Special Report

Multimedia Transformation

How Digital Tools Are Connecting Teaching And Learning
June 15, 2011
In science and math classes across the country, digital tools are being used to conduct experiments, analyze data, and run 3-D simulations to explain complex concepts. Language arts teachers are now pushing the definition of literacy to include the ability to express ideas through media. This report, "Multimedia Transformation," examines the many ways multimedia tools are transforming teaching and learning as schools work to raise achievement and prepare students for careers that require increasingly sophisticated uses of technology.
  • BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Virtual manipulatives, seen here, in software by DreamBox Learning, are able to provide the same benefits as physical manipulatives with less of the mess.
    BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Virtual manipulatives, seen here, in software by DreamBox Learning, are able to provide the same benefits as physical manipulatives with less of the mess.
    Curriculum Math Educators See the Right Angles for Digital Tools
    The math world is bursting with technologies that visualize concepts, adapt to students' strengths and weaknesses, and align with state academic standards.
    Ian Quillen, June 13, 2011
    8 min read
    Artwork created by Aubrey Arneson in Kevan Nitzberg’s class at Anoka High School. Digital tools are being used in classrooms to create art, music, and films.
    Artwork created by Aubrey Arneson in Kevan Nitzberg’s class at Anoka High School. Digital tools are being used in classrooms to create art, music, and films.
    Aubrey Arneson/Education Week
    Curriculum Art and Music Learning Emphasize Interactivity, Real-World Relevance
    Digital tools can be key to engaging more students in art and music and preparing others for careers in those fields.
    Katie Ash, June 13, 2011
    8 min read
    WHITEBOARD LESSONS: Sandra Simoneaux uses an interactive whiteboard to teach math to her 3rd and 4th graders at Parker Elementary School in Oakland, Calif. Ms. Simoneaux says she uses the whiteboard in one manner or another for 90 percent of her daily teaching. The board allows her to connect students to digital content on the Internet.
    WHITEBOARD LESSONS: Sandra Simoneaux uses an interactive whiteboard to teach math to her 3rd and 4th graders at Parker Elementary School in Oakland, Calif. Ms. Simoneaux says she uses the whiteboard in one manner or another for 90 percent of her daily teaching. The board allows her to connect students to digital content on the Internet.
    Ramin Rahimian for Education Week
    Teaching Profession Teachers Hold the Real Keys to Whiteboard Effectiveness
    Experts say educator skill is the key determinant of the impact that interactive whiteboards have on student learning.
    Mary Catherine O'Connor, June 13, 2011
    7 min read
    Dominique Miller, a senior at the Science Leadership Academy, edits a multi-camera shot in Final Cut software for Rough Cut Productions, the school’s videoproduction company.
    Dominique Miller, a senior at the Science Leadership Academy, edits a multi-camera shot in Final Cut software for Rough Cut Productions, the school’s videoproduction company.
    Jessica Kourkounis/Education Week
    Ed-Tech Policy Film Students Power Video-Production Business
    Students at the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia are the employees in a school-based production company that provides video services.
    Michelle R. Davis, June 13, 2011
    5 min read
    IT Infrastructure & Management 'Safe' Social Networking Tailored for K-12 Schools
    In the age of Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, some schools instead turn to social networks designed specifically for education.
    Michelle R. Davis, June 13, 2011
    7 min read
    HISTORY COLLABORATION: In Ken Halla’s Advanced Placement U.S. Government class at Hayfield Secondary School in Fairfax County, Va., students use netbooks to work on a federal budget project.
    HISTORY COLLABORATION: In Ken Halla’s Advanced Placement U.S. Government class at Hayfield Secondary School in Fairfax County, Va., students use netbooks to work on a federal budget project.
    Nicole Fruge for Education Week
    Curriculum Digitized Historical Documents Give Students Direct Access to the Past
    Students can now review thousands of perspectives from key historical figures faster and more easily than ever before.
    Katie Ash, June 13, 2011
    8 min read
    STUDENT BLOGGER: Jose Arroyo, 18, above far right, gets help from teacher Ted Nellen during a Cyber English class at Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School in New York City.
    STUDENT BLOGGER: Jose Arroyo, 18, above far right, gets help from teacher Ted Nellen during a Cyber English class at Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School in New York City.
    Emile Wamsteker for Education Week
    Reading & Literacy Language Arts Educators Balance Text-Only Tactics With Multimedia Skills
    Teaching students to read and write with depth and understanding should be a high priority no matter what approach is being used, experts say.
    Katie Ash, June 13, 2011
    10 min read
    SCIENTIFIC MODELING: Jeff Piontek is the principal and founder of the Hawaii Technology Academy in Waipahu. The K-12 high-tech charter school uses 3-D modeling and works with experts in the field to help students understand complex scientific concepts.
    SCIENTIFIC MODELING: Jeff Piontek is the principal and founder of the Hawaii Technology Academy in Waipahu. The K-12 high-tech charter school uses 3-D modeling and works with experts in the field to help students understand complex scientific concepts.
    Elyse Butler & Matt Mallams of Education Week
    Science Technology Evolves to Offer a Clearer View of Science
    Schools are incorporating computer simulations and 3-D modeling to help students visualize and understand complex concepts.
    Ian Quillen, June 13, 2011
    8 min read
    Krysta Randolph, 17, a junior in Advance Placement U.S. History class, starts up a netbook during a joint session with seniors in Ken Halla's AP U.S. Government class at Hayfield Secondary on May 23 in Alexandria, Virginia.
    Krysta Randolph, 17, a junior in Advance Placement U.S. History class, starts up a netbook during a joint session with seniors in Ken Halla's AP U.S. Government class at Hayfield Secondary on May 23 in Alexandria, Virginia.
    Nicole Fruge for Education Week
    Curriculum Quality Content in Demand as Multimedia Use Expands
    Digital curricula repositories are helping to fill the growing need for more and better multimedia content.
    Ian Quillen, June 13, 2011
    6 min read