Computer Learning Month is celebrated each October. It's the time, early in the school year, for focusing attention on the important role computers, software and other technologies play in our lives, particularly in our children's learning and their future.

Computer Learning Month is a time to try new ways of using technology, to learn about new education technology products, and to share knowledge with others in your local community about how technology is changing the way teachers teach and students learn.

Another major concern of educators is the "digital divide." The use of computers in schools and at home for learning is accelerating. Schools and students who don't have the benefit of technology and technology training in schools are reflective of this increasing gap between the education "haves" and "have nots."

Recently, the federal government has recognized this and will likely authorize more funding through No Child Left Behind to disadvantaged schools for technology and teacher training in how to use technology effectively. Lack of progress for millions of "have nots" would spell social and economic danger for the U.S in the future.

Scientific research finds that one of the best ways of learning with technology is for students to be involved in engaging and meaningful mini-research activities. Traditionally, research activities were reserved for only the best students and were done annually.

The reason is that these activities required much time to find and then share relevant and authoritative information, then more time to copy the best information and citations, time to organize and analyze, and then additional time to format and type the report.

Activity: Enjoy the time-saving and ease of use benefits of the Internet and ProQuest Platinum. Multiply the benefits of effective inquiry-based learning activities because technology makes it possible for student to learn beyond the textbook.

Pathfinder: Click the Topic Guide tab > type "computers and education and learning" in the Search box. Use the following topics for student research: Education AND Computer assisted instruction--CAI; Education AND Computers; Education AND Educational software; Education AND Technology; Education AND Information technology; Education AND Online instruction; Computers AND Learning; Computers AND Quality of education; and Computers AND Computer uses in education.

Students will click the View Articles link under the subtopic assigned to them.

Assign different subtopics to each student. Require the use of at least four resources to create the report. Answer three of more of the following essential questions for critical thinking in a report of approximately 200 words:

• What are at least four of the major technology tools being used in schools today that have proven to increase student achievement?
• Why or why isn't technology in education more effective for learning than the lecture-discussion methods?
• What is the major challenge for teachers in using technology?
• What is the "digital divide," why is it important to us all, and how can we solve this problem?
• What newer tools would you recommend be used in schools and why?
• Is it possible to get a good education through virtual courses online?

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