Glencoe/McGraw-Hill Integrates Technology and Learning For Secondary School Students

Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, the leading provider of secondary learning materials, has released TechCONNECT, an online Grades 6-8 middle school program that teaches computer applications within the context of the core subject areas of language arts, social studies, mathematics and science.

TechCONNECT provides a solution for incorporating technology in the classroom as states and districts fulfill the requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation, which mandates that technology be part of all instruction by 2006. TechCONNECT correlates with the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Students advocated by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

"This isn't a paper and pencil world anymore. Teachers are looking for ways to incorporate and reinforce computer skills as part of the learning process," said Steve McClung, president of Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. "TechCONNECT helps students build a foundation of technical skills vital for life and work success in the digital global economy."

TechCONNECT activities currently support six application suites from Microsoft® Office, Microsoft® Works, and AppleWorks®.

Teachers can select activities specifically correlated to Glencoe's and other major publishers' textbooks in core content subjects, view suggested Technology Applications lesson plans, or search the activities database by grade, subject, standards, and more.

TechCONNECT's easy-to-use online activities are divided into three sections:

  1. Learn: Through standards-based activities, the Learn section reinforces
     the core subject areas of language arts, social studies, mathematics
     and science. Computer literacy lessons on topics such as safe e-mailing
     and the ethical use of computers are also included.

  2. Apply: Following step-by-step instructions, students use computer
     applications to generate subject-related reports, presentations,
     newsletters, graphics, spreadsheets, and databases.  Point-of-use
     technology help is available as needed.

  3. Assess: Self-assessments allow students to evaluate their own work
     based on an online criteria checklist. Students and teachers can access
     student portfolios to view completed work and scored assessments, which
     address both content and technology benchmarks for each activity.

TechCONNECT also provides teachers with professional development support in many formats and online teacher resources to help teachers integrate technology in each classroom and subject area. The expertise of the T.H.E. Institute, a division of the premier T.H.E. Journal (Technological Horizons in Education Journal) provides a valuable professional development component which offers instructors on-going professional development support on integrating technology throughout the core curriculum.

The addition of TechCONNECT for the middle school grades provides a complete foundation in computer usage for the K-8 market from McGraw-Hill Education. Earlier this year, SRA/McGraw-Hill released TechKnowledge, aimed at preschool to middle school students. SRA's TechKnowledge focuses on how to use basic tools and software for preschool to Grade 6, and Glencoe's TechCONNECT, for students in Grades 6-8, focuses on how to integrate and apply technology tools.

For additional information on TechCONNECT visit: www.techconnect.glencoe.com

Glencoe/McGraw-Hill is a unit of McGraw-Hill Education, a leading global provider of electronic and print products that enhance teaching and learning in the pre-K through 12th grade, higher education and professional markets. McGraw-Hill Education is a unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies, a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, Business Week and McGraw-Hill Education. The Corporation has more than 320 offices in 34 countries. Sales in 2002 were $4.8 billion. Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com.

SOURCE: McGraw-Hill Education

CONTACT: McGraw-Hill Education
April Hattori
+1-212-904-2078
april_hattori@mcgraw-hill.com
Diane Lopez
+1-212-904-3214
diane_lopez@mcgraw-hill.com

Web site: http://www.mheducation.com/
http://www.techconnect.glencoe.com/
http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/