These mentors might be teachers currently using computers, a professor at a college, or leaders in business. Training opportunities enable teachers to build skills and confidence and learn strategies to integrate computers into their curriculum. As a first step, teachers can explore software that is developmentally appropriate for their classrooms. Teachers can then discuss the potential learning objectives of the programs and activities they could use to integrate particular software in their classrooms. Teachers can also participate in workshops that integrate the developmental theory and research regarding computer use with hands-on experiences.
Mentors can also provide teachers with affirmation, support, and suggestions for classroom use.
As teachers implement technology into the classroom, their vision of the role of technology in teaching and learning will undoubtedly change. Administrators need to continually support teachers in their quest to discover how technology can best enhance children's learning. Copyright 1999 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Hypermedia in the classroom using earth and space science CD-ROMs. Students and computers as partners in developing students' problem-solving skills.