Presents two standards-based language arts activities for middle school students. The first involves collecting family photographs, writing a descriptive essay based on each one, and publishing the final product using Microsoft Publisher. The second involves creating one-page autobiographies, designing a publishable product, and publishing it…

Language arts skills and writing projects can be combined with activities that teach the fundamentals of word processing to improve the language arts curriculum. Suggested lessons cover five writing and editing operations common to most word processing software. (DF)

This article describes a computer network system that connects several microcomputers to a single disk drive and one copy of software. Many schools are switching to networks as a cheaper and more efficient means of computer instruction. Teachers may be faced with copywriting problems when reproducing programs. (DF)

Describes the "kids2kids Writing Circle," a national electronic writing project inspired by an elementary teacher who interested his students in writing by sending their work to another class electronically. Information on necessary equipment, how to participate, and how to register with the electronic mail network is included. (SM)

Describes a powerful combination of technology and teaching in Orange County, Florida, that has raised the reading scores of struggling students by as much as two grade levels each year. The project features an interactive software system and a literacy workshop model. It strives to help students overcome two common problems: lack of reading…

With the increasing presence of computers in the elementary school classroom, it becomes necessary that students know how to type. This article offers beginning typing lessons and games that teachers can use with their students. Particular typing and touch typing software available are also discussed. (JMK)

Creating a stock market simulation for the classroom computer reinforces math skills and can help students gain a good sense of how current events affect the economy, how to manage money and understand profit and loss, and how to use spreadsheet software. (IAH)

Presents two elementary level activities designed to make math more meaningful with the help of technology. One activity involves learning about banking using computer spreadsheets and stock programs; the other uses computers and calculators to help students integrate mathematics into the study of world cultures. (SM)

Presents CyberHunt 3, an interactive, multicultural activity for the holiday season. Students visit a variety of web sites for facts and activities related to Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. A CyberHunt reproducible has students write their answers to nine questions based on information they find at the different web sites. (SM)

Computerized word processing can be a valuable tool for writing instruction because the machines make it easier for students to properly revise and correct their work. Ways that teachers and students can use the machines are described, and problems, such as limited access to computer terminals and the necessity for students to type, are noted. (PP)

Outlines objectives and implementation of a computer-based, general thinking-skills curriculum called HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) in which teachers model thinking skills through sophisticated conversation and Socratic questioning techniques. The curriculum is designed to help low achievers, or discouraged learners, learn to link new…

With the right software and teaching strategies, computers can make learning geography fun for students. Several ready-made commercial programs are described. In addition, information is included on utility and application programs, and suggestions are given for using them in geography instruction. (IAH)

Elementary and secondary school teachers explain how they get the most out of their computer labs. Ideas including conferencing with the school's computer teacher, developing a new system for disks, planning a practice project to reinforce basic skills, setting up computer competency training, and supporting the curriculum. (SM)

Describes computer simulation programs that take elementary and secondary students exploring. One has students act as Magellan commanding his ship to reinforce history, geography, decision-making, and resource management skills. Another has students use problem-solving skills to venture across oceans and find trading routes to the Orient. (SM)

A Chapter 1 school motivated students using technology and the arts. A partnership with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts helped students develop cognitive and creative skills while working in concrete ways. Using computers, each class chose an artist, developed a class museum, and exhibited at the student-staffed museum. (SM)