April, 1998

Dear Colleague:

Over the past decade computers have increasingly found their way into high schools. Presently there is a concerted effort to connect these machines to the Internet. Indeed, there is a vast array of information available on the Internet, and a good deal of it can be used by teachers and students to enrich learning experiences. However, while a number of teachers have now become somewhat adept at using computers, most of them do not possess the skills to find appropriate WEB sites or to incorporate the information available from these sites into their classrooms. However, "Training how to use the technology by itself is NOT sufficient. Teachers will only begin to use it when they are shown how to incorporate the technology into their curriculum and lessons." (Infobits: September, 1996)

With this in mind Stevens Institute of Technology in collaboration with Passaic High School will offer a workshop at Stevens during the summer of 1998 which will prepare high school mathematics and science teachers to utilize the WEB as an educational tool within the existing curriculum. Topics will be chosen from mathematics, physics, biology, earth science, and chemistry. Where relevant, related environmental issues will be explored. The workshop will be conducted at Stevens during the week of July 6. Participants need have no previous knowledge of computers.

The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation has provided funds for the partial support of these workshops. As a result, participants will be charged the nominal fee of $150. Those who successfully complete a workshop may receive Continuing Education credits from Stevens for an additional charge.

Enclosed you will find a more detailed description of the workshops together with an application form. Please bring these to the attention of qualified teachers at your school. Applications will be accepted on a continuing basis, but all applications must be received no later than May 22, 1998. A letter of support indicating that the applicant’s school will provide the necessary computing environment for the use of the WEB as an educational tool as well as a recommendation from the applicant’s department chair or subject supervisor are also required. It should be kept in mind that participants are expected to receive up to two days of release time during the academic year for follow-up sessions.

Further information can be obtained by calling 201-216-5448, by sending E-mail to llevine@stevens-tech.edu, or by viewing the WEB site http://attila.stevens-tech.edu/llevine1/dodge/workshop.html.

Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to hearing from you and your colleagues.

Sincerely yours,

Lawrence E. Levine
WEB Workshop Director and
Professor of Mathematical Sciences