And if technology is to be used in a school, everyone should use it, including the administration. You can't expect a teacher to turn in lesson plans designed and written on a database using a computer and then print them out so the administration can review and approve. The database should be reviewed and used for this purpose. In Okaloosa County, Florida, each teacher with more than three years in the computer system selects a laptop or desktop computer to add to the classroom. The concept is that if teachers are better able to use technology themselves, then they will encourage their students to use technology.
Students interview older citizens for real-life stories.
People from the community are volunteering family photos and calling with information to be included. Assessment is by community acceptance and grades. That way, students earn credits toward graduation even when they miss school because their families migrate to another state to work in fields or processing plants. In addition, students use the Internet, e-mail, and Microsoft Office, and they learn how to write presentations and manipulate images. Residents at a housing project have two networked labs provided by the school district.