Educational Technology

October 17, 2010

Empowering students with technology

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:40 am

by Joe Giampalmi, Deleware County News Network

The more I read about the importance of technology in K-12 schools, the more concerned I am about how little is being used in our K-12 classrooms today. Last school year I visited over 200 classes in grades 1 through 12. The uses of teacher presentations with technology and the requiring of student projects in technology can be counted on the fingers of both hands. I saw two outstanding teachers in special education math and honors geometry that represented state-of-the-art teaching in technology. In the class of special education math, students became so engrossed in a Smartboard math calculation game that they played well into their lunch period. Those teachers were the exceptions. Most teachers utilize the pedagogy of our grandparents — talking to sitting students.

http://www.delconewsnetwork.com/articles/2010/09/29/media_town_talk/news/doc4ca3795f8e67e431654760.txt

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Cybersnooping: Technology lets parents spy on kids, but should they?

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By STEVEN ELBOW, The Capital Times

Madison police Sgt. June Groehler was recently giving a presentation on cybersafety at a local church, during which she advocated keeping tabs on kids’ cell phone and computer use with powerful new web monitoring software. A minister asked her why she was telling parents to spy on their children. Her response: “It’s called parenting.” Groehler sees dangers lurking in all corners of cyberspace, and she asserts that parents have a responsibility to keep their kids safe as they navigate the digital landscape. The pitfalls are rife — Internet predators, cyberbullies, “sexting,” inappropriate information posted on social media sites that can haunt kids for years. “Kids today, they don’t think about the consequences when they push that button,” she says. “I mean, it’s out there to stay.”

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/crime_and_courts/article_861e8b2e-cbe5-11df-8770-001cc4c03286.html

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‘OK’ School hits a laptop jackpot

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:30 am

By Carol Sanders, Winnipeg Free Press

Sometime next year, 320 elementary school kids in Nelson House will be toting shiny new laptops to and from school. The First Nation community was the only one in Manitoba selected to receive computers for many of its kids by the One Laptop Per Child pilot program. About 5,000 aboriginal children across Canada will receive laptops. “This is really going to raise the roof, as far as learning goes for the kids,” said principal Balan Menon at Otetiskiwin Kiskinwamahtowekamik — “OK” School — located 813 kilometres north of Winnipeg. He learned Wednesday his school’s application was chosen by the program, funded by the Belinda Stronach Foundation, private companies and the Ontario government. Menon said he didn’t know when the laptops will arrive but a spokeswoman for the program said it won’t be until January.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/ok-school-hits-a-laptop-jackpot-104065659.html

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October 16, 2010

Professors should embrace technology

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:40 am

By Amy Johstono, The Valdosta State Spectator

Because students have started using their laptops during classes, professors are making a point to restrict the use of computers during class. The main reason for this is that professors believe that instead of taking notes, students will focus more on Facebook, Twitter, or spend their time playing computer games. They say that not only will the computers distract the student who’s surfing the web, but also distract other students around him or her. Computers aren’t all that bad. Taking notes on a computer is actually beneficial in several ways compared to more archaic methods of note taking like paper and pen. If students were allowed to take notes on computers, they would be able to take notes faster more efficiently. We also wouldn’t have to spend as much money on school supplies. If students are taking four classes they’ll spend at least $20 on notebooks, paper, pens, pencils and highlighters. Taking notes on computers would also help reduce the carbon footprints of VSU students with fewer trees needing to be cut down to fill notebooks.

http://www.vsuspectator.com/2010/09/29/professors-should-embrace-technology/

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Textbooks of the future? Schools join iPad program

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:35 am

by the Martinsville Bulletin

The state superintendent of public instruction visited Henry County on Wednesday to announce a program that will put digital technology in students’ hands. Patricia Wright announced what she called “an innovative public/private partnership that brings the future to now.” Henry County is one of four localities in Virginia — along with Arlington and Pulaski counties and the city of Newport News — selected to participate in Beyond Books, a pilot program in which students in history and social science classes will use Apple iPads as digital textbooks. The initiative is designed to explore the potential of wireless technology and digital textbooks to enhance teaching and learning, according to a release from the state Department of Education.

http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=25491

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Learning in 3D

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:30 am

by PRIMARASHNI GOWER, Mail & Guardian

South African school teachers and their learners can now take virtual field trips to areas of historical and geographical importance, following the launch of the local Google Street View Teachers’ Guide. All that is needed is an internet connection and this concept entails using the Google Map’s Street View technology to visually explore and navigate a neighbourhood or city through panoramic street-level photographs. Examples of sites to visit include the Hector Pietersen Memorial in Soweto and Table Mountain in Cape Town.

http://www.mg.co.za/article/2010-09-27-learning-in-3d

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October 15, 2010

Innovator discusses the future of technology in education

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By Jennifer L. Williams, Daily Press

Technology presents vast possibilities for teaching and learning, but there have to be people to figure out how best to use it. Enter Kipp Rogers, a local innovator who is working on that. Rogers is the York County School Division’s new director of secondary instruction. His strength is innovative uses of technology in classrooms, and he provided a peek into the future. “Having textbooks online and having kids have access to multi-media via some type of mobile device, I think the digital revolution in education in the form of a mobile fashion is definitely on its way,” he said.

http://www.dailypress.com/news/york-county/dp-nws-york-rogers-20100927,0,3328712.story

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Online Learning sign language is useful

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by Online Degree

Online sign language learning, self-enriching and rewarding. In general, you want the traditional classroom learning environment in the sea level today, however, have many opportunities for learning sign language online. Learn sign language online, you need a website, is a strong character, is a dynamic and evolving process. Learn sign language in the line of decisions, we must find a way to learn one of the greatest advances to install the site structure. Everyone learns at different rates.

http://www.dragonparadox.com/online-education/onlinedegree-onlineeducation-onlinecollege-onlineschool/learning-online-learning-sign-language-is-useful/

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Homework in your queue: Teachers begin to use Netflix to supplement classes

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By Max Filby, Bowling Green News

When Mark Bernard made up the required materials list for his class this year, along with books, he added something new. Bernard and other teachers in the theater and film department are now requiring students to subscribe to Netflix for certain online classes at the University. Netflix is currently being used in Introduction to Film, taught by Bernard, and film classes covering zombie and coming-of-age movies. “Netflix has really been a pioneer,” Bernard said. “I’m a big horror movie guy, and if I had to teach a class on horror movies I could do it all over Netflix Instant.”

http://bgnews.com/campus/homework-in-your-queue/

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October 14, 2010

Smarter math through technology

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By Laurent Bonczijk, Newberg Graphic

Going up to the board can be more fun when one gets to spin wheels and throw dice, as high school teachers use electronic boards to engage students in mathematics. Erin Mahony, 36, started teaching in Green School at Newberg High School this year and came from Clackamas High School. She views the Smart Board in her classroom as her favorite piece of equipment. Why does she like it so much? It offers “more opportunity for really close interaction with the kids,” she said. “Student engagement is the biggest thing; they’re physically involved with what I’m teaching.”

http://www.newberggraphic.com/news/2010/September/28/Education/smarter.math.through.technology/news.aspx

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I read is the issue, not iPad or paper

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By Marta Gold, Edmonton Journal

As the iPads open wide, so too do the eyes of the Grade 3 students waiting to use them in the library of Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts. The children quickly but carefully take hold of them, place the small computers on the table and begin exploring, cracking open the virtual covers of Winnie the Pooh, Marvel Comics, Dr. Seuss, and even Shakespeare. “To flip the page, you just slide it,” says eight-year-old Alex Binder, engrossed in an e-comic. “I like this better.” The iPads aren’t part of the usual school library equipment — we’ve brought them in today to see how the kids like them — but increasingly, students will be using e-readers and tablet computers of their own when reading, studying and completing school assignments.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/read+issue+iPad+paper/3594574/story.html

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Replacing Teachers With Technology

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by Meredith Orban, Fox News

At Ironia Elementary School in Randolph, New Jersey Spanish class means a visit to the computer lab. Students complete their lessons individually, murmuring into microphones to work on their pronunciation. A classroom teacher is on hand to supervise and help with technical support, but the language learning comes from Rosetta Stone, an interactive computer program. Randolph is one of several districts in the state cutting elementary foreign language teachers due to budget cuts. Owen Snyder, Randolph Superintendent of Schools says that before the cut the township only had money in the budget for two foreign language teachers to work in all the elementary schools. Each class got half an hour a week of Spanish language instruction. Now, with Rosetta Stone the students get regular lessons and the district saves nearly $100,000.

http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/09/28/replacing-teachers-with-technology/?test=latestnews

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October 13, 2010

Sexting, cyberbullying prompt school district to revise code of conduct

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by Amanda Evans, News 13

Since nearly every student has a cell phone and most of them can log onto the Internet, Orange County Public Schools said sexting and cyberbullying is happening more than ever. Therefore, the district is making changes to its code of conduct to keep up. The last set of guidelines was done in 2007, and the district said they are already dated. Technology is changing so fast and the students know about these trends long before the teachers do. Now they’re figuring out how to discipline.

http://goo.gl/L858

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Education as a platform

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:36 am

by Marie Bjerede, O’Reilly Radar

A data-driven architecture could disrupt the school system and improve it the more students use it. Any and every education reform design is going to fail for two reasons. The first is that the problem is not one that is solvable by “design” in the traditional engineering sense — the education system, including all its human elements, is too complex for that. The second is that the system as currently built contains feedback loops that damp out change. At the Gov 2.0 Summit, Deputy Director for Policy for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy,Thomas Kalil, referred to the challenge of educational software that improves the more students use it.

http://radar.oreilly.com/2010/09/education-as-a-platform.html

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More lessons taught with technology

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By Bonnie Washuk, Lewiston-Auburn Sun Journal

More local students are being taught more interactive, engaging lessons, educators told the School Committee on Monday night. In a report to the committee on how technology is being used, David Theriault, who is in charge of technology at Lewiston High School, said three years ago about 5 percent of teachers routinely used technology as part of their lessons. “Now it’s 50 percent,” he said. “Technology has become an embedded tool at Lewiston High School. You see it every day.”

http://www.sunjournal.com/city/story/916594

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October 12, 2010

Is the future PC a smartphone?

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by Brooke Crothers, CNET news.com

Will small, powerful, connected-to-everything devices running on non-Intel silicon become the personal computer? The CEO of graphics-chip supplier Nvidia thinks so. The sentiment, voiced at the company’s annual conference this week by chief executive Jen-Hsun Huang, has been expressed before. But that doesn’t mean Huang has got it all wrong. Indeed, ARM-based devices such as Apple’s iPhone and iPad, Motorola’s Droid, Research In Motion’s BlackBerry, and countless future smartphones and tablets from Motorola, RIM, Apple, and others will use the ARM chip design. “It is very clear now that mobile computing will be a completely disruptive force to all of computing.” Huang continued. “This (smartphone) is the first computer that is equipped with all kinds of sensors, cameras, microphones, GPSs, and accelerometers. This is the first computer that’s context aware. Situation aware. Who knows, someday it may be self-aware,” he said.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-20017585-64.html

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UCSC launches first iPhone app in time for new school year

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By TOVIN LAPAN, Santa Cruz Sentinal

Like most students and people new to UC Santa Cruz’s labyrinthine, hillside campus, Jamieson Johnson had a hard time finding his way around the school his freshman year. So when a fellow student, Kushyar Kasraie, approached him with the idea to build an iPhone app for UCSC, complete with maps and campus news, Johnson did not hesitate to say yes. “Especially for UCSC, its so hard to navigate,” said Johnson, 22. “As a freshman I was lost all the time. Being able to look up all the buildings on campus and see exactly where you are is a great tool.” The partners first approached UCSC administration with the idea in January 2009 and presented the first prototype in the summer that year. While the university was supportive and excited about the idea, there was some doubt that the young duo could get it done.

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_16177179

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E-books open educational opportunities

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By Oyaol Ngirairikl, Pacific Sunday News

Electronic books, or e-books, are expanding the traditional library — making them a particularly attractive alternative for John F. Kennedy High School. “Our space is so limited at the school and the e-books that are available to the students via EBSCO is helping to ensure our students have access to books they need despite our space limitations — it’s helping to bring our students into how literature is read in the 21st century,” said JFK Principal Ken Chargualaf. It also means that students walking into the library may not find too many books on shelves — and that’s OK.

http://www.guampdn.com/article/20100926/NEWS01/9260312/E-books-open-educational-opportunities

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October 11, 2010

School’s call to unplug welcomed by some, unanswered by others

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by David Abel, Boston Globe

They posted quotes around campus from Henry David Thoreau. Meditation groups discussed Buddhist techniques of emptying the mind and overcoming attachment. Some sipped organic tea or took knitting and crocheting classes. The dean took off his shoes and socks and led students in qigong, a traditional Chinese breathing exercise to promote awareness of body and mind. Still, no matter how much administrators at Clark University sought to promote their Day of Slowing — 24 hours without texting or checking Facebook or listening to an iPod — nearly every student in the academic commons of the main library yesterday was either talking on a cellphone, checking e-mail on a laptop, or otherwise connected to a digital device.

http://goo.gl/fdfs

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One Step Closer to a National Digital Library

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By Jennifer Howard, Chronicle of Higher Education

Can the nonprofit world create a national digital library to put America’s collective intellectual wealth within everyone’s reach? Robert Darnton, the historian who directs the Harvard University Library, has been one of the most public champions of the idea. This past weekend, Mr. Darnton convened a group of 42 top-level representatives from foundations, cultural institutions, and the library and scholarly worlds to talk about how to build that library. In a short statement, the group endorsed the idea of “a Digital Public Library of America,” envisioning it as “an open, distributed network of comprehensive online resources” drawn from the country’s libraries, archives, museums, and universities.

http://chronicle.com/blogPost/One-Step-Closer-to-a-National/27491/?sid=wc&utm_source=wc&utm_medium=en

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AP-mtvU Poll: Technology brings connection, stress

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:29 am

By Alan Fram and Trevor Tompson, Associated Press

Technology has become so entwined with college students’ often frantic lives that most in a new survey say they’d be more frazzled without it. Yet The Associated Press-mtvU Poll, released today, also found that being perpetually connected comes at a cost. While 57 percent of students said life without computers and cell phones would make them more stressed, a significant number — 25 percent — said it would be a relief. A big majority feel pressured to instantly answer texts or voice mails, most get nervous if someone doesn’t immediately reply to a message, and nearly half worry whether messages they get are jokes.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/178454/

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