Ruling backs school in internet free-speech case
A federal judge has ruled that Burlington, Conn., school officials acted within their rights to discipline a student for an internet posting she wrote off school grounds, reports the Boston Globe.
NYC education department set to give kids and parents eMail addresses
New York City public school kids and their parents soon could be getting their own free eMail accounts from the city’s education department, reports the New York Daily News.
Schools save cash as IT goes green
Low-voltage servers are powering universities’ supercomputers. Students can no longer print pages by the ream. Computers are being recycled. And the glow of screensaver fish tanks is disappearing from many college campuses as new energy-efficient programs put computers on standby, saving superfluous wattage that can cost schools thousands every year. Key concepts: green technology, green IT, supercomputer, university of buffalo, babson college
Jobs’ hiatus doesn’t ruffle educators
The news that Apple Inc. co-founder and chief executive Steve Jobs is taking a health hiatus until the end of June sent the company’s shares tumbling 4 percent last week, reportedly wiping out some $10 billion in shareholder wealth. But in considering what the news might mean for schools, educational technology leaders who spoke with eSchool News were more measured in their response.
Key concepts: Steve Jobs, Apple Inc, Apple computers, Apple CEO
Award winning mimio Interactive
The award winning mimio Interactive turns any dry erase whiteboard into a full functioning interactive whiteboard. A simple mounting system allows the small, portable device to be easily attached to the board. When connected to a computer and used with a projector, mimio Interactive activates a projected display area of up to 4 feet by 8 feet that is touch sensitive using the mimio Mouse interactive stylus. Users have the flexibility to control and annotate computer desktop applications, web sites and documents directly from the whiteboard.
St. Cloud schools test revolutionary new wireless technology
The St. Cloud, Minn., school district is paying $19.95 a month for a new wireless service — and the right to be the first customer for something that some people say will be huge, reports the St. Cloud Times.
Economics a sore subject for public schools
During the economic downturn after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, half the states still managed to avoid major school aid cuts – but this time, up against the worst economic crisis in decades, schools are not immune, Stateline.org reports.
Stimulus bill includes $142B for education
Some $20 billion for school modernization and $1 billion for educational technology are among nearly $150 billion in funding targeted toward education in the House version of the new economic stimulus package, which lawmakers introduced Jan. 15.
Key concepts: educational technology, school modernization, stimulus package.
Google makes famous artwork more accessible
In a move that will benefit students, art historians, and casual viewers alike, Spain’s Prado Museum has teamed up with Google Earth for a project that allows people to view the gallery’s main works of art from their computers–and even zoom in on details not immediately discernible to the human eye.
Key concepts: Prado Museum, Diego Velazquez, Francisco de Goya, Peter Paul Rubens, Hieronymus Bosch, art history
$5,000 for teachers to help improve academic achievement in students
The NEA Foundation provides grants to improve the academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools and public higher education institutions in any subject area. The proposed work should engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen their knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students’ habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection. Grant funds may be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, software, or scholars-in-residence. Although some funds may be used to support the professional development necessary to implement the project, the majority of grant funds must be spent on materials or educational experiences for students.