Welcome to Visibledreams

This site was primarily designed to give educators tools with which they can effectively integrate technology into their instruction and to provide simple techniques for developing computer aided instruction. Some of the sections in this site ARE computer aided instruction.

The "Creating for the Web" section provides instruction on html, an understanding of file formats for images, and introduces the hexadecimal system for color. In can be used by teachers as part of their classroom instruction or by individuals for independent study.

Many of us in the educational technology field believe students should learn the basics of html before using a WYSIWYG program (like Frontpage or Dreamweaver) for several reasons. One of these is that students and/or schools that do not own a web-building software program can still make web pages. All you need is a word processing program. In fact, simple programs like notepad or simpletext work best. Since documents are saved in the html file format, documents can be opened in a browser, regardless of the program they are created in, which allows for much greater portablilty. My personal belief is that it has cognitive benefits as well--teaching students to write html encourages logical thinking and develops problem solving skills. The lessons I provide on this site, have been tested in several classrooms, by researchers, and have been found to be effective. Students as young as Middle School CAN learn html, even if they have learning disabilities that make reading difficulty.

In addition to lessons on html, the hexadecimal system, and file formats for the web, you'll find a nuclear chem lab with simulations and a printable lab sheet (to show you the possibilities that exist) There are ideas and tips for bringing the many benefits of technology into the classroom--both online and in-class as well as a bi-monthly newsletter and an annotated list of links.

Creating a desire to learn in others, stimulating creativity and opening possibilities are part of my dreams I hope to make visible in this place. This place, as such, will always continue to be under construction.