With specially formatted templates or simple Web page editors, teachers can lay out text and graphics in a work space resembling the interface of a word processor. Several options are presented to help teachers build Web sites. ree templates include Class Homepage Builder, AppliTools: HomePage, MySchoolOnline.com, and BigChalk.com. Web design…

This elementary-level reproducible focuses on the flourishing of children's literature on the World Wide Web, offering an activity that involves tracking down summer reading by answering questions at various Web sites. (SM)

This paper presents a guide to help teachers learn to use the Internet, describing what the Internet is, what they will need to access the Internet, how to speak Internet, and how to connect with online services. A final section presents eight recommended Internet resources for teachers. (SM)

Many school districts let teachers take computers home over the summer to improve their skills. The article shares strategies about computer use, liability, borrowing, and moving from school to home. It suggests summer projects such as learning to use computerized gradebooks, learning new programs, and computerizing lesson plans and tests. (SM)

Three elementary educators present computer tools to help teachers get the school year off to a good start. They include Quick Study Reference Charts, which are laminated cards that describe useful features of over 100 computer tools; user-friendly software for designing badges on the computer; and an affordable plug-and-play scanner. (SM)

Presents an Earth Day reproducible that involves online activities. Students are taken on a tour of earth-friendly Web sites, answering questions relating to such vital issues as recycling, land conservation, and the long-term survival of all living things. The sites offer children many opportunities for independent learning in the forms of…

The Internet's multimedia environment requires students to work as designers and artists. In this multimedia world, art is a basic literacy, and students need education in art literacy. This paper recommends that schools: rename and demystify art; hire more art teachers; increase fourth-literacy requirements in teacher education; and schedule one…

Strategies to help teachers use the Internet effectively include: explore individual interests online; develop acceptable use policies; narrow the playing field; know search engines; use filters; utilize the World Wide Web to lighten the load; teach students to investigate websites effectively; use the Web for professional development; teach…

Presents tips on how teachers can find and obtain technology grants from local, state, and federal sources and from foundations and corporations. Technology grants can help teachers stretch school budgets with a variety of alternative electronic teaching tools. The article offers 10 steps for successful grantwriting. (SM)

Describes how teachers can use monthly newsletters to build relationships with parents, explaining how to divide up the work; use a desktop publisher; standardize features within the newsletter; keep the newsletter short but informative; use the World Wide Web for material; and enlist parent and student volunteers for a portion of the work. (SM)

Two resources to help students conduct research are the new CD-ROM versions of the Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe 2000 (for strong readers, grades 5-8) and the Year 2000 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia (for strong readers, grades 3 and up). By supplementing traditional text-based information with specialized features (e.g., virtual tours and video…

Describes how one fourth-grade teacher developed a Web site to build online research skills. The Day I Was Born helps students find interesting details about what was occurring in the world on their birth day. Suitable for grades 4 and up, it provides links to such sources as the New York Times Learning Network and History Channel On-Line. (SM)

Presents suggestions for content-rich classroom encyclopedias on CO-ROM and DVD, including: the Encarta Reference Suite 2001; the 2001 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia, School Edition; the Britannica 2001 DVD; and the World Book 2001 Deluxe Edition, v5.0. (SM)

Presents a list of World Wide Web sites that can help teachers with research assignments, curriculum boosters, and class activities. The sites include gateways to learning, mathematics references, social studies references, language arts references, and science references. Each listing includes the name, the Web address, and a brief description.…

Presents two articles: "Your In-Class Communication Center" and "New Software Programs." The first suggests three ways for teachers to use their word processing program to generate standard forms, produce a class newsletter, and create a homework checklist for each student. The second presents information on software programs (grade level, focus,…