Teachers' Guide

Getting the Most from Online

The on-line components of Live From Mars (LFM) not only provide extensive information but also--perhaps more importantly--help the project come alive by connecting people together... linking students and teachers directly with NASA experts allowing students to collaborate with other students encouraging teachers to interact with one another and with the LFM Team The Passport to Knowledge philosophy is ease of use and equity of access. We want teachers with a wide range of network skills and technologies--from simple e-mail up to full T-1 connectivity--to find success. LFM will work for those just getting started in cyberspace, even if their access is not from the classroom but at home or at the workplace of an involved parent. For schools with a little more technology and training, inexpensive cameras and free software can bring moving images and audio into classrooms, via CU-SeeMe, RealAudio and other similar technologies How to start All participants in Live From Mars should sign up for the updates-lfm mail-list. This service won't overwhelm your mailbox (we plan no more than two e-mail messages per week). updates-lfm will keep you informed about the latest opportunities and also bring you lively behind-the-scenes accounts (Field Journals) from the men and women on the front lines of exploring Mars. Field Journals can be used as reading exercises, discussion starters, or for information about careers. To join the updates-lfm mail-list, send an e-mail message to: listmanager@quest.arc.nasa.gov In the body of the message, write only these words: subscribe updates-lfm You'll soon receive a reply showing you're subscribed, and full information about Live From Mars.

Getting On-line for the First Time If you want to get on-line, but aren't, follow these suggestions: 1) Watch out for Net Day in your state or city... and make sure you're included! 2) Ask your colleagues. It's easy to forget those closest at hand! It's likely there are teachers, administrators, or resource personnel who know what's available locally. 3) Don't forget your students. Today's youth is often leading the charge in this exciting arena. 4) Don't forget your students' parents: there's probably a relative with an Internet connection. 5) Check with a local University, most have some type of connectivity available, and some provide it to fellow educators. 6) Call your School Administrators, School District, County Office, and/or State Board of Education. Inquire about special deals on hardware, phone rates or Internet subscriptions--some are there for the asking.

Other mail-lists available via e-mail include:

To join any of these groups, send an e-mail message to: listmanager@quest.arc.nasa.gov In the message body, write only these words: subscribe For example: subscribe discuss-lfm To participate via the World Wide Web ("the Web", or WWW) http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/mars

Temporary Acess If you can get online only temporarily, visit "Getting U.S. Teachers On-line", a Web document found at: http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/online/gustol.html As noted above, teachers using all three components of PTK projects report they and their students get more from the experience. We really encourage you to go on-line, participate, and--as one of our most eloquent PTK Advocates puts it--"Don't just surf the 'Net, make waves!"

Live From Mars Web Site