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| Vol. 18, No. 13 | Dec. 3, 1998 |
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| Vol. 18, No. 13 | Dec. 3, 1998 |
Danzel Little of Public Allies, an AmeriCorps agency, presents
computer information to a group of elementary school students.
The UD Mathematics & Science Education Resource Center is playing a leading role in the Education Connection Project, connecting elementary school children with modern technology through computers in their homes. The center, which serves as a clearinghouse of information and resources for K-12 math and science teachers statewide, collaborates with other organizations to enhance math and science education in Delaware.
When WHYY-TV, along with stations in five other states, received a U.S. Department of Education Challenge Grant to evaluate technology in education over a five-year period, the UD math and science center became a partner in the project.
Six classrooms in five schools were each outfitted with a computer, printer, scanner and a video camera. Children in these classes from Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Drew-Pyle Elementary School, Seaford Middle School, St. Paul's School and St. Thomas the Apostle School were provided with donated, rebuilt computers in their homes.
The students received Internet and e-mail access and were given computing instruction at WHYY's studio in Wilmington. Parents were encouraged to participate. At the end of the year, the students will be able to purchase the computers at low cost.
The math and science center's role is to create lessons and assignments involving computers for teachers to use with the children, according to Kathy Hollowell, center director.
"The Education Connection is one of the center's cooperative programs with WHYY," Hollowell said. "We also have been on the steering committee of the PBS Mathline Middle School Math Project, which provides videos of classroom lessons for teachers to view and discuss on-line. The lessons meet the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards and are aligned with Delaware's mathematics content and performance standards."
Hollowell and Krysia Tramont, a high school teacher and a mathematics education specialist at the center, are developing eight modules for the Education Connection project, in collaboration with project teachers. The modules involve concepts from probability, statistics, number sense, geometry, patterns and algebra. Each module has an Internet component.
For example, using the bursting bubble module, students design and conduct experiments with different bubble solutions. They investigate pi by measuring and analyzing circumferences and diameters of various circles. Using geometry software and a spreadsheet, they collect and analyze data and make calculations and conjectures. They access further information about bubbles using the Internet.
Another module involves statistical data about Native American tribes. Using the Internet and e-mail, students find the population and locations of several tribes. They then enter the information into a spreadsheet and develop graphs and pie charts.
"The modules are designed to give students a hands-on learning experience about how to collect data, analyze information and recognize patterns. It's a new approach to teaching, and it also involves science and other disciplines," Hollowell said
The students, who are taught about computers by instructors provided by Public Allies, an AmeriCorps agency, are enthusiastic and excited about learning with technology, she said.
"The project is paving the way for the future," Hollowell said. "Helping teachers, students and their families to become familiar with modern technology and its applications and resources is an important component of today's classroom experience."
-Sue Swyers Moncure
Photo by Jack Buxbaum
