July 2007 — News
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Leveraging E-Content at Charles County Public Schools
Rather than passing out and collecting worksheets, Branum displays content on the classroom screen and works through problems in class with students. "It really streamlines everything.... It's amazing how much additional class time I have."
As an example, a Local, State and National Government teacher preparing to teach a typical content unit now has access, through Bookshelf, to The Declaration of Independence, a document analysis worksheet, C-Span in the Classroom, and more.
The project got its start two years ago, when Branum, who is head of the math department, was working with a team of teachers to create a digital format for the mathematics curriculum.
Despite its convenience, Branum said, the online content doesn't replace textbooks--something textbook companies were concerned about. With the Bookshelf content, "we enhance using the textbooks, [we don't] replace them."
Time Savings, Collaboration
A big benefit of VitalSource is a reduction in the time Branum spends planning lessons. "I've gone from having to carry home a huge stack of binders… to just carrying my laptop."
Branum, who has taught for six years, said that online lesson plans could be a lifesaver for a new teacher. "I had to create everything from scratch.... You'd beg, borrow and steal. 'How do you teach this?' 'May I please have a copy of that?' There's so much learning involved in your first year."
A newer version of Bookshelf features social networking technology that allows faculty to share best practices, lesson plans, and even tests with new teachers in a chat room area.
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About the author: Linda L. Briggs is a freelance writer based in San Diego, CA.
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