Module Reference
The Activities and Concepts lists on linked pages are adapted from a Hearlihy, Inc. catalog. These lists are being used on a short-term basis to provide examples of activities students would do in a modular technology laboratory. Hearlihy's modules can be purchased as a package which contains all hardware, software, guides, books, videos, etc.; or the parts can be purchased separately. As noted in other parts of this discussion guide, other vendors have similar modules.
Considerations for Use of Modules

1. Storage and Work Station Needs
  1. Easily accessible, organized and secure storage for module materials is crucial to providing an effective learning environment.
  2. Portable modular storage is needed to facilitate setting up different modules on a regular cycle. This type of storage is particularly important because space is very limited.
  3. Work stations are needed which provide suitable counter space for hands-on activities; modular equipment; storage for module materials; ergonomically suitable positioning of computers, monitors, and keyboards; and provisions for viewing taped and cable video.
  4. More suitable secure storage for student work-in-progress.
  5. More suitable storage for the Tool Room [39E].
2. Module Contents
  1. Module contents vary from brand to brand. It is intended that modules developed in our school will include all of the items identified here.
  2. Each module will be designed to serve as a relatively self sufficient learning center for a unit of study.
  3. Middle-school and early high-school modules will be designed to be exploratory in nature. As such, students will be exposed to numerous examples of several technology systems. Juniors and seniors will study topics in greater depth.
  4. Modules will contain a variety of learning media and activities, including:
    1. physical, hands-on, objects and working models of various devices used in technological systems;
    2. video, still graphics and computer-managed resources which provide instructions for doing activities as well as examples of "real-world" applications.
    3. activities which incorporate aspects identified in each of the 7-12 curriculum goals, including: science and mathematics integration, career education, global education, and MCNS.
    4. challenge activities which provide avenues for extension beyond the basics, higher-order thinking and problem solving.
    5. Significant Questions which lend themselves to collaborative knowledge-building -- hopefully facilitated by work-group software and the Internet;
    6. WWW resources as well as interactive data-base resources
    7. goal-setting and assessment activities
3. Organization for Learning
  1. Typically, teams of two students will work in a module for a specified period of time (or complete a specified part of the module), then move to the next module.
  2. Middle school students will typically work in a module for seven class hours.
  3. Freshmen and sophomores will work in advanced parts of modules for 12 to 15 days.
  4. Juniors and seniors will work in one or two advanced modules )or module activities) each nine weeks.
3. Collaborative Activities
  1. Module furnishings have been designed for face-to-face collaboration rather than isolation. The "Island" workstation in particular was designed for this type of activity.
  2. Work-group software such as Macintosh CSILE will be used for collaborative knowledge building over a period of weeks. "Significant Questions" will be used to stimulate research as well as knowledge building.
  3. E-mail, the World Wide Web, and interactive databases will also be used to facilitate collaborative activities.
4. Computer Utilization
  1. It is proposed that the computer network system be blended with modular work stations for the following uses:
    1. Information management
      1. monitoring some aspects of student progress
      2. portfolio development
      3. assessment activities
    2. Multi-media delivery
    3. Operation of specialized software in each module.
    4. Access to Internet resources.
    5. Work-group activities
    6. TQM
    7. Research data collection & analysis
5. Tool Room
  1. The Tool Room was included in our present layout to provide suitable facilities for student design activities, the manufacture of module apparatus, and the performance of activities which cannot be appropriately done in a computer lab.
6. Other Needs
  1. Video wiring and viewing facilities
  2. Suitable window darkening
  3. Sink facilities
  4. Completion of the dust-collection system
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