Activity 1C

C & I 335

Summer, 1998

Janeen McCarthy

Ridgely Elementary School

Springfield, Illinois

Text created by Lynn Gilmore

Language Arts database created by Janeen McCarthy  

Springfield School District 186 has established a five-year plan that will increase the amount of technology in the classrooms. Additional technology and training to support the influx of computers must be focused and expand in a logical sequence. The plan prioritizes the grade level needs in the following order: middle school (5-8), high school, K-4. The rationale for this order is based on the fact that instructors at the 5-8 level have received the most in service training and are the furthest along with their technology skills and implementation. At the K-4 level the emphasis is on basic skills and core curriculum. The u se of technology in the classroom, while beneficial, is less critical to the learning process at the K-4 level.

Springfield Public School District 186 has a long, proactive history of incorporating varied technologies as a component of the standard curriculum. The district's Technology Mission Statement reads: "To provide access to technology for all students, training for all teachers and administrators, and technical support for the instructional program. Technology should be an integral part of the regular instructional process rather than limited to drill and practice." The district's technology plan is actually an ongoing process and its evolution over time can be documented. In the paragraphs that follow, a summary of part of the district's five year technology plan, as Hit applies to the elementary students that I teach.

The plan calls for adding one Macintosh computer in every K-4 building and high school classroom and for adding two such computers in every 5-8 classroom in the first year of the plan. A total of $300 will be allocated for each of these computers for the purpose of purchasing software for each machine. By the end of five years the K-4 buildings will have a total of 4 computers per classroom, middle grades will have 6 per classroom and high schools will have 6 computers per classroom. In addition, buildings will receive TV/VCRs, laser disc players, printers and necessary equipment to display the computer monitor on a large screen television for whole class viewing. Each year of the five year plan, buildings will receive $10 per student for the purpose of purchasing software and Y peripherals. In addition, all buildings will be wired for computer networking, E-mail, Internet, and data sharing. Telephone systems will be installed as part of the wiring plan. The system will provided additional phone access in each instructional space.

To implement and support the influx of technology and the changing role of the teacher, additional staff allocations will be required. In addition to the current technical support staff and trainers, three new staff members would be hired. A technician will be added to support the repair and installation needs, two trainers will be hired to focus on the needs of (1) secretarial and administrative needs and (2) to assist in the ongoing training of the classroom teacher. Repair and maintenance funds will be needed in proportion to the increase in equipment.

Technology is constantly changing. `The hardware that is in place today will be out of date in a few years. This technology plan adds hardware to the classroom in regular increments, rather that a single purchase. This allows current technology to be added to the classroom. To continue to stay a leader in instructional technology funding for hardware and support will need to be provided on a consistent, regular basis.

Services

With the increased amounts of technology entering the buildings, it becomes imperative that the District continue to provide training and in service opportunities for the classroom instructors. Teachers must be allowed to be learners in the changing role of technology in the classroom. Teachers must be aware of new and expanding technologies and they must have an opportunity to use these technologies and to learn to integrate them into their classrooms. They need d time, support, and on-going training. On-going technology training in Springfield School District 186 must include:

1. In service opportunities during the day.

2. After school classes on specific topics.

3. Facilitator meetings.

4. Elementary Technology Resource Guide.

5. Opportunity for "just in time training".

6. Summer training.

7. Project LINCOL'N

Springfield School District 186 has many resources in technology available to its teachers. A complete listing can be located on the Web - (IRC Media Catalog of Resources for District 186) http://www.springfield.k12.il.us/LassoLite/irc/ircmedia.html

This database searches the Instructional Resource Center list of media materials and lets the person know what is available to them. The person simply chooses what they are interested in and can order any of the materials by contacting the Instructional Resource Center.

The following is suggested software and CD-Roms for Grades K-12.

http://www.springfield.k12.il.us/software.html

This software is recommended by the our district to be on all Macintosh computers used in classrooms or labs:

KidPix2

At Ease

The Writing Center or The Student Writing Center (K-4)

ClarisWorks for Kids (District licensed; great for grades K-4

ClarisWorks (currently using version 4.04)

*In addition to these District 186 has district-licenses for the following Macintosh MECC products:

Amazon Trail (grades 5-12)

BodyScope (grades 3-8)

DynoPark Tycoon (grades 3-12)

East Color Paint (grades K-12)

Geometric Golfer (grades 7-12)

Number Munchers (grades 3-12)

Odell Down Under (grades 3-12)

Oregon Trail (grades 5-12)

Secret Island of Dr. Quandry (grades 3-12)

Storybook Weaver (grades K-6)

Tesselmania! (grades 3-12)

USA GeoGraph II (grades 5-12)

Word Munchers (grades 1-5)

World GeoGraph II (grades 5-12)

Writing Along the Oregon Trail (grades 5-8)

All of these programs are also on the K-12 CD that is in each building. 

The following items are available through the IRC. These are ones I have chosen to possibly implement into my Curriculum Project because the are in the area of Language Arts and are targeted for primary grades. I can order these through the IRC - District #186.

 http://www.springfield.k12.il.us/LassoLite

Keyword: early childhood computer games skills alphabet reading literacy

*Title: Bailey's Book House

Format: SOFTWARE

Order No.: M0135

Level: P SpEd

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: A multisensory learning environment designed to develop emergent literacy skills. "Talking words" encourages children to follow left-to-right as each word is spoken within the context of a complete sentence. Requires: Hard disk with 8MB free space, System 6.0.7 with 2MB RAM or better, System 7.0 with 4MB RAM.

 

Keyword: writing skills storytelling

Title: Flood, the Bad Guy

Series: Reading Magic Library, Plus

Format: SOFTWARE

Order No.: M0068

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Reading Magic Library is an interactive storybook that brings new dimensions to storytelling. It l ets you and your students step into the shoes of lovable heroes, choosing what will happen along the way. There are three ways you can use Reading Magic with your students: Read Mode, Write Mode, Record Mode. Requires: Mac

 

Keyword: Children's literature fairy tales folklore writing skills storytelling

Title: Gingerbread Man, The

Series: Interactive Storybook

Format: SOFTWARE

Order No.: M0131

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Interactive software that provides the child with a wealth of information designed to enrich and reward the Language Arts experience. By using their imaginations, children in grades K-3 can create different ways for the story to be told, and can play word games adjusted to their skill levels. Requires: 2MB RAM, System 6.0.5, hard drive

 

Keyword: fairy tales *writing skills

Title: Jack & the Beanstalk

Series: Reading Magic Library, Plus

Format: SOFTWARE

Order No.: M0067

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Reading Magic Library is an interactive storybook that brings new dimensions to storytelling. It lets you and your students step into the shoes of lovable heroes, choosing what will happen along the way. There are three ways you can use Reading Magic with your students: Read Mode, Write Mode, Record Mode. Requires: MAC.

 

Keyword: nursery rhymes storytelling skills

Title: Lost Treasures of Zabidonia, The

Series: Storybook Theatre

Format: SOFTWARE

Order No.: M0129

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Descri úption: Student's prior knowledge of nursery rhymes will come in handy as they help Great Doofindem search for the Lost Treasures of Zabidonia. For use with Storybook Theatre. Requires: System 6.0.7 with 2MB RAM or System 7.0 with 4MB RAM, MAC LC or II series.

 

Keyword: writing skills storytelling

Title: Mr. Murphy's Chowder

Series: Storybook Theatre

Format: SOFTWARE

Order No.: M0130

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Welcome to Mr. Murphy's kitchen. First, you'll help him create his specialty, then you can cook up some storybooks of your own. Join Mr. Murphy and his assistants cook up their famous soup. Anything goes in this concoction, as long as it rhymes. For use Œwith Storybook Theatre. Requires: System 6.0.7 with 2MB RAM or System 7.0 with 4MB RAM, MAC LC or II series.

 

Keyword: writing skills

Title: Picture Book

Format: SOFTWARE

Order No.: M0115

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Encourages and develops young students writing skills by helping children create their own picture story book. The structure of each page is predefined, with up to two pictures on the left side and the right side holding several lines of text. Children may type in the words, or select them from a teacher-defined word bank. Each page of the picture book can be spoken by the computer. Requires: 1 HMB RAM, hard drive, System 6.0.5, HyperCard 2.0.2, MacinTalk 2.0, Avant Garde font

 

Keyword: storytelling skills

Title: Storybook Theatre

Format: SOFTWARE

Order No.: M0128

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: An enhanced word processing and story making environment. Provides a visual and verbal playground for kindergarten through fourth grade students to help them develop and enjoy emerging language skills. Integrated and cooperative learning activities that include story telling, plays, discussions, and art projects. Requires: MAC.

http://www.springfield.k12.il.us/LassoLite

Keyword: children's literature Robert munsch

*Title: Mud Puddle

Series: Discis Books

Format: CD-ROM

Order No.: C8007

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Meet a walking mud puddle and see how it continually ambushes one little girl in "Mud Puddle" by Robert Munsch. You can ask the computer to "read" your favorite passages, to explain or pronounce unfamiliar words, and even to identify objects in the accompanying pictures.

 

Keyword: children's literature ted plantos baseball

*Title: Heather Hits Her First Home Run

Series: Discis Books

Format: CD-ROM

Order No.: C8008

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: The bases are loaded, her friend Jeffrey is on third, and everyone's calling for a home run as she steps up to bat! This story, based on the book by Ted Plantos, is about how children feel in li ±fe's crucial moments, extolling the virtues of perseverance and team spirit. You can ask the computer to "read" your favorite passages, to explain or pronounce unfamiliar words, and even to identify objects in the illustrations.

 

Keyword: fairy tales Cinderella

*Title: Cinderella

Series: Discis Books

Format: CD-ROM

Order No.: C8010

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: The story of how kind-hearted Cinderella gets the better of her selfish stepsisters is a classic that students will enjoy again and again.You can ask the computer to "read" your favorite passages, to explain or pronounce unfamiliar words, and even to identify objects in the illustrations.

 

Keyword: children's literature

*Title: Velveteen Rabbit, The

Subtitle: (and other Children's Classics)

Format: CD-ROM

Order No.: C8048

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: An exciting, interactive learning experience for young children. This classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, is beautifully narrated, contains colorful scenes, easy to read text, wonderful music and sound effects. Also features several other popular children's tales, and a collection of children's poems and songs.

 

Keyword: Writing skills

Title: Storybook Maker

Format: CD-ROM

Order No.: C8125

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Storybook Maker enables students to use their imaginations to create and print their own stories. Students can choose from eight settings and from hundreds of alphabetically arranged picture cards to create the scenes for their stories. Storybook Maker includes a variety of tools to manipulate the items in story scenes. To listen to their stories, students can use the SAY-IT feature, or record their own voices.

 

Keyword: folktales african

Title: Imo and the King

Subtitle: An African Folk Tale

Series: Magic Tales

Format: CD-ROM

Order No.: C8307

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Based on a classic African folk tale, Imo and the King is the story of a courageous boy named Imo who sets out to become the King's successor. As his adventure unfolds, Imo learns an important life lesson -- all kind acts are rewarded with kindness. Fifteen original songs, 25 minutes of animation, over 500 click-and-explore interactive elements. This CD will also run on Windows computers.

 

Keyword: folk tales Russian

Title: Baba Yaga and the Magic Geese

Subtitle: A Russian Folk Tale

Series: Magic Tales

Format: CD-ROM

Order No.: C8316

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Based on a centuries-old Russian folk tale, Baba Yaga and the Magic Geese is the story of Tasha, a headstrong young girl who embarks on an exciting adventure into an enchanted forest and, along the way, learns the importance of accepting responsibility and keeping promises. Ages 3 to 9.

 

Keyword: children's stories folk tales Ireland Irish

Title: Liam Finds a Story

Subtitle: An Irish Folk Tale

Series: Magic Tales

Format: CD-ROM

Order No.: C8417

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Inspired by a centuries-old Irish folk tale, Liam Finds a Story is the tale of a young boy who must search far and wide for an original story in order to save his family from a gluttonous Fairy Witch. Through his adventures ë, Liam learns the importance of kindness and perseverance, and discovers that his own life is a story worth telling. Ages 3 to 9. Requires: Mac LC575, Performa 575, Quadra, Power Mac or above; System 7.1, 6MB RAM with 3MB free, 256 colors, 13" monitor, 2x CD-ROM drive. Will also run on Windows.

 

Keyword: children's stories folk tales native american Indian

Title: Sleeping Cub's Test of Courage

Subtitle: A Native American Folk Tale

Series: Magic Tales

Format: CD-ROM

Order No.: C8415

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Set on the plains of long ago, Sleeping Cub's Test of Courage is the tale of a young Indian boy and his quest for the vanishing buffalo. To help find the missing buffalo, Sleeping Cub goes in search of the mystical Elk Dogs, and along the way discovers his own courage and bravery. Ages 3 Ãto 9. Requires: Mac LC575, Performa 575, Quadra, Power Mac or above; System 7.1, 6MB RAM with 3MB free, 256 colors, 13" monitor, 2x CD-ROM drive. Will also run on Windows.

 

Keyword: children's stories folk tales Italian Italy

Title: The Princess and the Crab

Subtitle: An Italian Folk Tale

Series: Magic Tales

Format: CD-ROM

Order No.: C8416

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Based on a classic Italian folk tale, The Princess and the Crab is the enchanting story of a beautiful princess who rescues a handsome prince cast under the spell of an evil fairy. To save him, the princess must undergo a series of difficult challenges, and in so doing, learns to overcome her personal fears. Ages 3 to 9. Requires: Mac LC575, Performa 575, Quadra, Power Mac or above; System 7.1, 6MB RAM with 3MB free, 256 colors, 13" monitor, 2x CD-ROM drive. Will also run on Windows.

Ridgley Elementary School has no formal technology plan. The school has had a technology committee in place for three years. Through their hard work and positive leadership technology at Ridgely has made significant advances.This year's informal plan was developed by our building technology trainer and was a series of workshops that she led throughout the year. Topics of the workshops included, "Netscape", "Quick Cam", and "Slide Shows". Ridgley has a computer and a wall-mounted TV/VCR in each classroom, including the computer lab. The most recently purchased Power Macintosh has audio-visual capabilities. The school also has three LTVs that are shared among the twelve classrooms. A laser disc player and a Quick Cam are the remaining peripherials belonging to Ridgely. The break down of computers is as follows: one Apple II+. twelve Apple IIE, four Apple IIGS, 29 Macintosh, one Macintosh 575, three P _ower Macintosh. Teachers have various printers in their classroom.Ridgely has a Macintosh computer lab. In the lab there are three printers. One of the printers is a laser printer, one is a StyleWriter II, and the third is an ImageWriter II. There is a teacher workstation in the computer lab at Ridgely with a Macintosh 575. The lab has "At Ease" installed on all the computers and the classroom computers have it as well. District-licensed MECC software is installed on all of the computers in the lab and the classrooms. The principal at Ridgely has a PowerBook that was purchased with Special Education funds. She also has a LCIII on her desk in the office and the secretary has a Power Macintosh 5260, which are connected to an Okidata laser printer. They both have access to the District 186 database.

Ridgely Software

After dark

Amazon Trail

Apple Extras

Apple Macintosh CD

AR4

At Ease

Body Scope

Brain Quest Grade 1

Claris Home Page

ClarisWorks

ClarisWorks for Kids

DinoPark Tycoon

Dr. Quandry

Easy Color Paint

Easy Book

Eudora

Eudora Light Folder

Geometric Golfer

HangMan

Hidden Pictures

J&S Gradebook

JumpStart 1st Grade

Kid Pix

Kid Pix 2

Kid Pix Studio

MacLinkPlus

Math Rabbit

Mathosaurus Dinoset 1,2, &3

Millie's Math House

Millie's Data

Millie's Math House

Mouse Practice

Music Flash Cardsv2.3

My Own Stories

Neighborhood Map Machine

Netscape

New Math Blaster Plus

NumberMaze® 1 & 2

Number Munchers

Number Munchers Color

Odell Down Under

Oregon Trail

Playroom

Print Shop Deluxe

Puzzlemania

QuickCam

Quick Time

Reader Rabbit 1 & 2

Sammy's Science House

Stationery

StickerShop Plus

Storybook Weaver

TessellMania!

Tetris Max

The Writing Center

The Yukon Trail

Triazzle

Troggle¸ Trouble

Math Trouble Math

Word Munchers

Word 5.1

Writing Along the Oregon

Ridgely's Database

Language Arts - Primary Software

Keyword: early childhood computer games skills alphabet reading literacy

Title: Bailey's Book House

Format: SOFTWARE

Located: Ridgely's Computer Lab

Level: P SpEd

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: A multisensory learning environment designed to develop emergent literacy skills. "Talking words" encourages children to follow left-to-right as each word is spoken within the context of a complete sentence.

 

Keyword: Reading Comprehension

Title: AR4 (Accelerated Reader)

Format: Software

Located: Ridgley's Computer lab

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts

Description:An enrichment reading program in which the students read books at their level and test for comprehension.

 

Keyword: Reading Games

Title: Reader Rabbit 1 & 2

Format: Software

Located:Ridgely's computer lab

Level:P

Subject Language Arts:

Description: An interactive reading journey.

 

Keyword: Reading /Creative Writing

Title: Storybook Weaver

Format:Software

Located:Ridgley's computer lab

Level:P

Subject:Language Arts

Description: A fun way to create new stories and to read.

 

 

Keyword: interactive animated story

Title: Living Books-Green Eggs and Ham

Format:Software

Located:Ridgely's computer lab

Level:P

Subject: Language Arts

Description: Reads through this popular story using animation.

 

Ridgely's Database

Language Arts - CD-Rom

 

Keywor Md: children's literature Robert munsch

Title: Mud Puddle

Series: Discis Books

Format: CD-ROM

Located: Ridgely's Computer Lab

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: Meet a walking mud puddle and see how it continually ambushes one little girl in "Mud Puddle" by Robert Munsch. You can ask the computer to "read" your favorite passages, to explain or pronounce unfamiliar words, and even to identify objects in the accompanying pictures.

 

Keyword: children's literature ted plantos baseball

Title: Heather Hits Her First Home Run

Series: Discis Books

Format: CD-ROM

Located: Ridgely's Computer Lab

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: The bases are loaded, her friend Jeffrey is on third, É and everyone's calling for a home run as she steps up to bat! This story, based on the book by Ted Plantos, is about how children feel in life's crucial moments, extolling the virtues of perseverance and team spirit. You can ask the computer to "read" your favorite passages, to explain or pronounce unfamiliar words, and even to identify objects in the illustrations.

 

Keyword: fairy tales Cinderella

Title: Cinderella

Series: Discis Books

Format: CD-ROM

Located: Ridgely's Computer Lab

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: The story of how kind-hearted Cinderella gets the better of her selfish stepsisters is a classic that students will enjoy again and again.You can ask the computer to "read" your favorite passages, to explain or pronounce unfamiliar words, and even to identify objects in the illustrations.

Keyword: children's literature

Title: Velveteen Rabbit, The

Subtitle: (and other Children's Classics)

Format: CD-ROM

Located: Ridgely's Computer Lab

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: An exciting, interactive learning experience for young children. This classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, is beautifully narrated, contains colorful scenes, easy to read text, wonderful music and sound effects. Also features several other popular children's tales, and a collection of children's poems and songs.

 

Keyword: children's literature

Title: The Tale of Benjamin Bunny

Series: Discus Books

Format: CD-ROM

Located: Ridgely's Computer Lab

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: A delightful tale of Benjamin Bunny and his cousin Peter Rabbit as they go visit Mr. McGre õgor's garden to retrieve Peter's clothes and the trouble they almost get into.

 

Keyword: children's literature

Title: A Long Hard Day On The Ranch

Subtitle:

Series: Discis Books

Format: CD-ROM

Located: Ridgely's Computer Lab

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: A young boy spending the summer on his aunt and uncle's ranch has some very imaginative adventures. This story is full of humor "western" style.

Keyword: children's literature

Title: The Paper Bag Princess

Series: Discis Books

Format: CD-ROM

Located: Ridgely's Computer Lab

Level: P

Subject: Language Arts & Literature

Description: This is a story about a beautiful princess and a handsome prince and how they outsmarted a fierce dragon and learn a very important lesson about love.