Re: K-12 & technical communication

["Lori Msyo" <lmayo@xxxxxxxxx>]

> >** what kind of computer access to students have?  labs?  one or two
> >computers in a classroom?  non-classroom access only?  (yes, I know
> >there isn't just one answer to this -- I'm wondering about the
> >differences)

I was fortunate enough to have a computer lab that was all mine, all day,
every day.  That is the exception.  In my new position as staff developer
for 34 high schools, I'm hearing a lot of frustrated teachers. Many of the
teachers that I'm working with are in rooms with 3 or 4 computers, 34 kids,
and administrators telling them to use technology, with no idea of how or
why they're using it.  Ted suggested pooling all these ne'er turned on
machines and making labs, and I agree. It's very difficult for a high school
teacher to monitor a few kids on computers, and 30 others at the same time.

As far as non-classroom access, there may be a few connected computers in
the school library that kids can use, but that's about it. And most of our
NYC schools, unlike Nancy's have well over 2,00 kids.  As far as access at
home, contrary to public belief, many of our kids do have computers at home.
And many more convince their folks to get them computers once they start
using them in school.

> >** can you recommend any URLs with sample assignments?  syllawebs?
curricula?

Ted's site is the most comprehensive I've seen, with links to many other
teachers using the web (http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/#adopt).
Also, his work in progress, _CyberEnglish: The Web-Book_ is an excellent
resource (http://www.tnellen.net/cyberenglish/)
My page (http://www.lmayo.net) has a link to Jamaica High School, with links
to some of the work my kids did there, and assignments (probably best to go
to the link called Welcome to Room 218 for a full picture).


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