Charter Schools
Research has shown that certain factors are often characterisitcs
of exemplary schools: small size, self-governance, and choice. These also tend
to be features of charter schools, a new form of public, tax-supported school.
Charter schools are drawing heavily on information technology (IT) in their
curriculum, instruction, and assessment and serving as test beds for IT use
in schools.
This month's editorial discusses how charter schools are using
IT and how other schools can learn from their examples.
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The Problem Cycle
A Model for Computer Education
In this issue's feature article, Margaret Lloyd uses the metaphor
of a bicyle to advocate the teaching of problem solving and computer-mediated
solutions rather than simply providing students with key-press worksheets that
teach specific applications.
Subject: Technology Education
Grade Level: All
Technology: Any application software on any computer system
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Get Moving!
Some teachers are integrating math education, and others science
education. Wouldn't it be loverly if the math integrators and the science integrators
collaborated to create environments in which math and science worked together
to help students survive and thrive in an integrated, intertwingled world? Let's
do it!
Subject: Mathematics, Physics
Grade Level: 6-12 (Ages 12-18)
Technology: T1 Calculator-Based Lab and Calculator-Based Ranger; microcomputer-based labs and sensors by Vernier
Software, Acculab, and Team Labs;
data loggers by Onset Computer Corporation
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Catch Your Students with
MicroWorlds Games
Even the simplest game requires a programmer to assemble and
use procedures in a way that procedures produces coherent and repeatable action.
In this article, the authors describe how they have used a variation of Logo
to help their students learn programming and complex problem-solving approaches
in the process.
Subject: Computer Science, Logo
Grade Level: 1-8 (Ages 6-13)
Technology: MicroWorlds (LCSI)
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Using Computer Spreadsheets
to Solve Equations
The focus of the algebra curriculum is to help students develop
a conceptual understanding of the subject matter, but when we emphasize rules
and repetition, the focus shifts in students' minds from the concept to the
algorithm.
Computer spreadsheets can help students shift their focus back
to the concept. This month's math article gives examples of how to use the spreadsheet
for graphing in the algebra classroom.
Subject: Algebra
Grade Level: 8-12 (Ages 13-18)
Technology: spreadsheet software (e.g., AppleWorks (formerly ClarisWorks), Microsoft
Excel or Works)
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Internet Investigations
Mixing Talent with Teachers and Telecommunications
Real-world problems can motivate students of all ages and abilities.
As the authors describe, in this project, gifted students learned about the
Internet and developed their research skills as they investigated such unsolved
"mysteries" as the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, and Stonehenge.
Also read the online
supplement to this article.
Subject: Research skills, technology
Grade Level: 4-9 (Ages 9-14)
Technology: Web browser
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Technolgy-Transformed Dictionary Compilation
Drudgery into Desired Desktop Lexicographer
Enchantment
Subject: Language Arts
Grade Level: 3-8 (Ages 8-13)
Technology: Kid Pix (Broderbund, a division of The Learning Company)
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Listserv Learning
In this project, which dovetailed with an earlier project involving
their students, teachers used a listserv (1) to describe how children used problem-solving
software and (2) to discover and exchange powerful ideas about learning environments,
teaching, and problem solving.
Subject: Elementary, problem solving, action research, professional
development
Grade Level: Teachers
Technology: My Make-Believe Castle (LCSI); Internet connection
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Educational Teleresearch A Means, Not an End
Learning to gather information on the Internet is a task in itself.
But even students who already know how to find what they want may not always
use it effectively.To address that need, Judi Harris has indentified and now
discusses six purposes that can help guide teachers as they design activities
that incorporate teleresearch.
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Technology Staff-Development and Support Programs
Applying Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Identifying a school district's infrastructureal needs is a formidable
task in itself, as any L&L reader knows. But just determining what equipment
is required for integrating technology into the classroom is not enough: Administrators
must address teachers' fears and concerns, and they must ensure their needs
are met. In this article, the authors apply a well-known construct from the
field of personal psychology to help frame the issue in an easily understood
way that both teachers and district personnel will appreciate.
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Software Reviews
Powerful Visual Tools: Helping Students Become Scientists
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Worldwide Genealogy
Using the Web to Complete Your Family Tree
So you've heard you can use the Internet to trace your family
tree. And you can't help but think what a great supplement Internet searching
would be to your usual paper-based family-tree assignment. But how do you get
started? Fred, Catie, and Laura D'Ignazio give you six tips to begin researching
your own and your students' family trees on the Internet today.
Subject: Genealogy, multidisciplinary
Grade Level: All
Technology: Web browser and Web-ready computer
Copyright © 1998, ISTE (International Society for Technology
in Education).
All rights reserved.
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