The 21 st century media specialist wears many hats teacher, instructional partner, information specialist, program specialist, community liaison, and, of course, computer technologist. This portfolio focuses on computer applications in the classroom. Double-click, mouse, gigabyte, hyperlink, web site, Hyperstudio, database, and spreadsheet. No, no, and no. These are just a few of the many terms that teachers should be familiar with if they are using technology effectively in their classrooms.
Computers are here to stay.
In addition to traditional lesson plan components of student objectives, activities, and evaluation techniques, the lesson plan can be visually enhanced with simple graphics such as clip art or images and hyperlinks to other Web sites. This lesson on Simple Fractions for fifth graders is an example. Pathfinder Teachers can create a scavenger hunt on the Web to introduce students to the Internet. Students can also create their own Pathfinder scavenger hunts on any subject as a learning tool for themselves and other students. Using a basic spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel, teachers and students can learn the basics of data entry, data formatting, simple formulas, and charting.