Summary
Educators as well as government officials are concerned about bridging the digital divide that exists within their jurisdiction. They are vested in preparing students for the 2lst century and a global society. The ability to be able to use computers and technological tools is one of the most valuable skills that students will need throughout their lifetime. Students will need to know how to use technology for many of their daily tasks such as registering for courses, purchasing textbooks, banking, accessing ATM machines, shopping, etc. Technology is used in almost every facet of our lives; thus, it is crucial that students learn to use a computer. Students who are not privileged to gain these skills will not be able to perform daily business transactions, compete in the workplace, or function in a global society.
Brazil used their mobile classroom to teach students how to use computers and the Internet for searches and access to public services. Also, Web design classes were taught to assist students with training for careers. Lesson plans used by Brazilians to teach technology are not readily available. Since students in Brazil were being taught to learn how to use computers and the Internet, I researched to determine what lesson plans were being offered to American students to introduce them to the computer and the Internet. Introductory lesson plans should cover the parts of a computer and their functions, how to use the mouse and keyboard, word processing and databases, Internet Safety, the Internet and World Wide Web, Internet and research, and emails. Lesson plans can be tweaked based upon grade level. Scavenger hunts can be used to introduce students to the Internet to access information. WebQuests can be used for middle school and high school students to teach them content and how to research using the Internet.
Moreover, lessons should address mouse familiarity (click, drag, double click and right click); keyboard (enter, backspace, shift, tab, and arrows keys); file management (save, open, locate, create a folder, and create a desktop shortcut); printing (print, and print preview); graphical user interface (GUI) elements (menu, resize a window, minimize a window, maximize a window, locate items in the Start Menu, use the scrollbar, use a toolbar); edit (copy, paste, cut, undo, redo, and spell check). Also, the toolbar will be taught (file, edit, view, favorite, tools, help, etc.) Activities and projects will be used to reinforce these skills.
Classroom-on-wheels will be working in conjunction with the various schools and their curriculums. Therefore, lesson plans, projects, and activities will be developed based on the needs of the students. The website, HotChalk Lesson Plan Page, offers a variety of lessons on computer and Internet use.
In addition, Technology and Internet Use Lesson Plans website, which is a resource for librarians, provides numerous lessons that can be utilized to teach students how to use technology as they learn about various subject matters. This project can be a viable means to take quality technology education in conjunction with teaching literacy skills to those in areas where technology is not readily available. Other states such as Pennsylvania, Nevada, and California have run similar classroom-on-wheels programs to assist with education and healthcare; to teach preschools; to address environmental issues; to teach science; and to help disadvantaged youth with computer programming classes. Sources are listed on the Supporting Documentation page.Commonwealth Connections Academy has a mobile science lab classroom which has been well-received by students, parents, and the community since 2003. It is the only cyber-school in Pennsylvania. This program sets them apart and demonstrates their commitment to their students and innovation (Long, p. 1). By adopting this proposal, Maryland can become the first technology cyber-school to address technology innovation and the digital divide. A classroom-on-wheels can offer endless possibilities to students in inner cities and rural areas.
Thank you for considering this proposal.
