JACKSON MARKS TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION WEEK

JACKSON -- In just a matter of months, the students in Harriet Martin's third grade classroom at Orchard Drive Elementary School have improved their reading with the help of a computer program.

Some students have read more than 60 books in just three months. Others have moved up to more difficult reading levels than where they first started at the beginning of the school year.

By making selections from the Electronic Bookshelf, a combination of books and computer activities, students are blending new technology with traditional lessons.

Young children don't have a fear of computers, so these skills come naturally to them, said Bob Bartley, technology coordinator for the Jackson school district.

The district is placing an emphasis on technology during "Technology in Education" week, which began Monday. A new computer lab at South Elementary school is being put in place this week and new computers are constantly being added to classrooms, Bartley said.

"Last year only the high school and middle school had Internet access, but now every school has access in some form," he said.

Bartley helped write the Technology Literacy Challenge grant that funds the Electronic Bookshelf program. Third grade students in the district can use the program. And it's a favorite daily activity, their teachers say.

Martin said the computer is in constant use in her classroom.

Ben Douglass, 8, said he likes to read and has been reading more at school than at home. He often reads two or three books a week.

And the books used in the Electronic Bookshelf program vary according to reading levels, Martin said. Students have 80 books to choose from during a three week period before a new set of books is brought to the classroom.

"It's really motivating them to read more," Martin said. "The books are always accessible."

And after they've finished reading a particular book, the student takes a computerized quiz.

The computer program also helps Martin keep track of the books being read and shows any improvement or problems the students might have with reading.

Students at Meadow Heights schools will get to continue with their computer/literacy program with a $25,000 grant form the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The grant was written by Sharran Seabaugh and the program is designed to buy computers and other equipment that will get students ready for the technology of the future.

Teachers and administrators from across the state submitted 95 grant proposals this year, but only 29 were selected to receive funding. Another 134 districts were allowed to continue their programs.