>Next issue is the software secutiry, I am presuming that the labs'
 >computers already have some sort of security software on them, if not, that
 >is the next step.
Well, they DID have security software on them at one time, but the kids kept 
bypassing it.  So I ordered some better security software (can't remember the 
name) and it just came in in late May.  I probably should arrange with the 
principal to come in and get it and set it up sometime next week.
 >
 >As for classroom plans, my class has to learn keyboarding and applications.
 >I have no curriculum either, but our district is working towards that, it
 >will take another year or two.  My classroom is completely different, I
 >have only DOS machines mostly, four windows machines and one windows
 >machine for me. I have no internet access other than at my desk.  I have
 >access to WordPerfect 5.1, Lotus, Microsoft Works, NeoPaint, the school
 >library, a desktop publishing program, and a BBS that I have installed.
 >The BBS has E-mail and Chat with five allowed on at a time.  I was going to
 >expand access to 25 in chat and connect to the K-12 net for students and
 >parents--however the company that makes the software went out of business.
 >Back to the drawing board.
 >
Question on the BBS:  Is that just accessable by one of the computers on the 
network, or do you have a phone line coming in ?
 >Projects are a favorite of mine, I try to make them as interesting as I can
 >so students will stay on task.  Here are some that I have used:
 >1. Menu (for cafe or rest.)
 >2. Cards (for all occaisions)
 >3. Calendar (yearly--done in teams of three or four)
 >4. Booklets (the 8th grade English teachers and myself work on a poetry
 >book at the end of the year)
 >5. Reports, business letters, etc.
 >6. Graphic illustrations, etc.
 >7. Posters, etc.
 >8. Keyboarding - Ultrakey (available for Mac also) and another product.
 >Unfortunately, we don't have basic anymore as we went to MS-DOS instead of
 >PC.  However, two of the classes are going to be year-long, so they are
 >going to be using UCBLogo for programming, working on web pages for school
 >and a video and print annual--something new to try.
 >
Ooo !  This is good stuff !  Fortunately, I'm downloading copies of all of 
your messages for further reference !  Thanks for telling me all this !  We 
should be getting Ultrakey in the mail shortly.  I ordered a LOT of software 
in late May (when the administration came in to me while I was teaching my 
Science Class and said "oh, by the way, we need to spend $12,000 on computer 
software and the order has to be in by the end of the day"....well, we had it 
in the next morning, and it was only for $6000).
 >I do use games as a motivation, games can only be played at the end of the
 >week if all work is complete.  This cuts down on most of the 
isruptive-non-
 >productive time in class.  Most stay on task, the office takes care of the
 >rest, (and I use referrals very little).  I also try to circulate around my
 >class, that helps, as does moving disruptive students. Hope that helps
 >some.  I do have some sites for you to surf, but I have to update my
 >homepage.
 >
How do you estimate how much work they should have completed in a week ? 
Experience, I suppose.  I always find myself overestimating how much the kids 
should complete.  Of course, in the fall, we also start "block scheduling" 
with 90 minute classes.
Looking forward to the sites !
Thanks for your help !
-= Dave =-
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