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Lone Star 2000: Documenting Successful School or University Teaching and Learning
At Fletcher Middle School the interns’ classrooms were provided with
IBM’s Columbus: Encounter, Discovery & Beyond and LinkWay Live!
packages. The principal, Dr. William English, provided computers for the
four collaborating classrooms. Each intern had one IBM Model 55
computer with a CD-ROM drive to use for the project. One IBM Model
55 was equipped with a Matrox video card, which was necessary to
operate the Columbus courseware and used in conjunction with a
Pioneer Model 6000 videodisc player. Fletcher Middle School’s
technology specialist, Lo Marinelli, also installed the project’s
courseware on networked computers in a lab for training purposes, and
provided help for interns and directing teachers.
Describing the Courseware
Lone Star Elementary School participants used the courseware
described below. Write Along is designed to give K-2 students a tool to
write along with their study of subjects in the curriculum. It is designed
to help young writers express themselves, encouraging them to
elaborate and edit their work. As a natural means of expression, students
can draw and color their work. The courseware is based upon
recognized research in the area of writing development. In addition,
pictures and stories from Write Along could be imported into LinkWay
Live! for inclusion in student portfolios.
Exploring Math Concepts - Level I is designed to give K-2 students an
introduction to beginning mathematics. Levels II and III are designed to
give students in grades 3-6 an understanding of whole numbers,
decimals and fractions. Over 200 structured and exploratory math
activities are presented. Open-ended learning environments provide
students with "what-if" exercises. The courseware is designed to parallel
education reforms outlined by the National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics.
Cornerstone provides grades 3-5 students with a unique five-step
approach for assessment, practice and mastery of basic language skills.
Included are 175 lessons in capitalization, punctuation, grammar and
usage and spelling. The five-step approach includes practicing the skills
in a standardized test format, a highly motivational enrichment activity,
and a take-home activity for further practice.
The Student Writing Center is a writing and publishing program
designed to help grades 3-5 students to create reports, letters,
newsletters, journals and signs. It combines a full-featured word
processing and easy desktop publishing with specially designed
student features, such as a bibliography maker, grammar and writing
tips, and design suggestions for signs and newsletters. Student- and
school-oriented graphics make it interesting and motivating.
