Borrowed Plans Mrs. Alice Cook, Library Media Specialist

"http://www.norman.k12.ok.us/092/techscope/lessons.htm

This site is set up by a school district in Oklahoma that I do not work for. However, I needed help knowing what skills could and should be taught at what level. Rather than 'reinvent the wheel' I borrowed from this school district. They even include some computer lab lessons that worked very well."

Let the Teachers Schedule Themselves Dave Miles, Tech Specialist: Davenport, Michigan

"As a person in charge of our computer labs, the toughest task is scheduling teachers to use the lab. Depending on the day, I am either everybody's favorite or public enemy number one. When teachers want to reschedule, they think that they are obviously more important than any other teacher which can cause a great number of problems.

Last year I spent 40% of all my time working out the schedule with teachers. But now, we installed a scheduling program on our server and teachers sign up at their own time. If they need to change times, they work that out on their own through our teachers' message board. Now, I only get involved when there are problems that we didn't anticipate."

Problem Solving Projects Carl, High School Teacher: Seattle, Washington

"Have an "Internet scavenger hunt." Put students to work searching the Internet for information. Give them a set of guidelines that will help them stay focused in their search with a time limit. Require that they keep track of the sites that they go to and ask them to collect links that they will be using for their project. They can access sites that provide them with the appropriate information; list postings on various sites to get information from others out there in cyberspace; email directly to sources that can give them information relevant to their project. This is similar to doing a web quest."

Simulations as Motivators Lillian, 3rd Grade Teacher: Philadelphis, PA

"Kids love simulations! I use simulations or games that simulate as learning tools to motivate my students to develop computing skills. It works all the time! It keeps them focused and on task and also provides the immediate feedback that they need in order to feel successful at any of their attempts. I also find that simulations are fun, inexpensive (compared to having students experience something directly), and safe. Most of my simulation software or games are educational in nature and can be used over and over again."

Students With Disabilities Kim, Special Education Teacher: Liberty, NY

"Technology has opened new windows for people with disabilities ranging from blindness and limited vision to lack of motor control. There are so many adaptive devices that are now available for teachers to use with their students and in many ways have become standard. I have used Apple's "Adaptive Firmware Card" wiith my students and it has made the difference in their ability to acheive positive learning outcomes. The card accommodates any switching device, a variety of keyboards, and other input devices. The card also has a built in speech synthesis, allowing for voice controlled key boarding for visually disabled students and a substitute voice for those who cannot speak. There is so much more available. This is just one example."