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.
$425,000 to help migrant farmworkers complete first year of college
Institutions of higher education or private non-profit organizations, including, faith-based organizations, are invited to apply for grant awards to help migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their children receive financial support to complete their first year of college.
$750 stipend for American history workshops
As part of the National Endowment for the Humanities’ We the People program, Landmarks of American History and Culture Workshops for Schoolteachers are offered to provide the opportunity for K-12 educators to engage in intensive study and discussion of important topics in American history. The one-week academies give participants direct experiences in the interpretation of significant historical sites and the use of archival and other primary historical evidence. Workshop topics include Shaping the Constitution: A View from Mount Vernon, 1783-1789, The American Skyscraper: Transforming Chicago and the Nation, and Jump at the Sun: Zora Neale Hurston and Her Eatonville Roots.