INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING

IN THE AMTE INTERNET DISCUSSION FORUM

            Welcome to the Internet Discussion Forum (IDF) for the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE).  The purpose of the IDF is to promote discussion between and among mathematics teacher educators.  Such discussion are intended to help broaden participants' perspectives on critical issues in the field, inform their decision-making, and help them reflect on their practice as teacher educators.

            The AMTE IDF is a public resource. As such, anything written to the IDF should be considered in the public domain and available for unlimited reproduction. Summaries and excerpts of the discussions on the IDF may be printed in various media, both public and private. At the same time, please respect any copyright notice attached to a particular item by contacting the author for permission to reproduce the item.

            The statements on the AMTE IDF are strictly personal opinion and do not represent the positions of the organization for which the writer works.  Neither the AMTE nor any of the organizations providing access to the AMTE IDF are responsible for the interpretation or application of the information contained within the discussions.

1.         IDF Overview

a.                   Where is the IDF located?

The list is located at http://www.webct.com/amte

b.                  What options are available?

1.      Read Messages about P-16 Mathematics Teacher Education.

2.      Post Messages about P-16 Mathematics Teacher Education.

3.      Reply to Messages about P-16 Mathematics Teacher Education.

4.      Provide links to materials that relate P-16 Mathematics Teacher Education.

5.      Read Archived AMTE Forum Discussions.

c.                   Is the site moderated?

YES. All messages and materials linked to the site will be checked for appropriate content and tone.

2.         Getting Started

a.         How do I Read messages?

All you have to do is go to the IDF site and hit the green “Join Discussion” button.  Select the Discussion you want to read.  Point and click each message you want to read.

b.         How do I Participate in Discussion?

There are two ways you can participate in discussion.  You can participate in an on-going discussion by “Replying” to a post.  Or, you may start discussion on a new topic by creating a New Topic.  Either way, you must first Login/Join.

How do I Login/Join?

1.     Point and click on Login/Join in the green navigation bar at the top of the page.

2.     If this is your first time, you must register.

3.     Enter your user name and password.

Hint: If you check the box to automatically login next time you access the page, you won't have to go through this process as long as you are accessing it from the same computer.  Also, don't forget to bookmark the page.

How do I Reply?

1.      Click on the green “Reply” button at the bottom of the post to which you want to reply.

2.      Enter your message and “Send.”

Hint: Use the “Topic” line effectively.  If you want to respond to a particular aspect of the current discussion topic, change the “Topic” line so that other participants can more easily navigate through the posts.  Of course, if you want to, you can start a “New Topic” to have a more focused discussion thread.

How do I Create a New Topic?

1.     Click on “New Topic.”

2.     Enter your message and “Send.”

c.         How do I Post materials?

1.      Click on Shared Resources Library

2.      Choose the appropriate category

3.      Click on Add Item

4.      Complete Form

d.                  How do I Receive e-mail Notification?

You can receive an e-mail notification from the IDF when someone posts a message.

1.      If you want an e-mail notification in a topic of your interest, subscribe by clicking the picture of mailbox – if the box is closed with the word “Unsubscribe” underneath, you are subscribed to the topic.

2.      If you want an e-mail notification to any post you write, check the box “Notify me” under the Topic box in the window you write your post.

3.      If you want an e-mail notification for all posts in the AMTE IDF, subscribe at the highest level, General Discussion.  When you use this option, unsubscribe from individual topic and remove the check from “Notify me” box when you post a message (new or reply).  Otherwise you will receive multiple notifications.

3.         AMTE Internet Discussion Forum Guidelines

            The AMTE Internet Discussion Forum (IDF) is as effective as its members make it, so the free participation of everyone is hoped for and appreciated.  It is expected that participants will conduct and participate in discussions in a professional manner.  This includes stating personal views and perspectives without condoning those held by other participants; focusing on the important issues being discussed rather than on specific individuals; and keeping the discussion at a professional rather than personal level.  All posts will be monitored for proper content and tone. Messages that are deemed inappropriate will be removed immediately from the IDF.

a.         Appropriate Topics

            The AMTE IDF is a discussion of issues related to the goals of AMTE. A statement of these goals appears on the AMTE website (http://www.amte.net) and at the end of this message.

            Participation by writing to the group is really helpful and interesting to all our members. If you have a question, surely there are many other AMTE members who have the same question and who would like to read the answers you get. So, if you have a question or view on any aspect of our mutual interest, by all means post it on the list publicly and benefit everyone, rather than just correspond privately. On the other hand, the AMTE IDF is discussion of issues of professional interest, not a "chat" service.

            Off-topic posts are not allowed.  For example, a post on "racism" in general would be off-topic, however "racism in math education" would be an appropriate topic.  Postings that advertise available positions, conference announcements, and calls for proposals are not considered off-topic (see the related sections for additional policies).

            Please be sure to sign your full name at the bottom of your posting and include your affiliation(s) and email address.

b.         Using the “Topic” line effectively

            When sending messages to the AMTE IDF ("posting"), please make sure that your posting has a clear and descriptive entry on the “Topic” line of the header.  If your posting substantially changes the nature of the thread of conversation, remember to change the Topic heading of your posting and create another thread for discussion, if necessary. Those members who were not following the previous thread may be interested in the new topic.

c.         Privacy

            Just as it is important to try to share public information with the whole group, private correspondence should remain just that: private. Personal messages do not belong in a public forum.  It is important not to post private remarks without the author's permission.

d.         Position Announcements

            If you would like to advertise an available position, please post a SHORT note as a new topic that a position is available and direct those interested to an appropriate person or website.  Out of courtesy for IDF members, do not post the entire advertisement.  The AMTE website (http://www.amte.net) is available for posting full announcements.

e.         Conference Announcements and Calls for Proposals

            Out of courtesy for IDF members, do not post conference programs.  Conference announcements may be posted here, but please do so as a new topic. If you post an announcement about an upcoming conference, direct those interested to an appropriate person or website for that information.  Similarly, if you are announcing a call for proposals, do not include the proposal form in your posting but instead direct those interested members to another location where they may obtain necessary forms. The AMTE website (http://www.amte.net) has a section on professional opportunities. 

f.          "Commercials"

            Commercial topics in any form will be removed from the IDF immediately. Sometimes, "commercial" is hard to define, but it can generally be described as something in which the poster or associates have a monetary interest or from which they stand to make money

g.         Professional courtesy

            Although the AMTE IDF is “moderated,” the e-mail notice you receive, if you decide to take advantage of this feature, will include the entire message.  Many participants will try to take advantage of the feature for convenience.  Therefore, please do remember that what you post will go directly to the large number of participants with various backgrounds.  So, it is important that members respect in their postings the attitudes and sensibilities of all other members.

h.         Flaming and other inappropriate messages

            Flaming: All discourse (including points of disagreement) on this list should maintain a friendly, respectful, intellectual, and professional tone. Keep in mind that list members bring with them a variety of different experiential, educational, cultural and political backgrounds and all deserve equal respect. Please keep this in mind before posting something of questionable or potentially offensive content. Also, if you think you have the only or best way of viewing a particular topic or phenomenon, think again! When stating strong opinions or beliefs, extra special attention should be paid to the tone of the message.

            Flaming, personal and professional insults, or arguments that become personal will not be tolerated. Engaging in such behavior is disrespectful and discourteous to other members of the list. If you sense that you are writing or responding in anger or annoyance, that is usually a good sign that you should not post the message publicly, rather, respond privately to the person with whom you have the difficulty. If you feel the need to engage in a personal argument or "flame war" with someone, take it to private e-mail.

            It is inappropriate to impugn the motivation or intent of another IDF member. Here are examples of an appropriate and inappropriate way of addressing a concern about the effect of a suggestion made by a IDF member:

            Inappropriate:  Dr. X's intent is to stop discussion (silence the opposition) on Practice Y.

            Appropriate:  The effect of policy A would be to eliminate discussion on Practice Y.

i.          Objectionable postings

            If you find something posted on the IDF objectionable, you have every right to voice your objections . . . but not in public. Please express your complaints in private to the person responsible or to the MODERATOR, if you deem it necessary. It is hoped that if the author receives enough complaints, it is unlikely that the "offender" will post those kinds of things any more.

j.          Administrative messages

            Occasionally the IDF coordinator will post "administrative" messages (they will have ADMIN in the subject line). These have to do with a problem on the list or a change in policy. Please take the time to read these. As such items of mail are usually statements of fact rather than points of discussion, any replies to ADMIN messages should not be sent to the list but answered privately.

3.         Goals of AMTE

            The AMTE is a non-profit organization created to promote the improvement of mathematics teacher education in all its aspects. Specifically, its goals are to:

            --promote leadership among mathematics teacher educators in the broad mathematics education community.

            --serve as a clearing house for ideas and resources in teacher education in mathematics.

            --encourage research related to mathematics teacher education, especially research which identifies factors that contribute to improving the preparation and professional development of mathematics teachers at all levels.

            --encourage and support programs for prospective teachers at all grade levels, especially for members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

            --facilitate communication among mathematics teacher educators at the elementary, secondary, community college, college, and university levels.

            --coordinate activities and work collaboratively with other associations and organizations concerned with the preparation and professional development of mathematics teachers.

            --facilitate collaboration among mathematics teacher educators who are members of different educational administrative units, such as departments of mathematics and departments of education.

            --encourage and organize programs and meetings focusing on issues related to the preparation and professional development of mathematics teachers.

            -- publish a newsletter to provide a forum regarding issues and activities of concern to mathematics teacher education.

            --work cooperatively with state and national certification and testing agencies to enhance the mathematical, pedagogical, and clinical preparation of prospective teachers of mathematics at all levels (kindergarten through grade sixteen) with respect to criteria for credentialing and licensing of teachers.

            --coordinate activities with local school districts to enhance the preparation and professional development of mathematics teachers.

            --foster the incorporation of appropriate technology into teacher education programs in mathematics at all levels.