McMillan Magnet School: A Case History of a School Acquiring a Critical Mass of Computer Technology and Internet Connectivity
Grandgenett, N. F. , Topp, N., Pawloski, B., (1995). McMillan magnet school: A case history of a school acquiring a critical mass of computer technology and Internet connectivity. Formal Research Abstract for McREL (Mid Continent Regional Education Laboratory).
Abstract
McMillan Magnet Center is located in urban Omaha, Nebraska, and specializes in math, computers, and communications. Once a junior high school, it was converted to a magnet center for seventh and eighth graders in the 1983-84 school year as part of Omaha's voluntary desegregation plan. Now 'the ethnic makeup of the student population is about 50% black and 50% white, with a few other minorities. This document seeks to archive McMillan's success in its mission to become a technology magnet school, including nationally recognized achievements in ~ethnology integration and Internet connectivity. McMillan's technological leadership came about thanks in large part to a financial partnership with US West (formerly Northwestern Bell) encouraged by U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey. McMillan has played an important role in the history of the Internet in Nebraska and continues to break new ground. Its current technology resources and curriculum, the location of its world wide web site, and details about its staff development practices are also discussed. Appendices provide: (I) schematics of the magnet center's local area network (LAN); (2) an outline for seventh grade orientation; (3) an outline used as an introduction to the Internet; (4) a copy of the student Internet agreement; (5) a letter to parents; (6) a sample computer lab activity form; (7) a sample Internet project lesson plan; and (8) several web page printouts.