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Stakeholders advise on national ed-tech plan
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 Primary Topic Channel: Federal Policy
Train every pre-service teacher to teach online in teacher-education programs at colleges and universities; invest in the development of open courseware with federal and state funding; encourage the use of technology to create new forms of assessment that better measure student learning gains; provide national standards for school IT support, with recommendations for optimal staffing levels and required skill sets: These are some of the many recommendations the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has received so far as officials prepare a new National Education Technology Plan. Key words: education plan, education technology, department of education, education funding, education assessments, school IT [ Read More ]
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How to fix the STEM education 'crisis'
Fri, Nov 13, 2009 Primary Topic Channel: Curriculum
According to experts ranging from White House advisors to leading education organizations, the state of math and science instruction in the United States is in crisis--and only a major overhaul of the U.S. education system will get the nation back on track. In a Nov. 12 webinar, experts discussed several potential ways to bring out these necessary reforms, from changing the perception of math and science to implementing common national standards. Key words: stem education, math and science, school reform, education technology, national standards [ Read More ]
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New 21st-century skills guide available
Mon, Nov 09, 2009 Primary Topic Channel: 21st Century skills
In yet another step toward helping schools and their students achieve 21st-century success, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) has released a new guide intended to help schools and districts evaluate the integration of 21st-century skills into their policies and practices. Key words: Partnership for 21st century skills, education technology, school curriculum, students skills, school policies [ Read More ]
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FCC solicits e-Rate comments
Fri, Nov 06, 2009 Primary Topic Channel: Broadband
As part of its efforts to develop a National Broadband Plan, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments about how the e-Rate program can be improved to meet the broadband needs of schools and libraries -- and how it might play a role in delivering or stimulating the adoption of broadband service within communities. Key words: FCC, broadband internet, erate, school internet, education technology [ Read More ]
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Study: 2 in 5 teachers 'disheartened' with profession
Mon, Nov 02, 2009 Primary Topic Channel: Research
Recognizing the importance of teacher quality in transforming underperforming schools, Education Secretary Arne Duncan has made retaining and rewarding effective teachers a cornerstone of his school reform agenda. But a recent report that suggests 40 percent of U.S. teachers are disheartened with their profession indicates how difficult these challenges will be. Key words: effective teaching, teacher survey, school improvement, teachers salary, education technology, public agenda, learning point associates [ Read More ]
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Free digital resource centers coming soon
Tue, Oct 20, 2009 Primary Topic Channel: Web Resources
An effort is under way in several states to create digital teaching resource centers that are aligned with state education standards and connected with student data systems, so teachers can find free, high-quality educational materials to help them address their students' learning needs. Key words: digital resouces, state resources, student data, teacher resources, council of chief state school officers, corporation for public broadcasting, education technology [ Read More ]
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State targets student-teacher communication
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 Primary Topic Channel: State Policy
Beginning next month, Louisiana public schools will be required to document all electronic communication that occurs between teachers and students. The new law will even require tracking exchanges initiated by students to teachers via personal devices the schools don't own. This first-of-its-kind state law is intended to improve student safety by holding educators accountable for teacher-student communication, but many educators fear it will have a chilling effect on such communication outside of school. Key words: school policy, state legislation, Louisiana schools, electronics communication, education technology [ Read More ]
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Thousands team up for 'Read for the Record'
Fri, Oct 09, 2009 Primary Topic Channel: Reading First
At Washington, D.C.'s Nationals Ballpark, where the Washington Nationals baseball team plays its home games in a sport that is rich in history, records could be set every time players take the field. On Oct. 8, the park hosted an event in which organizers hoped to make a different kind of history: by affecting the lives of millions of children and showing them that reading can be fun. Key words: Read for the Record, Jumpstart, literacy development, reading skills, Pearson Foundation, education technology, washington nationals [ Read More ]
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Strong communication key to online learning
Tue, Oct 06, 2009 Primary Topic Channel: Instruction
Teaching in an online environment isn't the same as teaching in a traditional classroom, and online instructors need special skills and approaches to be successful. For example, communication can pose a challenge in online-learning environments, because online educators can't rely on visual cues as their colleagues can in bricks-and-mortar schools. Now, a new research brief from the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) looks at this challenge in greater detail, examining how successful programs and teachers are ensuring effective communication. Key words: effective communication, virtual schools, iNACOL, online teaching, online learning, education technology [ Read More ]
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Comcast, Discovery team up to extend learning
Mon, Sep 28, 2009 Primary Topic Channel: Multimedia
In a move that could help extend students' learning after school hours, the state of Indiana, Comcast Corp., and Discovery Education have teamed up to provide students with free on-demand digital resources that are aligned with state standards. Key words: comcast on demand, discovery education, digital resource, education technology, indiana education [ Read More ]
