Ms. Edwards is a 1999 recipient of the Technology Leadership Project from the Gates Learning Foundation. This grant "provides the opportunity for teachers to learn how to integrate technology into the curriculum and to provide some of the hardware and software necessary for implementation in their classrooms."

As a result of this grant, students in Grade 8 have the opportunity to apply the tools of technology as they learn their curriculum requirements.

We are fortunate that, through the Gates Learning Foundation, we have a 4:1 ratio of students to computers in grade eight.

To facilitate sharing the computers and working together, studens have the following roles during group work:

Composer and Editor:

Types group decisions

Asks questions to clarify ideas from the group.

What do you mean?

Is this how to phrase it?

Lets proofreader check accuracy

Proofreader:

Checks accuracy in

content (words and data)

grammar

spelling

Reader and Discussion Director:

Reads directions, text, or data and asks questions:

What are we to do?

What does this mean?

What did we learn?

How should we say it? (so composer can type it)

Who's next?

Please listen.

Keeps group on task (we need to focus on _____________)

Morale Officer and Statistician:

Gets agreement on decisions (Do we all agree? Do we agree to say/write/type it this way?)

Points out key ideas for discussions

Measures and states data

Gives encouragement to everyone

good idea

we're on track

we can do it

we're on to the next part

Helps keep group on task (we need to focus on _____________)

Asks quiet students to participate

Everyone:

Offers ideas for group discussions and decisions.