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Abstract

Radical advancements in Internet technology over the last decade have created endless opportunities to expand the realm of the elementary classroom. The World Wide Web (WWW), e-mail, Newsgroups, and Internet Relay Chat (IRC) are four of the most prominent utilizations of Internet technology. This paper demonstrates how one mid-western, suburban elementary classroom has enhanced its curriculum and improved classroom interaction by maximizing Internet technology. In addition to reviewing the merits of this case study, the reader will also: (a) be presented with a rationale for utilizing Internet technology with existing curricula, (b) examine the current debate on the issue of networking schools, (c) compare and contrast the pros and cons of utilizing Internet technology in elementary classrooms, and (d) consider the coalescence of curriculum and technology. An overview regarding the current application of Internet technology in an elementary setting highlights its true benefits: students conducting research on a topic of interest, communication and collaborative projects between students around the world, and the opportunity for students to publish original work.

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