There are also amazing resources on the net, offered for free, that schools on their own could never duplicate. The MN Orchestra's Virtual Tours is one local example, as well as the many email pen pal programs that link kids from all over the world, doing projects together via the net or just sharing about their lives and experiences. There is online mentoring that connects new teachers and experienced teachers, teacher discussion groups, lesson plan databases, etc. The greatest power of computers and the internet in our schools is to show students that there is much larger world out there, with ideas and places and traditions they have never heard of, but can connect with, if they are curious and willing to learn.
Technology in the schools has not been, in my opinion, harnessed in all the positive ways it could be. Ultimately, the most important learning tool in the classroom is the teacher and a positive "learning community". But technology has so much to add, if used properly. Amanda Rondeau Cedar-Riverside Ward 2 _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
