Those in attendance also heard a presentation from Indiana State Police Officer Andy Byers on Internet safety.
Byers has been with the state police since 1995 and is stationed at the Redkey post. Byers has worked in more than 3,000 child exploitation cases.
Byers warned students against posting personal information or pictures.
"Even if you take those things down, as long as somebody has a computer somewhere, it's around forever," said Byers."Predators will read posts all day long while kids are at school," said Byers. "And they'll use that information against the child."
Byers said people use social networking sites like Myspace and Facebook to plan burglaries.
"You post that you're going on vacation to Florida or post pictures that you're away, people can use that," said Byers.
The topic of "sexting" was also discussed by Byers.
The state legislature is currently working on a bill that would stiffen the penalty for those who take or receive photos of minors with mobile devices.
Byers gave the following Internet safety tips to parents:
- Prepare yourself.
- Talk openly with your child.
- Don't overreact.
- Establish rules.
- Leave the computer in a common area.
Byers said that if parents want to report inappropriate Internet activity toward a child, they should either visit www.cybertipline.com or call 800-843-5676.
After Byers' presentation, Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Craig Hintz spoke about where technology is and where it's going at Warsaw schools.
Hintz said the school system went through an audit earlier this year, and from that a plan of how to incorporate technology and develop staff's knowledge of the technology was developed.
Hintz also said it was important to set district standards in terms of what hardware and software the school buys.
"We need to use technology to engage students differently than we have in the past," said Hintz.
Hintz also told the crowd that both he and Athletic Director Joe Santa had Twitter accounts and encouraged parents and teachers to follow them.
WCHS Information Technologies technician Justin Mort presented information on Smart Boards and document cameras.
Smart Boards, like Mimio used in almost every classroom at WCHS, are portable devices that attach to white boards and allow teachers to give presentations without an overhead.
In a video presentation by WCHS teachers Scott Schram, Karen Patrick and Gregg Straits, all three lauded the program for allowing them mobility in the classroom while presenting.
"For the last year I've been really excited about what I'm doing," said Straits, a math teacher at the high school."
After an introduction by WCHS Principal Troy Akers, Freshman Principal and emcee for the night Rodney Thomas introduced Byers.
Thomas said that Monday night's event was just the beginning of the school engaging the community when it comes to technology.
"Our goal is to provide workshops to parents and people in the community," said Thomas. "One of the things we want to do is open up classes at the high school so parents can learn about Facebook, Mimio, Smart Boards. That's the goal."
Hintz said that when workshops are set up they'll be announced through the district's Web site.
Hintz also said more information will be given to parents at the upcoming EdCom.
Another technology seminar is set for the 2010-2011 school year.
Thomas also thanked the Warsaw Parent-Teacher Organization for putting Monday night's event together.
Several door prizes were given away at the seminar. Gift cards from 1000 Park Kafe, Owen's and Walmart were given out as was a dinner party valued at $600.
Dental Health Solutions donated an iPod Touch while Computer Troubleshooting donated two virus tune-ups valued at $135.
The main prize, an Amazon Kindle, was won by John French from Warsaw. The Kindle was donated by Maple Leaf Farms.
