Home PublicationsL&LIssuesVolume 26 (1998-1999) February (No. 5)

Problem-Solving Software, Equity, and the Allocation of Roles
   by Jackie Stokes
Problem-solving software has deep roots in the elementary curriculum. Common, too, have been relatively inexpensive computers, computers within classrooms, and shared computer access. Limited resources, however, have led teachers to develop ways to make sure students have equal access to these computers and worthwhile activities on them that integrate tasks that can be done both at and away from the computer. As Jackie explains, the result has often been a thematic approach to curriculum delivery. In this article, she offers another way to get groups of students working together to solve problems.

Download the full article (PDF, 356 KB, PDF Instructions).

Awakening the Tech Bug in Girls
   by Catherine Fiore
Catherine describes a two-pronged approach to ensuring that girls are excited by and learn to use effectively today’s technology. First, she gives tips for selecting software that appeals to girls. Then she describes how educators can provide appropriate learning experiences for girls.

Download the full article (PDF, 314 KB, PDF Instructions).

The Tool Kit: An Innovative Approach to
Technology Integration in Networked Schools
   by Kevin McGillivray
A “tool kit” approach can be a highly effective way to support school- and districtwide technology integration. As Kevin McGillivray describes it, the kit includes general purpose tool software that is installed on all computers in four schools. The tool kit not only helps teachers receive the support they need to use technology but also helps students master technology quickly.

Download the full article (PDF, 439 KB, PDF Instructions).

And read materials from a professional-development workshop offered in Kevin’s district.

 

Surfing the Internet with the Younger Set
   by Sheryl Burgstahler
Can the Internet be fun and useful for young learners, even those who are just learning to read? Yes! Sheryl Burgstahler has written a series of books describing how to use the Internet with children. This month's early education offering describes how she and her son Travis surfed the Web together. Read her article in this month's issue of L&L, then visit these Web resources. Her book is titled New Kids on the Net: Internet Activities for Young Learners (1998, Allyn & Bacon).

Blowin' Hot and Cold About My Data
   by Bob Albrecht and George Firedrake
Do you want to run temperature experiments in your classroom? If so, then visit these project descriptions for ideas. Then visit the Web sites of companies that produce the data-grabbing devices you will need.

And for more information about using temperature data in your classroom, read Joanne Caniglia's article from the September 1997 issue of L&L, online.

Programming Dynamic Charts in the Elementary Classroom
   by Don Ploger and Tiffany Della Vedova
In this month's Math column, Don Ploger and Tiffany Della Vedova describe Boxer, an easy-to-use and powerful computer system that allows students to program various number sense operations. Download Boxer at www.soe.berkeley.edu/~boxer/index.html or request a copy by e-mail at boxer-inquiry@soe.berkeley.edu.

Part of the Process:
Problem-Based Education in the One-Computer Classroom
   by Jessica Kahn
Jessica Kahn describes how to use problem-solving software in the one-computer classroom in this month's issue of L&L. She also describes how to choose appropriate software. Visit these resources to learn more about the software she describes.

Awesome Graphics: Using Photoshop for Web Graphics
   by Blanche O'Bannon, Beth Krolak, Molly Harkelroad, and Donna Dick
Blanche and her coauthors share some tips for creating Web banners using Adobe Photoshop. Download their graphics to work through the steps on the first worksheet in the print issue of L&L.

 

Mining the Internet Online
   by Glen Bull, Gina Bull, & Judi Harris
Mining the Internet is an ongoing column in L&L. Frequently the Internet changes substantially in the six months between the time that a column is submitted and the time it appears in print. The Mining the Internet Web site will provide a location for updates to each issue's column. It will also provide a way to offer active links to Internet locations mentioned in the column and a place for material that would not fit in the confines of a four-page column. The column will therefore become a hybrid mix of print materials that will appear in each issue of L&L and supplementary materials that will be placed on the Web each month.

http://teach.virginia.edu/go/mining/

Copyright © 1999, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved.