Loading...
The Citizen, 1996-02-21, Page 8Surfing the net Conrad Hamil and Resource Teacher Marilyn Elgie of Grey Central Public School search the internet together looking for interesting research information. PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1996 With the age of the first computer hovering near the half century mark and the 21st century less than five years away, it is the current generation of youth who will experience and live the advantages (and possibly some disadvantages) of the computer age. Through a series of articles, the ever-evolving relationship between fast-paced technology and the public school system will be explored. The first in the series will look at the accessibility of the internet for both elementary and secondary students and adjustments required by and afforded to staff and administration. By Janice Becker Just what is the intemet, how does it work and is it really helping our children learn? These are just a few of the questions posed by both parents and taxpayers when announcements are made regarding the arrival of new technology to the school system. Children of all ages have had access to computers for many years, though much of the work pertained to word processing, an updated version of a typewriter, with functions which could enable the children to work more quickly and have spelling corrected for them. However, with the arrival of the intemet, the Huron County Board of Education was one of the leaders in bringing the technology to the students. The system is connected to computers in the schools via telephone lines, permitting access to re-sources from around the world. Grey Central Public School, in Ethel has been on-line for just a few weeks, but the children have been able to explore the huge library resources at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut While studying snakes, the Grey Central students were able to find information on the intemet which was very current and included species from around the world. Meanwhile, their counterparts at Robertson Memorial Public School, in Goderich, not yet connected for student use, were only able to delve through six or eight pages of a book available in their library. "That one book could cost from $60 to $100," says Director of Education Paul Carroll, "while the information from the intemet didn't cost a nickel, outside the infrastructure costs." At the secondary school level, an interactive CD is available which will allow biology students to dissect a frog on the screen, thereby cutting the cost of purchasing frogs each year, says Carroll. "Soon this service will be on the intemet so even the purchase of the CD is not necessary." Using the computer, CDs or the intemet as a learning tool is not a solo, one-sided activity as some opponents fear. The children frequently work in groups while surfing the net, discussing which path will lead to the desired information. Interaction with students, teachers, professionals can also be included in the exercise. Students are able to hold two-way communications with other net users, asking questions and receiving replies in a matter of seconds (depending on the use). Students dissecting the frog may question university students regarding the process. The internet is like having the world's libraries, research facilities and experts at one's fingertips. "If students are limited to one resource (for their research and learning), they are very limited," says Marilyn Elgie, resource teacher at Grey Central. It is particularly important for rural students to have access to greater volumes of knowledge not available from local sources, says Elgie. Children who may not otherwise have the opportunity, are able to visit the Science Centre in Toronto, via the intemet. "It is their book to the world," says Richard Maertens, technology educator with the Huron County Board of Education. However, as educators, Elgie says it will be necessary to assist children in finding the balance between using the ever-expanding knowledge available at the click of a mouse and the joy, and comfort of curling up with a good book. It is this balance the board of education is working towards as the education system goes through tremendous changes with the turning of the century. Coming features will cover topics such as the cost of technology, ethics on the internet, video- conferencing, digital media studies and the library of the 21st century. thel The news from HCBE briefs Ed. budget on target Compiled by Margaret McMahon Phone 887-920..ii 7 tables in play at euchre party With the preliminary totals in for the 1995 fiscal year, the Huron County Board of Education came in on target. In reviewing the numbers at the Feb. 5 meeting, trustees saw expen- ditures in the elementary panel at 99 per cent of the budget estimates, 97.7 per cent for the secondary panel and 98.7 per cent for the administration centre. ***** Five novels were approved for student instruction, by the board. They were: Like Water for Chocolate, Laura Esquivel; The House of Spirits, Isabel Allende; The Power of One, Bruce Courte- nay; Side by Side, James Barry and Understanding War Anthology. **a** With government funding for the literacy/numeracy co-ordinator ending in March, service clubs will be approached regarding funding to the end of June. Alternatives will be sought for September. ***** In meeting requirements of the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, Carroll acknowledged his salary to be $107,740. Regional salaries for directors of education range from $104,913 to S120,038. ***** The trustees honoraria was frozen at the 1995 level for 1996. • ***a* The HCBE indicated its support for a recommendation to establish alternative community-based deliv- ery of junior and senior kinder- garten in conjunction with community child care programs. The programs would include a combination of Early Childhood Educators and Education Act teach- ers. ***** Base annual funding for trustees to attend conferences was set at $300 for student trustees, $1,200 for regular trustees, $1,500 for the vice-chair and $2,000 for the chair. Any cost above 'this level would be requested from the executive com- mittee, funds permitting. There was considerable discus- sion as Trustees Norm Pickell, Goderich and Joan Van den Broeck, Twps. of Goderich and Colborne, said this would limit par- ticipation as registration, accommo- dations and expenditures for one conference can range from $800 to $1,500. The board is contacting Huron- Bruce MP Paul Steckle, to request the province consider to a change of the Income Tax Act, which would allow the deduction of the cost of a personal computer for teachers as an allowable expense. ***** The tender submitted by Slaght Plumbing and Heating, for boiler replacement at Blyth Public school, at a cost of $31,197, was accepted by the board. The burner replacement at Brus- sels Public School will be complet- ed by Turner Plumbing and Heating, at a cost of $10, 966. Sympathy is extended to the family of Eric Barrett and the families of John Armstrong. Helen Dobson, Karen Bowles and Dorothy Dilworth hosted the seven tables of euchre at the Valentine's euchre held at the Ethel Hall. Winners were: 50/50 winners, Karen Bowles; lucky table, George Pearson, Mac Smith, Ruby Armstrong, Violet Smith; high lady, Lois McLean; high man, Bob Bateman; lady low, Leola Harrison; low man, George Pearson; most lone hands, Verna Crawford, Walter Harriefield; tally draw, Jim Crawford, Dorothy Hamilton, Mac Smith, Hazel McKenzie, Harold Metcalfe, Velma Sleightholme, Jim Smith, Eva Harrison, Norman Coghlin, Shirley Verstoep, Frank McKenzie. The next euchre is Feb. 26 at 8:30 p.m. Plans are progressing for the 140th celebrations of Grey Twp. A meeting was held at the Ethel Hall Tuesday evening with Bob Cunningham as chairman. Another meeting is planned for March 5 at the municipal office at 8 p.m. These are open meetings and any suggestions are welcome. Even though surrounding communities have planned events for the same weekend it is hoped Grey Twp. residents will give their support to the events planned for their own 140th.