SK>Now, actually learning how to find something useful instead of
SK>simply going off joy-linking may take a bit more time.
I agree....
SK>Rather than burden the teachers with being responsible for
SK>getting the kids on-line, especially since teachers already have their
SK>subject area to prepare for, seems more logical to put responsibility
SK>for the Internet under the library's umbrella.
Seems a good fit to me as well....
RM> It may spark interest, but how interesting does it become
RM> if you're simply using the Internet as an Encyclopedia?
SK>But the Internet is far more than an Encyclopedia (I get the 
SK>impression you haven't been on the Web very much?),
I've been on a fair amount, but you have to understand that
I use it as a tool (as you suggest), and that when I go on,
I'm usually looking for something specific.  I'm not looking
to be entertained, wowed with graphics, or aurally enhanced.
My son is big for installing all sorts of add-ons for things
like REALSOUND, and WORLDCHAT (where balloons float around
talking to one another ), etc.  To me, this is cute, but
unnecessary "fluff"... Different strokes....
My point was also that many educators cite the Internet as an 
information source (you, yourself, do this above), a place to
send kids to accumulate information, do projects, etc.  Now
to me, this is using the Internet as an encyclopedia.  I 
agree that the Internet is more than this... It is a medium
for entertainment, it is a point of entry for conversation
much like this conference, a source for up-to-date software
and drivers (I use this capability quite extensively), etc.
SK>If there is something that you (or a student) wants to accomplish and
SK>the computer is the best way to do it, then use it. I'm sure even your
SK>daughter would agree with that.
Absolutely... Sped up those annoying little "define these
25 words" sheets tremendously - She saved herself at least
half an hour each by using an online dictionary!  Reports 
are quickly handled with CD encyclopedias, and the Internet
is a great resource for information on a variety of topics.
Anyway, my point was (as you mentioned) not that the "Net"
wasn't usful, only that the way it is often suggested that
it be used makes it sort of a glorified encyclopedia, and
IF that is the way it is envisioned, it may not be worth
the time, effort, and cuts in other materials.... As with
everything in education, it depends upon the implimentation.
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 * MR/2 2.26 * I don't do Windows, but OS/2 WARP does.
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