Resources

Educator Resource Centers

The editors of eSchool News have assembled a variety of resource centers on the hottest topics in education technology. The resource centers listed below are a collection of news and resources aimed at helping you sort out the complex challenges facing educators every day. Just click on the titles below to access these invaluable collections and start solving your most difficult challenges today!

Turning Student Data Into Intelligence
No matter how many students a school or district has, one thing remains the same--the vital importance of tracking student attendance, grades, standardized test scores, school or district transfers, and more. Administrators, teachers, students, and parents all depend on a reliable Student Information System (SIS) to give accurate reports and updates.

GIS and Geographic Inquiry
"Geospatial" technologies--which include geographic information system (GIS), global positioning system (GPS), and remote sensing (RS) tools--are becoming increasingly important in our everyday lives. These technologies use "smart" maps that can display, query, and analyze geographic databases; receivers that provide location and navigation; and global-to-local imagery and tools that provide context and analysis.

Minimizing Classroom Disruptions
Computers and the internet have become welcome instructional tools in most schools, ushering a wealth of additional resources into today's classrooms. Unfortunately, they also bring with them the potential for unwanted distractions--such as online content that ranges from off-target, to inappropriate, material.

Collaboration & Storage
Today's employers want graduates who can communicate effectively, think critically, solve problems, and work as part of a team--in short, graduates who are well versed in collaborative learning environments. Whether you call it project-based or collaborative learning, it's a strategy that a growing number of educators are employing in their classrooms--and with growing success.

Creating the 21st-Century Classroom
Preparing today's youth to succeed in the digital economy requires a new kind of teaching and learning. Skills such as global literacy, computer literacy, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and innovation have become critical in today's increasingly interconnected workforce and society--and technology is the catalyst for bringing these changes into the classroom.

Desktop Management Made Easy
As school systems become increasingly reliant on technology, district networks are growing exponentially. Supporting the various machines connected to these networks can be a daunting task that builds travel costs and overdraws resources. Utilizing a sound desktop-management strategy can give you complete control of your computers, saving valuable time and money.

Easy Email Archiving
Today's schools, much like businesses around the world, depend on technology to survive. As school and district employees' careers become increasingly mobile, eMail has become a quick, easy, and preferred method of communication.

Technology Without Breaking the Bank
These are tough times for school budgets. At least 23 states face budget gaps in 2009, according to a recent survey from the National Conference of State Legislatures--and school board members from across the country say they're bracing for a new round of budget cuts forced by the nation's weak economy.

Eco-Friendly Computing
With energy costs soaring to record levels, taking steps to reduce the amount of energy you use isn't just good for the environment--it's also essential for your schools' fiscal health. Fortunately, manufacturers of technology are responding to these needs by developing more eco-friendly products that can reduce power consumption and save schools money over the life of these systems.