Chapter Outline

USING THE COMPUTER IN MAJOR CURRICULUM AREAS

I. One Computer in the Classroom

1. The typical classroom used to have a 30:1 student-to-computer ratio, but today the ratio is 6:1, with computer labs providing even more computers to students.
2. Seven suggestions can help classroom teachers use computers effectively: 1. Select software according to the needs of students. 2. Collect the appropriate equipment for the classroom environment. 3. Organize the classroom. 4. Use the team approach. 5. Know the software's time factor. 6. Encourage group participation. 7. Integrate the software into the classroom.

II. Subject Area Software

1. Math software is grouped as follows: drill and practice, simulation, problem solving, and tutorial, with no clear consensus from math experts about how best to use computer software for improving math skills.
2. Science programs can simulate experiments and promote skills in classifying, synthesizing, analyzing, and summarizing data, e.g., Thinkin' Science Zap, Virtual Lab Series Electricity, and Light, Science Blaster, System Explorer, RedShift 3, Body Works 6.0, Schoolhouse Rock: Science Rock, Sunburst Communications titles.
3. Social studies programs software excels at presenting historical and current events that foster class discussion, decision making, and consequences of results.
4. Language arts programs are subdivided into the categories of writing, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and reading including reference tools, and many good language arts programs exist.