How to create a successful virtual campus
Higher-education leaders are learning that starting a virtual program is a wholly different venture than opening a traditional campus, and the recipe for success requires a different approach. Among the chief mistakes many schools make: Not investing heavily enough in marketing and recruiting, and not getting faculty buy-in and support. Key concepts: umass online, regents university, university of illinois urbana, university of illinois champaign, virtual campus
Denver superintendent goes to Washington
School leaders soon could have another ally in Congress: Michael Bennet, superintendent of the Denver Public Schools, was named Jan. 3 by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter as his choice to fill the remaining two years of the Senate term of Democratic Sen. Ken Salazar, who is awaiting confirmation as interior secretary for President-elect Barack Obama.
Key concepts: denver public schools, ken salazar, colorado senator, michael bennet
Five ed-tech stories to watch for 2009
Recently, we posted a look back at the 10 most significant educational technology stories of 2008. Now, here’s a look ahead at five stories that could have a huge impact on educational technology in the new year. (You can follow the latest developments regarding these and other stories at eSchoolNews.com.)
Key Concepts: online distance learning, internet safety, digital tv transition
A computer revolution through a child’s eyes
“I have proof from an expert that the iPhone interface really is better,” writes CNET blogger Stephen Shankland. “Who’s the expert? My 3-year-old son.”
College applications clog online system
As a Jan. 1 deadline loomed for thousands of college applicants, the computer system that handles online applications for some 350 colleges and universities was overwhelmed by the flood of last-minute activity, sending high school seniors into a panic, reports the New York Times. On
Several states push to stem cyber bullying
The growing problem of cyber bullying has led to a push among states to pass laws aimed at clamping down on the student-spun harassment, intimidation, and threats coursing through the web, reports the Washington Post.
No shoes? No problem for this college interview
For her college interview, Avery Cullinan put on her best outfit but didn’t bother with shoes. She sat in her living room, smiled into her computer’s webcam, and told an admissions officer more than 800 miles away that Wake Forest University was right for her.
$2.2 million for safe school initiatives
The Safe Schools/Healthy Students program supports the implementation and enhancement of integrated, comprehensive community-wide plans that create safe and drug-free schools and promote healthy childhood development.
Aspen Institute scholarships for public high school juniors
The Bezos Scholars Program and the Aspen Institute have teamed up to offer 12 public high school juniors who are independent thinkers, demonstrated leaders and engaged community members. The twelve student scholars – and one teacher from each chosen students’ school – will receive a seven-day, all-expense-paid scholarship to the Aspen Ideas Festival, hosted by the Aspen Institute. Following the Aspen Ideas Festival, the student scholar/educator scholar teams will return home to create local Ideas Festivals in their schools.
$2 million awards to assist in teaching American history
Note: Deadline for intent to apply is Jan. 12. Local educational agencies that work in partnership with an institution of higher education, a non-profit history or humanities organization, or a library or museum are invited to apply for grant awards to help improve teachers knowledge, understanding, and appreciate of traditional American history.