nspire Navigator System for Networked Computers, IT managers can provide math and science educators the TI-Nspire classroom learning experience they're seeking."

Student computers must have installed the TI-Nspire or TI-Nspire CAS Student Software, which is sold separately.

Texas Instruments is offering a free evaluation kit for the TI-Nspire Navigator System for Networked Computers to schools that are interested in test driving the system on their own networks.