3.1.9 Classroom Application

Pablo Picasso has been quoted as saying, "Computers are useless, they can only give you answers." This is an extremely interesting quote because it gets to the real heart of the problem of technology. Many people look to technology to solve the problems of communication, information, and numerous other areas. However, the technology will not solve these problems, it only makes it easier for you as the user to solve the problems you are interested in solving. In fact, if you are unfamiliar with the technology, this process can be more difficult. However, once you become familiar with the processes that are involved with the technology, it can greatly enhance your abilities to perform certain functions. This fact holds valuable lessons for the school environment. If you are able to perform a task more quickly and better through technology, such as writing a paper, then you have increased your efficiency, and given yourself time to broaden your learning further. This in turn allows greater access to learning. The important thing to remember is that the technology is not an end in and of itself. It is simply a tool that can be used or misused. Training is the key to the equation. If you are trained to use the technology properly, then you are ahead of the curve. If you are not trained to use the technology, then it doesn't matter how advanced that technology is, you are still behind the curve. This means that it is becoming increasingly important to utilize the available technology in the classroom environment.

How?

How do we do this? There are many ways to involve technology in the curriculum of the schools. For the purposes of this discussion,
I will talk about integrating the Internet into the curriculum through a group of activities that can be done by a class. I will begin by
discussing the basic language of the Internet, HyperText Mark-up Language (HTML).

HTML

According to the new Virginia Standards of Learning, all eighth grade students will be able to create web pages. Since HTML is the
basic language used to create any web page, this would indicate the importance that the state puts on the ability to use it effectively.
HTML is simply a method of inserting tags (especially coded words located within "<" and ">") throughout the body of a text to
format the web page.

Topical web searches

Utilizes the World Wide Web and the Internet to research any number of topics and activities.

Useful for both teachers and students

Treasure hunts

Allows teachers to narrowly define what the student will be researching.

Gives students definition in many skills

Virtual field trips

Similar in design to Treasure hunts, but these are more narrowly focused still.

Designed as group activities

Great for Study Guides

Image searching/creation

Activity designed to give students artistic reign over images.

Greater capabilities with computers than are normally seen in art classes. Less messy too.

Vacation planning

Interdisciplinary unit designed to create a fictional trip to any given destination.

Allows use of varying degrees of technology

Written interaction

Allows real time and asynchronous communications between people at a distance using chat room and ICQ technology

Closing Thoughts

Technology is dominated by two types of people: those who understand what they do not manage, and those who manage what they
do not understand.
-- Anonymous

If automobiles had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles
per gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside.
-- Robert Cringely

The most overlooked advantage to owning a computer is that if they foul up there's no law against whacking them around a little.
-- Porterfield

	No Parrot Question
	Mrs. Harrell is an eighth grade history teacher that is fortunate enough to have a computer in his classroom. What kind of creative projects could Mrs. Harrell assign in her classroom that would incorporate all of the Standards of Learning for that grade level?	Answer Here