October 1996 — Features

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Lone Star 2000: Documenting Successful School or University Teaching and Learning

Semester Goals Project goals for the 1996 spring semester were to: Provide concentrated instruction to interns and directing teachers in the uses of specific educational technologies, and Facilitate transfer of the new knowledge and skills to students as efficiently and effectively as possible to guide classroom teaching and learning outcomes. Spring's Objectives The objectives of the spring semester project were to enable participants to: Learn to use multimedia computers for producing multimedia presentations and instructional activities. Learn what software, courseware and related technology-based materials were available for classroom teaching and learning activities and how IBM’s TLC (Teaching and Learning with Computers) approach facilitates their effective use. Become familiar with the technologies necessary to use a single computer to present whole-class instruction and to successfully conduct a lesson using it. Demonstrate skill in the use of CD-ROM technology. Learn how the multimedia presentation tool LinkWay Live! can enhance teaching and learning in the classroom via creation of materials that include text, video, sound and graphics. Use LinkWay Live! to create electronic portfolios showing what interns learned about educational technologies. Portfolios included such things as: pictures of the intern, the directing teacher, the class, the school, the classroom layout; a diary of the technology training and intern experiences, highlighted with sound and pictures; sample lesson plans; samples of student folders, etc. Assist students in creating electronic LinkWay Live! folders that document their new technology skills, as well as their knowledge of the subject matter. These folders included student art, student- produced text, voice and pictures.
Courseware Overview In January 1996, under the auspices of Ruth Ann Smith, IBM donated new computer courseware for use in the project. Included in the courseware installed on Lone Star’s computer network were IBM’s Write Along and Exploring Math Concepts - Levels I, II, and III; Cornerstone; Student Writing Center; and LinkWay Live! programs. Each participant at Lone Star Elementary used a multimedia networked computer in their classroom. Each classroom had one IBM PS/2 Model 55 computer, with a CD-ROM drive, plus four other PCs, either an IBM Model 25, or EduQuest 30, 35 or 40. Technical support for networking and software installation was provided by IBM. Part of the technical support was purchased by the school and the remainder donated by IBM.