Integrating Technology With Teaching: A Peek Into a Classroom.

Off we go, bucket and net in hand, in search of tadpoles. Our hunt takes place at Cooper Elementary School. In the library media center, we use research skills to locate information on tadpoles. We use such materials as electronic encyclopedias, books, computer software, videotapes, and the Internet. After compiling some facts about tadpoles, we head outdoors to begin the search. With the video camera charged up, the anxious group of 2nd-graders trudges to the marshy area to scoop up creatures in search of the mysterious eggs. As their teacher tromps through the marshy swamp fishing up specimens, we capture the thrill of it all on videotape.

Upon returning to the school, we eagerly enter the library media center to inspect our findings, using the electronic microscope. I connect the microscope with the Flex Cam color video camera and record our findings onto our videotape. Students are able to see the specimen up close on the television monitors. They enjoy watching the waterfleas and shrimp-like creatures. Students can see right through the tadpoles' thin bodies! How exciting it is to discover the tadpole eggs floating in the water!

Over the next few months, students in the entire school are able to watch the tadpoles grow and change. We periodically add to the videotape to record the process of change. The students are thrilled to see the arms and legs growing as the tail seems to disappear. What a sad day it is when the time comes to release the small frogs back into their home environment. As a culminating activity, students produce their own slide show using Kid Pix studio. Each student uses tools to produce a picture that is added to the final presentation. The slide show is then added to the videotape. Students are able to take the videotape home to share with their family. What a treat!

This Idea-Sparker was submitted by Nancy Terrell, Library Media Specialist, Cooper Elementary School, Hampton City Schools, Hampton, Virginia.