NOTE: Where indicated, files are in PDF format (view PDF instructions). Some files are in MS Word (view MS Word instructions) or Rich Text (view Rich Text instructions) formats. Don't you just love it when you have exactly the right tool for the
task at
hand? Fixing something or accomplishing the task turns from a chore to
a pleasure
with a nice sense of accomplishment. Technology tools are so
multifaceted that
often we have the right tool at our fingertips and don't even know it.
How many
of us are aware of the features that are built into our computers'
operating
systems to assist users with special needs? For all teachers-including
those
who work exclusively with students with special needs-Walter Kimball
and Libby
Cohen describe how and when to use the accessibility features of
Windows and
Macintosh operating systems. Handhelds may prove to be just the tool our students need to be able
to meet
their educational needs 24/7, or at least during the school day or for
particular
classes. But what does it take to start a handheld program in your
school or
district? L&L Senior Editor Jennifer Roland discusses goals
for the
program, budgetary issues, and the pros and cons of various
implementation models,
including training and ongoing support. Computer access without Internet/Web connectivity would hamper the
handheld
as a student tool. We must work together to develop plans and policies
that
expand access while protecting students, school information, and
technology
infrastructures. Glen Bull and Gina Bull, in discussing the Pew
Internet and
American Life series, describe the "Digital Disconnect"
currently
occurring for today's Internet-savvy youth. The Bulls really drive
home the
importance of access and staff development to take advantage of that
access.
How can we further use technology to achieve greater equity in
learning environments?
For science education, Randy Yerrick, Donna Ross, and Philip Molebash
describe
how digital video can be used to "invite multiple voices and
representations
of students into the process of learning science". Engaging students in real-world problems makes learning more
concrete and
can level the playing field for students. Brenda Levert connects
algebra to
the real world in a popcorn-selling project for her school. The writing process is enhanced when students get feedback from their
peers
as well as their teachers, and teachers' burdens are lessened when
they share
the feedback responsibility. Nick Viani has an ingenious technology
solution
for providing online support for content-area writing. Gail Lovely reviews three pro-grams this month that offer curriculum
opportunities
for PE/health, music, and art courses. One provides nutrition and
exercise information
that might inspire students to improve their eating habits. Another
helps students
and teachers manage, manipulate, and display digital photos. The third
connects
music to science and 20th-century world history. Speaking of inspiring students to develop better health habits, learn
how ISTE
member Mike Barton uses heart rate monitors, software, and laptops to
monitor
student health in this month's Member Profile. Some tools do take some training. Diane McGrath provides a great listing and
review of online resources for staff development for project-based learning
with and without technology. Kathleen Gora and Janice Hinson discuss study groups-a promising model for
staff development.In this case, the model is principal-driven and fine-tuned,
giving it an even greater chance for success. This issue is chock full of ideas for tools to guarantee increased learning. We're confident that you'll find at least one perfect tool for your educational tasks. Readers Respond One-Computer Strategies Work "Projecting Knowledge" (September 2003, pp. 42-45) and "Pump Up Your Computer" (October 2003, pp. 42-45) demonstrate the value of using multiple technologies to create powerful learning tools. The examples given in both articles are appropriate uses of technology and will truly bring about increased excitement and engagement for the students. Learning centers are very effective but should be used sparingly for just decorating a finished project unless the graphics are the items being assessed. Connecting students from around the world encourages understanding of other cultures and promotes an awareness of what it means to be a "good citizen." Web cams and virtual field trips are excellent resources to stimulate classroom discussions and can be done in early elementary school. As educators move forward and allow students to use the technology to demonstrate the depth of their knowledge, they will find students exceeding many curricular expectations. These technologies will allow the teacher to move to the side of the room and let students stand in front and encourage them to take ownership of their learning. Kim Breuninger Web Troubles? A resource cited in "Scaffolding for Struggling Students" by Sara Kajder (October 2003, pp. 32-35) has a dead link (http://www.teacherlink.org/content/blog/). I would love to see this link fixed. I teach a graduate class in using technology in the curriculum, and this resource is one I will definitely introduce the grad students to. That link will be beneficial because it will provide additional uses of this tool in the classroom. We have recently discovered that many of our high school students are "journaling" online also. I look forward to the magazine each month. It provides a rich assortment of ways technology can be used in education. Thanks for the dedication! Maureen Brisson Author's reply: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Unfortunately, we ran into some trouble gaining permissions to link to student blogs, so we were off target for getting the site up and running. The URL was live as of October 13, 2003. Please visit the Center for Technology and Teacher Education's blogging activities page at http://www.teacherlink.org/content/blog/. Leadership Is the Real Issue Through my work consulting with districts and schools on technology, I have found that most Ed Tech problems stem from a lack of leadership. We need to move beyond boxes and wires and fully address the less tangible concerns. Articles in L&L, such as Don Hall's on managing people ("Power Strategy Tool Kit, Part 2," October 2003, pp. 36-41), will hopefully bring leadership issues to the forefront of all education leaders, especially those who manage technology. Daniel J. Wendol |
