Seeing The Sites Internet Class For 240 Teachers Opens E To Classroom Possibilities

Lisa Miller tapped the computer’s mouse when she saw these words in blue on the screen: “List of Possible Science Fair Projects.”

Seconds later, she was looking at more than enough ideas to inspire any stumped student.

“Wow, this is cool,” Miller exclaimed, as she discovered one interesting site after another on the vast network of computerized information. “I sound just like a kid.”

Miller, a teacher, is a student herself this week. She’s one of 240 teachers from throughout Idaho taking a one-week Internet course, Connections Unlimited, this summer. It’s offered by the University of Idaho, in cooperation with Eastern Washington University. This week’s class is being taught at the UI’s extension center at North Idaho College.

Miller is a young substitute teacher looking for full-time work. Knowing how to find information on the Internet and use it in the classroom can only help her career.

Many school districts are progressing like those in Kootenai County, which last year got access to the Internet and are continually buying more computers.

Teachers who don’t know how to use the Internet will be left behind, in the opinion of Canfield Middle School teacher Kathie Wilson. She and Brian Hutchison of Lakes Middle School are among 14 teacher-trainees helping out with the UI program this summer.

“In my classroom, I have three online computers,” said Wilson. “We’ve had as many as 12 students standing around those three computers, all completely focused on them.”

At other times, students work independently, going on-line to research a topic.

The Internet is essentially the world’s largest library, linking universities, agencies, businesses and organizations.

“It makes them worldwide learners,” said Wilson.

Kevin Hauck’s students had a global experience last week.

The Post Falls sixth-grade teacher was teaching an Internet class offered by the UI for elementary school kids.

Their topic was the environment.

By using special software and a tiny computer-mounted camera, they were able to have a live conversation with a Russian student who was studying the same subject.

“They could see him and hear him … The expressions on their faces were just incredible,” said Hauck.

By using electronic mail, the youngsters were able to send questions to nine experts on endangered species.

They couldn’t wait to see what happened.

When they returned to class the next day, Hauck said, seven of the nine experts had responded.

Last week, teachers in the Internet class were able to watch and eavesdrop on space shuttle astronauts.

The UI’s Internet project was funded in part with grants from the U.S. West Foundation and the Annenberg Foundation/Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

While the grants are aimed at improving math and science education in kindergarten through 12th grade, teachers from many disciplines are taking the course.

Among them this week are a language arts teacher and a physical education instructor.

“It’s perfect for PE, with all the sports stuff out there, and lessons on anatomy,” said Kathie O’Brien, who with Heidi Rogers is directing the program.

Teachers around the country share their lesson plans by putting them on the Internet, saving a lot of work or providing ideas for others.

Not all teachers are excited about using the Internet.

Some want to learn, but are afraid of the technology, said O’Brien.

They leave the class with a different attitude, she said.

“They’ll go back and tell the other teachers, ‘Oh, it wasn’t that bad. You should try it.”’

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: INTERNET ADDRESS If you have Internet access and want to learn more about this program, check out its homepage. The address is http://www.iea.com/dramsay/connections.