HOW IT WORKS
The Native American Interactive Slideshow is implemented in the classroom by alternating class lessons and independent/cooperative group work time at various stations. This is a longterm program that works in three phases. Phase One requires more instructional time than the other two phases. It focuses on teaching the children to do research using the various stations (Books, Grolier Software, and the Internet). Phase One also teaches the basics for the HyperStudio software program. After each lesson, independent work time is allowed to experiment with what has been taught. 

Phase Two focuses on the students doing research. There is very little class instructional time during this phase. However, it is important to be a facilitator and give guided instruction to students in need. Phase Three focuses on creating the actual Native American Interactive Slideshow. The students design their ideas on paper and then use those designs to create the slideshow using HyperStudio on a computer. They save their work on disks. There are a few class lessons throughout this phase covering more advanced HyperStudio topics to help enhance the quality of the students’ current paper designs. However, much of Phase Three requires guided instruction to those in need.  

THE STUDENTS
This program was developed for about 150 fourth-grade students from five different classes of mixed ability levels. It can be adapted for second through eighth grade students. Groups, individuals, or full classes can work throughout the school year.

THE STAFF
Marla Schneider has been teaching at P.S. 41 in the Bronx for eight years. She taught in the classroom for grades kindergarten through three during her first six years. After completing her master’s in Technology Education, she began teaching in the Library/Technology Center to grades one through five. She created a website for the P.S. 41 Library/Technology Center and has also helped create and design the school newspaper.

WHAT YOU NEED
The Native American Interactive Slideshow requires books, computers, an encyclopedia software program (HyperStudio) and a connection to the Internet. It is helpful for each student to have his/her own disk.

OVERALL VALUE
This program allows students to work cooperatively and, in turn, teaches them to problem solve with each other and to use task management. It shows the students that there is more than one way to obtain and supply information. The program gives the children plenty of time to gain independence and feel success, yet it also allows instructional and facilitating time as well. Students will feel self-satisfaction when they see what they are capable of and how much they have accomplished.