Presents a collection of prize-winning Web sites created by K-8 teachers nationwide. Some of the unique features of the Web sites include an online student-written newspaper; a sing-along section; a chronicle of the past 3 years of classes to see how the classes have evolved; and student art and writing projects. (SM)

There was a time when the chalkboard was revolutionary. Before it came along, teachers would walk from student to student, drawing problems on individual slates. Now interactive whiteboards promise to reinvent instruction again. Many teachers are now discovering the benefits of using whiteboards. This article presents several strategies on how…

Several teachers share their ideas for classroom activities. These include: (1) combining science and art on Earth Day; (2) implementing an inexpensive incentive scheme to get students to bring their signed papers back to school on time; (3) involving students in a virtual zoo; (4) planting real grass in Easter Bunny baskets; and (5) creating own…

After evaluation, three software programs were chosen and used by fifth-grade pupils to tutor third graders in grammar rules. Setting up the tutoring programs, developing games for it, and describing the results are covered. Sources for the software packages are listed. (MT)

This article features the latest classroom technologies namely the FLY Pentop, WriteToLearn, and a new iris scan identification system. The FLY Pentop is a computerized pen from Leapster that "magically" understands what kids write and draw on special FLY paper. WriteToLearn is an automatic grading software from Pearson Knowledge Technologies and…

With the Internet revolution in education, students are learning to think as designers and artists. The language of art must become the fourth "R," and students must become literate in this environment. The paper discusses art and the digital age and what teachers can do (rename art, hire more art teachers, and increase fourth-R literacy…

One fourth grade class studied Van Gogh by investigating his art and life on the computer, painting still lifes, then learning to draw in perspective, creating colorful images of their own bedrooms using Van Gogh's bedroom as a model. Students extended their learning by examining relevant literature and completing timelines, biographical reports,…

Listening to podcasts or watching videocasts in the classroom couldn't be easier--or cheaper. But if one has a computer and an Internet connection, he or she already has all the equipment he or she needs. This article lists ten podcasts for teachers and students.

Introduces a section that focuses on educational technology, including classroom-friendly hardware, software, and peripherals that can help support teaching and enhance student learning. This section also offers information from teachers about technology products that they find indispensable. (SM)

Presents a selection of computers and peripherals designed to enhance the classroom. They include personal digital assistants (the AlphaSmart 30001R, CalcuScribe Duo, and DreamWriter IT); new Apple products (the iBook laptop, improved iMac, and OS 9 operating system); PC options (new Gateway and Compaq computers); and gadgets (imagiLab, the QX3…

A computer program, Pacesetter, is described. As an organizational tool, it assists in developing strategies for planning, organizing, scheduling, and completing tasks on time. An account is given of the experiences of a teacher who used Pacesetter to help sixth graders produce a school newspaper. (IAH)

Presents a protocol to teach students research skills in the technology/information age developed by one Westchester County, New York, school district. The district determined that research skills must be modeled and taught, and research skills must be taught developmentally, beginning in the elementary grades. The paper breaks the district's…

Describes a second grade activity for the ocean-animals unit which uses the Kid Pix computer program. Students research an ocean animal, write rhyming couplets about it, discuss shape poems, draw outlines of their animals, trace the outlines onto a transparency, tape the transparency to the computer monitor, and use Kid Pix to type the poem onto…

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)

Describes standards-based social studies activities for elementary school students that uses computer technology to support curriculum. The first has students use HyperStudio to create postcards when they study regions of the United States. The second has students participate in ongoing correspondence with e-mail pals from around their state. (SM)