After approximately six weeks of using the computer to complete writing assignments, students will be asked to develop the same essay on the computer as a post-test. Every month teachers will conduct a summative evaluation to provide a larger context and perspective on the program's strengths and weaknesses. Teachers will use the results to improve future programs in which computers are utilized to enhance active learning. For the current program, results will be used to decide whether or not to mainstream students who have progressed beyond teacher expectations. Perhaps in the near future, students will be issued a computer instead of books.
Research suggests that teaching and learning with computers has tremendous potential for the future.
In any case, if education is to be restructured to provide children with a brighter future, educators must construct learning environments that go beyond textbooks and classrooms. This proposal hopes to bring students with severe behavior problems the benefits that their peers receive while simultaneously addressing their specialized learning needs. Karol Reganick is a teacher at Manatee Palms A.S.H. and chair of its Education Department. The facility is a private hospital and its teachers represent Manatee County Schools system. Reganick holds a master's degree in emotionally handicapped education.