Internet for Schools: A Practical Guide » (3RD)

"Nothing is permanent except change" was never more true than with the Internet today. This approachable book advocates dealing with this fluid environment with an exploratory approach—persistent, patient, and also playful. Library media specialists are a natural to be advisors and mentors in this valuable and significant information arena, and this book supports that role wonderfully well. The new edition has expanded Web coverage, identifying multiple sites for use in training staff and students, and for integration into the curriculum. Links are current and selected with classroom and library use in mind. New or expanded topics include Web-based e-mail, bookmarking sites, filtering software, selecting search engines, virtual field trips, directories, and more!

VOYA

Adding to the many books offering ideas for how to use the Internet in the classroom are these two for grades K-12. Comprehensive, thorough, and timely, Teaching with the Internet is an expanded version of Pam Berger's Internet for Active Learners (ALA, 1998). Chapters involving integrating the Internet with different teaching styles—individualized instruction, cross-curricular units, and cooperative learning approaches—include practical applications and pertinent worksheets and rubrics. Each subject area is addressed with suggestions for integration particular to that topic. The sections on Web evaluation, Internet use policies, and citing online sources include vital information for any school setting. Appendixes explain search engine use and provide a list of all Web sites mentioned in this volume. Charts, screen shots, and rubrics abound, all useful and appropriate. One is hard-pressed to find helpful and easy-to-understand information about Telnet (an Internet program for connecting to a remote host or server) and FTPs (file transfer protocols), but Internet for Schools provides teachers with such knowledge and also offers templates for transparencies on these topics and more. There is no mention of MOOs (multiuser role-playing environments), nor are the differences between search engines and search directories discussed. Nevertheless the data on authorized use policies and filtering are quite topical. Sections introducing the Internet to teachers and using the Internet within specific content areas are full of URLs, although as with any such information, these URLs are sure to have a limited shelf life. General information on purchasing a modem is provided, and there arescreen shots for hookup with both Windows and the Free PPP for Macintosh users. The glossary included is basic, and the templates for use with overhead projectors seem incongruous given the topic of the book. Both volumes have well-written sections on e-mail and search engines, and anyone looking for current pertinent information will not go wrong with either. Teaching is the more comprehensive of the two, but both books would serve the middle or high school library well. Index. Illus. Biblio. 2000, Linworth, 317p, $39.95 Oversize pb. Ages Adult. Reviewer: Susan Smith SOURCE: VOYA, August 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 3)