Lesson #3

Each classroom across America is unique, because of the daily, changing blend of teacher, students, content and current events. By using various forms of multimedia, you can alter and enhance the flavor of your classes. My mom and every Italian food commercial, always said the same thing; you need the best ingredients to make the best sauce. This week's lesson will have you "harvesting" the freshest stories, the most delicious audio records and simply scrumptious video clips to create an irresistible meal your students will devour.

Education is a form of human digestion, where hungry minds devour knowledge. But most school menus feature too much force feeding. A multimedia buffet offers students a choice of different entrees to feed their hunger. Those with an appetite for the written word can bite into news articles and interviews. Others with a taste for listening will go back for seconds on radio clips and video stories. Photographs are a spice that is attractive to all, for in the blink of an eye, a "great" picture can capture stories, themes or just raw emotions. And all of these quality ingredients are available fresh each day, delivered free to your computer screen on the Internet.

This week I'd like you to go shopping. A grocery list makes up the majority of your assignment. I will send you to different "stores," where I shop. Go down the aisles and pick out things best suited to your taste. Then I want you to whip up a media meal for your classes. Send me your recipe so I can compile a classroom cookbook we can share with the other chefs in our class.

Move over to the assignment page for the shopping list and remember, try to find the freshest, tastiest most succulent ingredients. We want everyone to come back for seconds.