Technology Design Consideration

Possible Solution(s)

School computers operate primarily on Macintosh or Windows operating systems

Design web site and materials for use on both systems

Schools may have limited internet access

-          Design materials so they can also be accessed from a CD

-          Design materials to be accessible from most commonly used browswers (Netscape or Internet Explorer)

-          Design materials so teacher can print portions to provide to students

Teachers and students may have limited experience with the computer technologies to be used by WOW

-          Design materials to include technology “help” components

-          Design materials that guide teachers and students into making workable choices when navigating the web site

-          Provide templates where possible to make use of computer software easy for teachers and students

Schools vary considerably in the computer operating systems and software they have available

-          Clearly identify minimum and preferred system and software requirements to use the curriculum materials

-          Design materials for use by the majority of teachers for about a 3 – 5 year time frame (Don’t design for just the most or least advanced systems used by teachers)

-          Design access to data so that it can be retrieved in different formats

WOW data availability may vary depending on RUSS technology and project status

Design data portion of site to clearly identify when data is and is not available

Teachers and students need to be able to communicate with each other regarding use of WOW and for conducting WOW projects

Develop a section of the WOW web site that provides a discussion thread or forum for users

Students and teachers expect computer materials to be interactive

Design WOW web site and lessons to include interactive components

Computer technologies permits unique data visualization opportunities

Develop and apply data visualization tools that help students understand concepts being taught