🚀 go-pugleaf

----------------------------Original message----------------------------

The integrated classroom is the only real choice for the idealistic
classroom of the future. Think of the many reasons we use computers. I
look up addressed, I write letters, I check prices on new cars, or on
other merchandise. In addition, my Internet use is only limited by my
environment. I can interact with people, learn from experts on a
newsgroup, post things to my web page by using formulas, and these things
may be viewed by anyone with similar computer access.

To deny our students the opportunity to interact with the world when
necessary (or even when that interaction spurs interest in learning) would
be a great waste.

Most computer laboratories in elementary schools in which I've worked,
have used the lab for "flash card" purposes. Just last week I heard a
purported educator state that a computer in each classroom would be of
great use, so that students could play games to reinforce concepts. I
believe that this view is extremely short-sighted.

The use of computers to play games is frivolous. I don't play computer
games. I research, communicate and manipulate my environment through my
computer. Let 'em play games at home (and they do). In each classroom,
students could, and should be provided with Internet access to explore
things like the Louvre and the Museum of the Holocaust. They should be
taught the writing process and to publish on the net, but only after
careful revision. Bad examples of this could be provided, and could lead
to critical thinking activities.

Social studies could view original letters from the civil war era.

Science could watch as potential volcanos threaten to explode.

Math -- well, I don't know about math, but you could think of something,
if only e-mailing the math expert to ask how certain concepts were formed.
Graphing programs are big --

Anyway - if teachers are restricted to one room full of computers one hour
per week, computers become extraneous to the learning process (and to the
teaching process).

I read an article about faculty attitudes about research classes in
Internet yesterday. Several faculty members (in higher education settings)
stated that computers were vocational-technical, and that, like word
processing and typing, should be kept to that area. The Internet is far
more than vocational-technical. It is life to many of us, and students
would embrace it just as readily, if we would only allow it.

Probably way more than you needed to know.

Lee

*******************************************************************************
Lee Hodges
mlh5@ ra.msstate.edu                    ...it makes no references to other
                                        or better roses....
                                                        -R.W. Emerson
*******************************************************************************