Online Service Has Educational Focus
Scholastic Network uses the graphical interface of America Online (AOL) to give schools easy access to learning activities, curriculum resources and interactive events -- as well as a direct connection to the Internet and World Wide Web.
The service comes with its own teaching guide, for leading students through activities and lessons offline. Students can then share their work with hundreds of partner classrooms nationwide.
Any project can be located by grade or subject area. And the Search function lets one find data in seconds from an online library of thousands of documents. The main menu provides an at-a-glance overview of all special guests and events.
In March, for example, students can cast their vote in an online election and hear from former presidents about their campaign experiences. Upcoming events will focus on ecosystems and literature.
Plus, the Scholastic Network blocks access to areas on AOL that are inappropriate for students, and allows schools to buy all the access they need for one fixed annual fee. A free demonstration diskette contains everything necessary to set up an account and go online. Scholastic Network, New York, NY, (800) 246-2986. WM