As budgets get stretched, schools turn to free digital tools
Think of it as a welcome demand meeting an urgent need: Even as public school funding plummets, it’s never been easier to find inexpensive or free high-quality education tools online.
The digital revolution, which smashed old patterns of other traditional media, is radically changing what can be found in the average classroom. Teachers and school districts are turning online for teaching games, collaborative tools, and even custom-made entire “textbooks.”... (More)
Study: Too few schools are teaching cyber safety
Students aren’t getting enough instruction in school on how to use technology and the internet in a safe and responsible manner, a new poll suggests.
Released by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and supported by Microsoft Corp., the survey found fewer than one-fourth of U.S. teachers have spent more than six hours on any kind of professional development related to cyber ethics, safety, or security within the last 12 months.... (More)
High-tech school bus extends learning
Students in the woodsy, working-class Hector School District in Arkansas now can look at more than the Ozark National Forest in the two-plus hours they spend on the school bus each day.
The Pope County district is participating in a new program for rural schools believed to be the first of its kind: It’s playing math and science [2] content over ceiling-mounted computer screens during the lengthy bus rides. ... (More)
Transforming Learning Communities - Mobile Devices (February 2, 2012)
A statewide webinar from 9:30 to 11:00 AM on February 2, 2012 hosted by all nine Educational Service Districts with presentations from around the state.
The webinar will include a "State Update" by Dennis Small, OSPI and several presentations related to the use of mobile devices in schools. This unique opportunity brings together technology leaders from all over Washington State. Click "more" for the exact schedule and the webinar link.... (More)
Transforming Learning Communities (December)
A statewide video-conference hosted by all nine Educational Service Districts with presentations from around the state. Held during the morning of December 8, 2011 this unique opportunity brought together technology leaders from all over Washington State. Click "more" for the exact schedule and session materials.... (More)