Erik Amerikaner, Computer Applications Teacher,
Oak Park High School, Oak Park, California
In my computer lab, incoming students are usually surprised by the student-centered environment and by my philosophy that they are responsible for their own learning. Instead of meeting teacher-provided goals, students work at their own pace.How do I respond to students who complete the assignments early? In my Computer Applications course, I direct them to the supplementary content provided by iCheck MS Office 2003, a Glencoe Online Learning Center (OLC). OLCs offer students additional learning materials specifically designed to complement their text.
Throughout my course, students can also access the Glencoe Keyboarding Program and practice their typing skills. I have noticed that students create their own competitions to see who is the fastest keyboarder. This student material is accessible 24/7 from any computer via the school Web page.
The OLC also has password-protected teacher content that allows me to monitor student progress and retention of the material. It permits a flexible lesson plan and a student-centered classroom that works for students of all abilities.
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