DIGITAL EDUCATION

For Controversial Issues in Education, the Fall 2000 class focused on the digital classroom and issues of social justice in education. Please explore some of our research on these issues.

Technology Requires Money Teachers have all these great ideas about how to incorporate technology into their classrooms. They read magazines, visit websites, and go to conferences, all to gain ideas about the latest technology. Teachers come away with great ideas, yet there is one thing holding them back: MONEY. Where can teachers find the necessary funds to put their ideas into action? The answer is in grants. There is money out there available to teachers if they know where to look and how to apply for it. Teachers need to be aware of the existence of technology grants so that their wonderful ideas will not be stopped when it is possible for them to be put into action. Jennifer Pompa
   
Digital Divide The digital divide between the "have and have nots" has not decreased over the past few years, and in some cases it has grown larger, despite federal program s that mandate school based initiatives in computer technology. However, there are programs in urban and rural settings that are working fiercely to conquer this division. My goals are: 1) to bring some of these programs to your attention, and 2) to show strategies and tools you can use to develop your own technology program. My hope is that by showing you the creativity of others, in similar environments, it will provide you with the incentive to develop a computer technology program for your students and, most importantly, begin to unlock the digital divide. Lorrie Canas-Massa
   
Creating an Academic Web Page Join this teacher as she creates an academic web page for her students. Experience this novice's struggles, frustrations, and eventual success as she finally achieves her goal. Benefit from the helpful links to effective web page design, free web space, and free graphics. Also, visit her personal academic web page. Cheryl Robertson
   
Math and Technology Are you tried of looking for lessons that incorporate technology? It is great to have access to the new technology, but the hard part is trying to incorporate it into a lesson or project. This is a web page that offers many links to solve your problems. Kari Milek
   
Using the Internet to Support Art in Education This link contains an APPEAL for the inclusion of Art in the basic curriculum at the primary and secondary levels. IDEAS and LINKS on how to use the internet to support an Art History curriculum. IDEAS and LINKS on how to use computers to expand and improve Studio Art instruction. Ivy Ali-Salaam
   
Independence can be a click away with Adaptive Technology This segment is designed for teachers,professionals, and (prospective) employers who interact and work with people living with disabilities. This paper shows how modern technology can help make people that are "differently abled" be as productive and efficient as their able-bodied counterparts. Christina Weischedel
   
Special Education Resources For the parent of a child experiencing difficulty in school, the world of special education can be a scary place. Where do I start? What are my rights? What happens at a PPT in fact what does PPT mean? Will they put my child in a special classroom? What is a learning disability? It is my hope that this web page will provide an answer for all of these questions along with whatever else a perplexed parent can think of. This page is also intended to provide a resource for teachers and other professionals who find the need to interact with special education. Ron Hoyte
   
Adaptive Technology My web page introduces teachers, parents and children with disabilities to the world of adaptive technology. For people like me who did not know the extent or availability of adaptive and assistive technology, this web page gives helpful hints on what it is, who it benefits, availability and technology tips for teachers who have a form of adaptive technology in their classrooms. It also gives great links to websites that provide an unbelievable amount of useful information. Lisa McGrath
   
Stopping a Gender Gap in Technology WOMEN, GIRLS, MOTHERS, DAUGHTERS, SISTERS, AUNTS: Keep up with today's technology by checking out this site! Don't allow a gender gap to occur with technology as it has with Math and Science! Research, opportunities for employment, resources for parents, teachers and students, and tons of fun, educational, interactive sites are provided. GET DIGITAL!! Sue Williams
   
Girls & Technology Young girls are being turned off to technology. There are not enough software and websites that target girls. The gender gap has extended itself to the computer world and the World Wide Web. This site has links to girl-friendly websites and information on gender inequality in technology. Megan Malicki
   
Teaching World Languages with Technology World Language teachers are constantly struggling to make their classroom into an immersion experience. From the decorating and lay-out of the room, to the environment that is developed, the goal is to make the students feel like they are surrounded in the language and culture. We also strive to teach students from many different angles. Technology allows new and diverse teaching strategies that give kids a different way to learn, therefore reaching more students. Cliff Yerkes
   
Implementation of Technology in Multicultural Classrooms The United States is a “melting pot” of all different types of cultures. What this means for us as teachers is that we need to be able to recognize these different cultures in our classroom and create an environment that is safe. One way to help break down barriers is through the use of technology in the classroom. On my web page I have provided important links that we as teachers can use for strategies within the classroom. I have also provided links to important articles that critique the incorporation of technology.