Downloads & Free Reading Options - Results

This study examined the effective use of computer stations across the curriculum. Research was conducted in a fourth grade classroom in Lena, a small, rural farming town in northwestern Illinois. Desks were arranged in circular clusters of five. The students moved to five different stations, one of which was an IBM computer mini-lab. The lab, used as one of five language arts stations, was successful in motivating students to learn keyboarding, brainstorming for ideas, practicing various styles of writing, using the word processor, and working in cooperative learning groups. The objective of the study was to determine how to transfer the use of the computer stations concept to another content area, such as social studies. Attitudinal surveys, observation, whole-group dialogue, and portfolios were used to determine if the computer stations were being used effectively in social studies. Questions on the attitudinal survey included items about frequency of use; favorite and least favorite activities; application of individual talents; improvement in academic skills; social developments; and leadership opportunities. The survey was distributed at the beginning and at the end of the 1995-96 school year. Results of the study indicated overall increased computer use and increased student motivation and interest. Class activities are described in detail and 17 figures depict photographs of the classroom and copies of student projects. (Contains 39 references.) (AEF)

1Boy Crusoe

By Allan Eric

Also published as" A Yankee Crusoe" . A 15 year old hard working and studious farm boy finds the lure of adventure on the seas as a merchant seaman more than he can resist. This is his story. " I was born in a little town in the State of Maine, near the close of the Civil War. My boyhood life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer's son in the remote country districts of New England--except, perhaps, that I read more and thought more. Hard work on the rugged soil, two terms each year in the little yellow country schoolhouse, a day's fishing now and then filled the early years of my life full to over-flowing. " What he gets is enough excitement and adventure to overflow his wildest dreams. How he experiences disaster and uses his wits and knowledge to overcome every problem makes for a great read. - Summary by Phil Chenevert