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Internet in the classroom
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Many educators ask the question: Should we set up an Internet lab
or put networked computers in each classroom?
The answer to this, unless you have an unusual amount of space
in your classrooms is usually to set up Internet lab in the school.
This simple way to include the Internet in your lessons has many
advantages, and it is a much easier proposition for the person in
charge of maintenance and allows each individual (or pair) in an
entire class to be using an Internet computer at the same time
Having Internet in the classroom itself is likely more convenient
for both teacher and students. If you choose the Internet lab option,
you might also consider the other Internet labs to be located throughout
the school. Internet in the classroom may be more convenient, but
it is quite expensive, troublesome and high maintenance. Internet
labs can be designated for each class to have a specific time set
aside to use the Internet, or you can sort Internet labs by subject.
For example: if you have a science or language lab, it may be a
good place for your school to begin an Internet lab. The library
is also an ideal place for students to access network resources!
Internet in the classroom is also a concern because you must decide
your method of networking all computers in the school. Your options
are many: dial-up access, a dedicated line, or some other possibility—all
must be weighed against your schools needs and priorities. You may
want to investigate having only one Internet lab in the library.
If it is possible, you could add a few classrooms with Internet
in the classroom using modem access (but this is assuming that phone
lines are available). As use of the Internet in school catches on,
it will be effective to have a campus-wide area network that routes
the Internet into the classrooms through a dedicated line—instead
continuously adding Internet in the classroom through modems.
· Educational
Software
If school has budgeted money for Internet in the classroom, or
for computer software, Ask yourself what software that will suit
your schools needs for Internet in the classroom? What are management
systems? Do you need to purchase one?
Software comes first so choose your software before deciding what
hardware you will use. All software for Internet in the classroom
or Computer labs will have specific system requirements. If you
already have your hardware, narrow down your software choices to
those that will fit with your system. The kind of program you want
has to do with the technology in your curriculum.
There are three options to consider:
1) Integrated learning systems:
Some Integrated learning systems lend themselves to thematic units
and are usually geared more for the elementary level.
2)Curriculum-oriented programs:
These are the most common kind of software packages. But you must
know your needs and how this software will be integrated into your
curriculum and Internet needs.
3) Tool software:
This software for Internet in the classroom or labs is not limited
to a specific curriculum, but it is cross-disciplinary and helps
students create projects. Examples of this kind of tool are Microsoft
Works or Lotus Works. Paint programs and presentation software are
often included in these packages.
Some software programs for Internet in the classroom or computer
labs will include with your purchase the option of a certain number
of “free" upgrades. Others will give you discounts towards
the next upgrade. And some will not include any kind of upgrade
price break for the next version when it is released. So be careful
to check.
Be sure to ask how much training comes with the program for your
Internet in the classroom or computer labs. This is the most important
question you should ask when choosing your software. Without training,
you will never be able to optimize your program.
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