ProjectPower v.2.5
© 2002 Kids Energy, Inc.
This is a promising new service designed to help teachers integrate Internet technology into their everyday curriculum. Its core is a database of several hundred customizable web projects for middle and high school students. Teachers choose the projects based on their curriculum needs, and then assign them to students who complete and turn them in, all on-line. Teachers can then assess student progress and assign more activities. The password-protected system can be accessed from anywhere with Internet access. Projects are teacher-designed and cover all subject areas. They can be chosen by key word, topic or state standard search. Most of the projects we investigated are interesting, worthwhile activities that encourage student research, analysis and synthesis. One, for instance, addresses the idea of abolitionism by directing students to several outstanding web sites like National Geographic's Underground Railroad. Students are then assigned activities to show evidence of their research, in this case, designing an abolitionist's leaflet. All projects are customizable, and original projects can be created and added to the collection. Currently, there are some 300 activities designed for middle schoolers and 200 designed for high schoolers. Elementary projects are planned. We found the system well-designed and user-friendly-- even Internet rookies can use it right away. The sites are solid resources and the project topics capture student interest. Annual subscriptions with unlimited student accounts begin at $199 for one teacher; or $999 for 8-10 teachers.
$199, Internet Site
Teaches: a utility for finding, modifying assigning and monitoring student activities/projects on the Internet