In one example, Mohawk High School students are creating an online tutorial game for elementary students to play while they practice answering sample questions that help prepare them for the State Proficiency Test. It offers one of the state s first classes in remote sensing at the middle school level, publishes a digital newspaper, works with elementary students to improve reading, and is working to improve the digital divide by teaching senior citizens to use laptop computers. They utilize digital cameras, scanners, e-mail, Quark software, and more to complete such projects as publishing a school newspaper and creating mystery stories. Students also conduct broader research on alternative energy, write persuasive essays, and create PowerPoint presentations. Most Monsignor Bonner students spend 50 percent of their instructional time using the computer.
Technology is used extensively in a variety of courses to turn students into engaged learners.
Students develop Web-based, digital photography and Hyperstudio projects that emphasize a differentiated curriculum while addressing learning standards. Web authoring The Lake Placid Central School has developed a Web site rich in student projects. These include everything from local history information to virtual curriculum exchanges with students in other countries. From this pilot project, the district has learned many things which are now being integrated into other classrooms. Each classroom has four networked computers with Internet access, and a monitor and VCR for receiving a daily student-produced news show.