Google’s book scanning faces scrutiny
A proposed settlement among Google Inc., the Authors Guild, and the Association of American Publishers over Google’s extensive book-scanning project faces growing scrutiny–and new fears that the deal could give Google too much power over future access to digital texts. Key words: Google Inc., Authors Guild, book scanning, campus research, education, technology
A laptop, a child, a dollar — and a promise
The South Carolina Department of Education and the nonprofit Palmetto Project have teamed up to get a laptop in the hands of every elementary school student in South Carolina — and they hope to distribute as many as 50,000 laptops this spring to eligible students, OStatic.com reports.
Wisconsin virtual-school applicants likely to exceed cap
The number of applicants for virtual schools in Wisconsin could exceed the 5,250-student cap set by the state Legislature next fall, WKOW reports.
Six tips for securing federal stimulus money for your schools
The passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has provided unprecedented levels of federal funding for education, and it has prompted most grant writers across the country (from all disciplines, not just education) to prepare themselves for a deluge of funding announcements–many of which will require quick turnaround times for proposals.
Obama proposes $1.3B increase in ed funding
Federal funding for the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program would drop from $270 million to $100 million, a 63 percent cut, under President Obama’s proposed $3.4 trillion budget for fiscal year 2010.
Key words: federal education budget, 2010 budget, EETT funding, technology funding
Blackboard-Angel deal gives pause to some
Learning managment system giant Blackboard Inc.’s May 6 announcement that it would acquire up-and-coming competitor Angel Learning for $95 million has some educators concerned about Blackboard’s continued growth–and the dwindling of learning management system (LMS) options for schools and colleges. Key words: Blackboard, Angel Learning, University of Illinois, learning managament system, LMS, education, technology
California to develop free digital textbooks for high school students
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on May 6 launched an initiative to make California the first state in the nation to offer schools free, open-source digital textbooks for high school students, reports the Lake County News.
Obama tax plan a double-edged sword
New corporate tax regulations proposed by President Obama could redirect more federal income tax money to education–and especially to programs such as Title I. Nonetheless, the president’s proposal generally is unpopular with companies that conduct business overseas and benefit from looser tax regulations in other countries.
Key words: education funding, federal education funding, Title I, education, technology
New Kindle is textbook friendly
Amazon Inc.’s Kindle DX electronic reading device will be piloted on five U.S. campuses this fall, when students will substitute their textbooks for the Kindle’s new, larger screen that will allow users to highlight, take notes, and scour school libraries. Key words: Amazon Kindle, Pace University, Reed College, college textbooks, Kindle DX, electronic books, education, technology.
Feds reverse course on flu-related school closings
Easing recommendations that have closed scores of schools nationwide, federal health authorities said May 5 that the new swine flu spreading across America is too mild to warrant continued closures, reports the Sacramento Bee.