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   | | | Head of the Class |  | | |  | - How is technology changing standardized testing?
New online standardized tests set to be implemented in many states in just two years include "computer-enhanced" questions, interactive problems and traditional multiple-choice items. Samples developed by two competing state coalitions have been posted online for evaluation. Federal grants paid for development of the tests, but concerns remain about funding their implementation -- including the cost of computers and bandwidth. The Hechinger Report/HechingerEd blog (10/9)        |  |
As students take ownership for learning, teachers will require more support from administrators to become successful classroom facilitators. Thought-leader Alan November shares a wealth of strategies to help you lead the shift of culture in your district. Register today for this free event! | |
| | | eLearning | | | |  | - English-language learners can benefit from thoughtful use of videos
 Research has shown that videos work well as learning tools for English-language learners, but if not done in strategic ways, they can be overwhelming for students. Teacher Larry Ferlazzo and guest blogger Katie Hull Sypnieski outline eight ways to incorporate videos in the classroom. Included are methods for using the videos to spark class dialogue or group discussions or pair videos with writing exercises. Edutopia.org/Larry Ferlazzo's blog (10/10) - Report finds leadership is key to success of 1:1 initiatives
The implementation of 1:1 device programs is more effective when principals and school leaders show confidence and commitment to the initiative, according to a report by Project Red. The report shows that principals must be committed over the life of the project -- not just during implementation -- and ensure that faculty members have enough time to learn the technology. Connected Principals blog (10/9) |  | Georgia State University Success in the Cloud
The world is changing. A new reality is emerging for organizations of every size from every part of the planet. It's called the cloud—a profound evolution of IT with revolutionary implications for government, business and society, creating new possibilities and enabling more efficient, flexible and collaborative computing models. Click here to see how this higher education institution deployed cloud. |
 | | | Systems Management | | | |  | - New software converts PDF text into interactive e-books
Educators can create interactive textbooks from PDF documents with new software from YUDU Media. The conversion technology allows readers to bookmark and annotate content as well as read across platforms such as PCs and iPads. "Students may need to read and take notes on a Windows PC in the classroom, but then want to pick up where they left off on their iPad at home," said YUDU CEO Richard Stephenson. "With most publishing platforms, this is impossible. YUDU makes it possible." T.H.E. Journal (10/10) - Some U.K. schools favoring spreadsheets over databases
 Some schools in the U.K. are abandoning proprietary school databases in favor of the good old-fashioned spreadsheet, blogger and former educator John Spencer writes in this post. The spreadsheet is easily customized, can be curated by one or two experts on staff and is compatible across platforms such as MS Excel and Open Office. "As long as [the government] carries on tweaking, then proprietary solutions will always be one or two steps behind. Only spread-sheets are that flexible with a basic user skill set," Spencer writes. Computerworld UK/Spannerman's Edublog (10/10) |  | Discover the NOVEL LEARNING SERIES™ from NICHOLAS SPARKS. These student editions with learning guides of THE LAST SONG, A WALK TO REMEMBER, THREE WEEKS WITH MY BROTHER, and THE NOTEBOOK align with the ELA Common Core State Standards. The ideal choice for teen readers at every level. Read more here. |
 | | | Managing Budgets | | | |  | - Janus gives $2.1M to Denver schools for blended learning
Denver Public Schools will receive $2.1 million over three years from the Janus Foundation for blended learning technology. The grant will buy software and hardware and allow the school to hire a director and program staff. "It's tools like blended learning in the hands of quality teachers that will continue to advance learning innovations and cost efficiencies that can truly accelerate closing the achievement gap in America," said Janus CEO Richard Weil. T.H.E. Journal (10/11) |  | Free Webinar: Help for Struggling Middle School Readers
It's not too late to help Middle School struggling readers, but we can't keep doing what hasn't worked before. Learn how new techniques researched at the Universities of Iowa and Rochester have been implemented in Sioux Falls, SD to have lasting impact. You won't want to miss this FREE webinar - Thursday, 11/8, 2pm ET. Register Now |
 | | | Schools and Social Media | | | |  | |  | Effectively Managing Mobile Technology in School
There are many ways to implement mobile technology in education across a school, each with benefits and challenges. Attend this webinar for an overview of various models and learn about a mobile device planning tool to select the best model(s) for your initiative. Hear examples, success stories, and tips from an experienced Tech Integration Specialist. Register Today! |
 | | - Settlement requires closed-captioning of streamed Internet videos
 Under a new agreement between Netflix and the National Association of the Deaf, all movies and other programming streamed on the Internet by Netflix will be closed-captioned for viewers who are deaf within the next two years. The settlement ends a lawsuit that began in 2010 and gained steam in June when a federal judge ruled that Netflix and other online providers are subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model) (10/10)  | I never thought much of the courage of a lion tamer. Inside the cage he is at least safe from people."
--George Bernard Shaw,
Irish playwright |
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