The summer training focused on constructivist teaching approaches rather than on technology per se. In time, the teachers began to work together in ways that integrated their subject matter more meaningfully and used the technology in new ways. Students rotate among four ACOT classrooms, each with 36 networked computers. The nine ACOT teachers use an interdisciplinary team teaching approach, incorporating the use of technology as a natural part of teaching and learning. Their major contribution has been demonstration of the instructional value of using general computer applications to support student work.
Collaborative planning is a key part of the program.
ACOT teachers are given every afternoon for common planning and are excused from non-instructional duties. An impressive array of technology supports the ACOT program. For student use at home and at school, there are 160 Mac Plus computers. Each ACOT classroom contains 36 computers, including 8 networked Macintosh IIs, as well as numerous multimedia peripherals and software available through local and wide area networks. Most of the software available is used by students and teachers as a tool for accomplishing tasks.