June 1994 — Features

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Using Computers to Initiate Active Learning for Students With Severe Behavior Problems

Students enter the information, edit it and check their spelling. This software program should help improve students' writing performance, evidenced by the quality and sophistication of work in their portfolios. When selecting technology for the classroom, educators must project students' future needs while facilitating existing programs. Price, quality, expandability and warranty are vital considerations. Of the five computer systems that fell under our scrutiny (three 486 machines and a Quadra), Compaq Computer Corp.'s ProLinea machine won out because it included a three-year warranty, was the lowest priced and offered both present capability and future expandability. Compaq's package included a 14" S-VGA monitor, keyboard and mouse. To create an environment that encourages cooperative learning, teachers picked Bretford's Connections furniture -- a circular student workstation consisting of four, corner-connecting tables with chairs and a printer stand for the center. The idea is that while working cooperatively at such a workstation, students may develop the intrinsic values needed to perpetuate satisfactory citizenship. Technicians employed by the school board will install the Compaq hardware and network all four computers to a Canon laser printer and a four-way data switch. The data switch facilitates printing from all computers without cumbersome procedures. When comparing printers, one must consider the purpose, quality of hard copy, cost per page and warranty. Canon's laser printer d'es about 2,500 copies off one toner cartridge and comes with a two-year warranty. (See sidebar for an overview of needs and costs.)
Lastly, to help the exceptional education team develop a positive attitude about computers, a two-day staff development session will be scheduled, with teachers receiving a stipend. A county-employed technician specialist will familiarize them with hardware on the first day. The second day, a field representative from Software City will guide them through each feature of Microsoft Publisher as a courtesy for buying the software from the store.