Peddling Products to Kids in School on the Rise
According to a government report, commercial activities in our nation’s schools are increasing. The report also states that few school districts closely monitor those activities and are not aware of how commercial technologies that gather marketing information can affect kids.
Live at 9:00: Are You Ready for Web Cams in *Your* Classroom?
"I propose creating a secure pilot program in a small handful of schools, wiring every classroom with Internet-connected video and audio equipment, allowing parents to log on to the World Wide Web and watch their children in their classes." Those are the words of Jeff Howard, a New Hampshire gubernatorial candidate. How would you feel about having every moment of your school day broadcast live online via Web cam? Today, Education World shares thoughts from educators on both sides of this hot debate.
ZapMe! Is It an Idea Whose Time Has Come?
Picture this. A student in your history class sits down at a computer in the library to do some research on the ninth century for her upcoming report. The brand-new computer employs the latest technology. As the student surfs the Net, a small box in the lower left corner of the computer screen flashes advertisements for the U.S. Army, Xerox, Wells Fargo College Financial Aid, and Kodak. That computer might have been provided to the school *at no cost* by ZapMe! Today, Education World writer Sherril Steele-Carlin looks at ZapMe! and a similar offering from America Online. Included: Interviews with staff at schools that use ZapMe!
How Can Schools Make Better Use of the Internet?
According to a report recently released by the National School Boards Foundation, the majority of parents see the Internet as a powerful tool for education and a positive force in their children's lives. According to Peter Grunwald, whose firm researched and produced the report, those findings present educators with both an opportunity and a challenge. Included: Guidelines to help schools make the most of the potential of the Internet. 6/28/00
Establish a Computer Club: Big Benefits for Students and Staff
A great online resource helps teachers start computer or Web clubs on their campuses!
Have Computers Forced Handwriting Out of the Picture?
Who is to blame for students’ poor handwriting?
Three Keys to Technology Excellence
Most teachers, school administrators, students, and parents know that computer literacy is vital to success in the 21st century, but what’s the best way to develop technological effectiveness in our schools? To find out, Education World asked educators whose districts' technology programs were cited by the U.S. Department of Education to tell us their secrets.
And in This Corner… The ‘High-Tech Heretic’! (An Education World e-Interview With Author Clifford Stoll)
This is the e-interview that every educator will want to read! Clifford Stoll is the author of High-Tech Heretic: Why Computers Don’t Belong in the Classroom and Other Reflections by a Computer Contrarian. He is also an MSNBC commentator, a Berkeley astronomer, an Internet pioneer, and a “full time, stay-at-home dad.” This week, Stoll shares with Education World readers his controversial thoughts about computers in the classroom. After reading, you’ll want to share your thoughts on an Education World message board!
Technology in the Schools: It *Does* Make a Difference!
This year, the Clinton administration earmarked an additional $25 million over last year's budget to help schools integrate technology into the curriculum and for technology training for teachers. Will spending all that money really help kids learn? This week, Education World examines both sides of the *Is technology worth it?* debate. This story focuses on some of the research that makes a strong case in favor of technology in the schools. Included: Resources to help make the case for technology.
Technology in Schools: Some Say It Doesn't Compute!
Technology changes faster than educational researchers can study it. Although many researchers insist computers are valuable in schools, they readily admit they can't yet say whether technology actually helps kids achieve educational goals. Have schools jumped onto the technology bandwagon too soon? In this story, Education World focuses on some of the research that makes a strong case against the way technology is currently used in schools.
