 Kanagawa High School's multimedia classroom uses dozens of computers to teach students to generate computer graphics, use word-processing software, and create their own Websites. The aim is to enable kids to use computer technology as a tool for self-expression. |
Kanagawa
University High School
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| Multimedia Classroom | ||
 Kanagawa
University High School has a computer room equipped with 48 iMac computers.
The colorful machines brighten up the classroom. During their six years
at the school, the students receive wide-ranging education in the basics
of computer use, including how to operate computer-graphics and word-processing
software, gather information over the Internet, and create Websites. The
students all have their own passwords and ID numbers, so they can store
their information on a server. The students can use the computer room
whenever they have free time, such as during breaks and after school,
to work on their personal projects. |
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 On
this day, the students of ninth grade class A have divided up into groups
of three to work on setting up Websites. The students use about 15 hours
of classroom time and 10 hours of their own time to decide on a theme,
gather information, create the site, and make a presentation about it.
One group of three girls is doing research on child-rearing because "We
think this is something that'll be useful to us in the future." A
group of three boys is setting up a site about people's personality types
("It's interesting that are all different kinds of people, like fun
people and cheerful people"), while other groups' Websites cover
a range of topics like judo, fashion, face-washing soap, and canned juice.
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 Students
are also busy with computer projects that go beyond their classroom assignments.
Some students have entered ThinkQuest,
a contest for educational Web pages. This year, a girl formed a three-member
team with boys in America and South Africa, and the team made it to the
finals. |
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| The purpose of computer education is to teach kids how to use the computer as a tool for self-expression. It looks as though the computer classes at this school are succeeding in their goal. | ||
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