Synopsis
Ellen Jay, an elementary school librarian, and Hilda Jay, a retired high school library media teacher, detail instructional activities for teaching computer skills to students in grades K-6. They describe curriculum related software programs as well as word processing and graphic organizers, electronic and online tools, and presentation programs, and offer examples of learning activities. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
School Library Journal
The first part of this book, on utilities, is the strongest. Much attention is devoted to integration projects using "Paint" programs such as KidPix, and some space is given to graphing, graphic organizer, time line, database, and spreadsheet programs. However, the majority of the examples fail to incorporate enough technology tools to make a strong argument for keyboard over paper and pencil. Most projects include research or writing techniques found in strong library and language-arts programs, but could easily be done on paper. The second section covers curricular-related programs and would primarily be useful to owners of those software programs, such as Postcards, Tenth Planet, or Science Sleuths. The third section on online resources discusses library catalogs, encyclopedias, SIRS, and newspaper resources. Internet resources are not included, nor are search engines. A final section touches on presentation programs, such as PowerPoint or HyperStudio, with a few examples. This section is weak, lacking useful PowerPoint ideas, as well as any animation software or digital camera/video technology. No mention is made of any tool outside a desktop computer, omitting handheld computers, digital cameras, sound equipment, video editing, etc. Still, schools needing a handy reference for integrated technology ideas will make good use of this book as the projects are instructional and adaptable.-Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.