Issues

February 9, 2011

Digital Directions, Vol. 04, Issue Winter 2011
Classroom Technology Mobile Apps for Education Evolving
But experts say growth is slower than expected and there isn’t a lot of content designed to fit the needs of face-to-face classrooms.
Ian Quillen, February 4, 2011
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5 min read
Kevin Bushweller
Kevin Bushweller
Education Navigating Through Tech Heaven or Hell
Digital Directions Executive Editor Kevin Bushweller says technology builds on good teaching, but it makes bad teaching worse.
Kevin Bushweller, February 4, 2011
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1 min read
Tom Black, left, and Steve Ballard, of Delaware's Partners in Technology Program, load a truck in Dover with donated computers, which were being sent to schools in need of newer machines in the Red Clay Consolidated School District in Wilmington.
Tom Black, left, and Steve Ballard, of Delaware's Partners in Technology Program, load a truck in Dover with donated computers, which were being sent to schools in need of newer machines in the Red Clay Consolidated School District in Wilmington.
Emily Varisco_Digital Directions
Education Funding Used or Donated Computers Help Schools Save Money
But technology officials should be aware that the process of acquiring fleets of older computers can be complex and confusing.
Ilyse Veron, February 4, 2011
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6 min read
Natalee Feese, the math coordinator for the Fayette County schools in Kentucky, holds her iPhone at her office in Lexington. She encourages the use of apps for learning.
Natalee Feese, the math coordinator for the Fayette County schools in Kentucky, holds her iPhone at her office in Lexington. She encourages the use of apps for learning.
Pablo Alacala/Lexington Herald-Leader
IT Infrastructure & Management Students, Teachers Turn on Math Apps
While most students still rely on the printed word to study, many now don’t hesitate to use an iPhone, an iPad, or other mobile device to practice for standardized tests or classroom review.
McClatchy-Tribune, February 4, 2011
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1 min read
School Climate & Safety Students Take a Stand Against Cyberbullying
Experts say getting students to help support school policies to prevent cyberbullying is crucial for those measures to be effective.
Michelle R. Davis, February 4, 2011
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2 min read
School Climate & Safety Schools Tackle Legal Twists and Turns of Cyberbullying
Experts say getting students to help support school policies to prevent cyberbullying is crucial for those measures to be effective.
Michelle R. Davis, February 4, 2011
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12 min read
School Climate & Safety State Cyberbullying Laws Range from Guidance to Mandate
At least 44 states have anti-bullying laws, but the cyberbullying aspects of those measures run the gamut from effective to window dressing to possibly unconstitutional.
Michelle R. Davis, February 4, 2011
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3 min read
Adina Sullivan, a 4th grade teacher at San Marcos Elementary School in California says most of her students do not have computers at home, but they do have DVD players.
Adina Sullivan, a 4th grade teacher at San Marcos Elementary School in California says most of her students do not have computers at home, but they do have DVD players.
Melissa Golden_Digital Directions
Reading & Literacy Classroom-Tested Tech Tools Used to Boost Literacy
To improve reading skills, many teachers are relying on technologies they already have rather than new tools and software programs.
Katie Ash, February 4, 2011
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7 min read
Olivia Flick, a 3rd grader at Washington Street Elementary School in Brewer Maine, shares facts about her state via Skype with students in South Dakota.
Olivia Flick, a 3rd grader at Washington Street Elementary School in Brewer Maine, shares facts about her state via Skype with students in South Dakota.
Carl D. Walsh_Digital Directions
IT Infrastructure & Management Educators Move Beyond the Hype Over Skype
The videoconferencing tool is being used to connect foreign language students to native speakers, hold virtual field trips, and talk with scientists and other experts.
Ian Quillen, February 4, 2011
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7 min read
Education DD Writers
Meet the people who bring Education Week Digital Directions' stories to life.
February 4, 2011
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2 min read
School Climate & Safety Cyberbullying by Gender
According to a survey from a large school district in the Southern United States, adolescent girls are significantly more likely than boys to have experienced cyberbullying.
February 4, 2011
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1 min read
Professional Development Calif. Ed. Department Opens iTunes U for Teachers
With districts and schools under pressure to make every dollar count, California teachers can now download free resources for professional development from iTunes.
McClatchy-Tribune, February 4, 2011
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1 min read
News Corporation Chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch testifies on Capitol Hill last year. Mr. Murdoch says the K-12 market awaits "breakthroughs that extend the reach of great teaching."
News Corporation Chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch testifies on Capitol Hill last year. Mr. Murdoch says the K-12 market awaits "breakthroughs that extend the reach of great teaching."
Cliff Owen/AP-File
School & District Management Ed-Tech Advocates Eye Rupert Murdoch's Move Into K-12 Market
Educational technology experts say the purchase of ed-tech company Wireless Generation by media mogul Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. raises questions about how effective the partnership will be over the long haul.
Ian Quillen, February 4, 2011
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1 min read
Curriculum Harvard Planning a National Digital Public Library
Harvard University has announced plans for an open, distributed digital network that represents a consensus of the country's libraries, universities, archives, and museums.
Ian Quillen, February 4, 2011
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1 min read
Mindy Brems does laundry in the next room as her son John, 11, participates in an online class.
Mindy Brems does laundry in the next room as her son John, 11, participates in an online class.
Jason Cohn_Digital Directions
Families & the Community Full-Time E-Learning Not Seen as Viable Option for Many
Even advocates concede that full- time virtual education might not be a good fit for students with both parents working outside the home.
Michelle R. Davis, February 4, 2011
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6 min read
Teacher Christina Harrison helps Philadelphia high school students prepare for careers in information technology.
Teacher Christina Harrison helps Philadelphia high school students prepare for careers in information technology.
Luke Harold/Philadelphia Inquirer
College & Workforce Readiness 'Digital Connectors' Prepares Students for IT Careers
A new program helps prepare high school students for careers in information technology. It is operating in North Philadelphia and in 11 other cities, including Chicago, Denver, Miami, and Washington.
McClatchy-Tribune, February 4, 2011
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1 min read
Students at Amelia Earhart Middle School in Riverside, Calif., are using iPads to read digital textbooks. The Riverside district was the first school system in the state to adopt and implement e-textbooks.
Students at Amelia Earhart Middle School in Riverside, Calif., are using iPads to read digital textbooks. The Riverside district was the first school system in the state to adopt and implement e-textbooks.
Melissa Golden_Digital Directions
Curriculum Calif. District Pushes Digital-Text Initiative Forward
Hundreds of teachers in the school system are now using digital devices to provide content to students through e-textbooks.
Katie Ash, February 4, 2011
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9 min read
IT Infrastructure & Management Va. Students' Phones, Laptops Can Be Searched
Virginia students' cellphones and laptops can be seized and searched by public school officials if violations are suspected, according to state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.
The Associated Press, February 4, 2011
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1 min read
IT Infrastructure & Management Preventing District Data Crashes Requires Anticipation
The range and unpredictability of threats to school districts' data systems can be unnerving, making protecting them difficult.
Ian Quillen, February 4, 2011
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4 min read