Technology use varies from classroom to classroom: I have 5 Apple GS computers and a Macintosh. While all classrooms have a Macintosh, most only have 2 or 3 Apple GS computers. We also have 40 Alpha Smart Boards, which are word processors that plug into the Mac and GS. Third grade has a computer Mom who comes for 3 hours two afternoons a week, when I have all the computers running. All computers and hardware are pretty much purchased by our Parent Teacher Association, and 2 computers are purchased each year by our school district.
Our
scanner and digital camera, hyperstudio, microphones were purchased from money received by
4 of the staff participating in a two year technology project sponsored by the State of
Illinois Board of Education. This is how we learned about using items such as the scanner,
hyperstudio, and camera,and also learned about doing web pages, and doing projects that
required telecommunication. We had twelve class sessions which went for 4 hours at a time.The internet is used particularly by me when we study the Solar System. I actually go to the NASA site and we get information to use witrh the students in class. I try and show them how the Internet can be used as a resource for learning. We also do moon phases through the internet. I have a presenter attached to my computer so the entire class can be on the net and see what is going on at the same time, as it shoots to a big screen.
Sally Nelson
