(Oklahoma City)--Like thousands of teachers across the country, Pat Persohn faces a new challenge this school year. Her first and second grade classroom at Calcutta Elementary in Calcutta, Ohio has recently been equipped with new computers and access to the Internet.
"I already use e-mail, but the Internet is more intimidating," said Persohn. "People say that 'surfing' is easy. But with millions of sites on the Internet, it's frustrating trying to find resources I can use in my classroom."
Persohn is not alone. Over 65% of all public schools in America are now wired for Internet access and the number is expected to grow to 95% by the year 2000. Most teachers are enthusiastic about bringing technology into the classroom, but many are unsure what to do once they get onto the Internet.
Persohn has found help in an online resource called Education World. The site is located at www.education-world.com. "I found Education World at the perfect time. I'm getting ready for the new school year and this is a tool that helps make my job easier," said Persohn.
Education World's primary feature is a search engine with more than 100,000 links to education-related sites. Unlike the Internet's general search engines, this one links only to sites related to education.
"The site a real time-saver because you don't have to start from scratch every time you search," said elementary computer teacher Libby Adams of Troost Academy in Kansas City. "I feel safe using Education World because I know it will bring up educational sites that are appropriate for my students to see."
Another unique feature of Education World is original content. The site offers articles and education updates written by veteran teacher and former Weekly Reader managing editor, Gary Hopkins.
"The site is designed so that educators find something new every time they visit," said Hopkins. Education World also features nation-wide employment listings, monthly reviews of the Internet's best sites for educators, discussion forums and lesson plans.
"The Internet is a great resource for my class. Ten years from now I think we'll look back and wonder how we ever taught without it." said Persohn.
For more information on Education World, please contact Karla Mickey at kmickey@educationworld.com or 405/416-7837.
