Computer searches more focused with new system
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

Sandy Kendall threw a Chinese-themed party to introduce the educational system net- Trekker to Middle School personnel. Teacher Cliff Olson wore one of the robes shown on the wall as he helped staff learn about the computer resource.

Research just got easier in the Greencastle-Antrim School District. The search engine net- Trekker has been incorporated into the computer software system. Now when a student types a topic into the search box, only relevant links will pop up.

The four librarians in the district took training last spring to learn to use the system and then to pass along that knowledge to the teachers. They, in turn, are encouraged to promote it to the students.

Sandy Kendall, Middle School librarian, conducted a hands-on workshop for that school's staff. Using a Chinese theme, she presented them with awards if they navigated the system successfully. They learned how to find resources geared to the grade level of their pupils.

"This make searches more manageable, especially for kids this age," said principal Mark Herman. "They're not going to wade through 10,000 links. Now they may get 300 relevant links."

The responses to any search will come from 180,000 educator selected sites. Each resource is identified as to its readability and grade level. The searches can be customized for special needs learners as well, and offer audio support.

"It's real easy," said Kendall. "NetTrekker is a safe search engine. Hopefully, our staff will promote the usage for all of our students."

She has placed placards on each computer in her library. They provide the information needed to log on to the system. She will be teaching the sixth through eighth graders how to use netTrekker. It will also be taught in the elementary school.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education purchased netTrekker statewide in 2005 as a means to provide a technology rich learning environment while still meeting individual learning needs.

And since educators say only six percent of information available on the web is academically relevant, that worthwhile content is what now will appear on the monitor for Greencastle students.