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About
this Issue
Finding
Just the Right Tool
By Anita McAnear
To read letters to the editor, click Readers
Respond
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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.
 Download
the full article (PDF, 500 KB)
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.
Download
the full article (PDF, 373 KB)
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.
Download
the full article (PDF, 353 KB)
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".
Download
the full article (PDF, 410 KB)
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.
Download
the full article (PDF, 291 KB)
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.
Download
the full article (PDF, 361 KB)
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.
Download
the full article (PDF, 282 KB)
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.
Download
the full article (PDF, 266 KB)
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.
Download
the full article (PDF, 389 KB)
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.
Download
the full article (PDF, 656 KB)
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
Instructional Technology Specialist,
Chester County Intermediate Unit, Pennsylvania
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
Education Technology Coordinator, Westport Community Schools,
Westport, Massachusetts
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
CEO, vivED, Shoreview, Minnesota
Copyright © 2003, ISTE (International Society for Technology in
Education).
All rights reserved.
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