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October 18, 2007
Blog chatter
Posted by Barbara Hunter, NSBA Staff, at 5:10 PM |
Education Technology Issues
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Strolling through the blogosphere today, I noticed some good chatter about the T+L Conference. Check out this posting at the Totally Wired blog, a resource for parents, aunts, uncles, teachers, librarians, youth workers, and others trying to decode what teens are doing online and with technology. Here's another tidbit from Hokanson's Intructional Technology blog, which helps educators on how to seamlessly integrate technology in the classroom. Also, check out the musings of Tracy Weeks, director of instructional technology and media for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools on PargoNet.
Tie a string around your finger
Posted by Christina Gordon, NSBA Staff, at 10:26 AM |
Education Technology Issues
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We'd like to remind you one more time to log in today to the online discussion, "Navigating the Legal Landmines Around New Technologies," featuring NSBA Senior Staff Attorney,Thomas Hutton. The discussion will take place live from NSBA's T+L Conference in Nashville at 12 noon Central Time.
New technologies such as cell camera phones and online teen hangouts are prompting serious discussions about their use and abuse. Recent examples, such as students posting surreptitiously taken teacher videos onto YouTube, have ignited concern about the presence of these technologies in and out of the classroom. What are the legal issues emerging from these new technologies? How schools can balance First Amendment protections with student safety? How should school board policies adapt to these technological advances?
We invite you to join the discussion during the live hour or post your questions now. (Note: The discussion will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern/11 a.m. Mountain/10 a.m. Pacific.)
And while you're at it, be sure to check out the archive of yesterday's online discussion with Will Richardson. He examined the educational benefits of social networking for students and teachers.
October 17, 2007
E-mail is for old people
Posted by Barbara Hunter, NSBA Staff, at 1:00 PM |
Breakfast Sessions
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Education Technology Issues
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Tools for the Classroom
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Say what? Being one of those old people, I found that insight rather startling coming from one of this morning's breakfast session speakers, Will Richardson. But he made a rather convincing argument that it was true. Sigh.
Here's the deal. Richardson says that educators and school leaders have got to get beyond our comfort zone and into our kids' world where networking reigns supreme. Kids have this amazing ability to connect online to learn just about anything. For example, check out this page from Qatar Academy that has a blog and a Flat Classroom so kids can share what they've learned and collaborate on projects.
And that's precisely where learning is taking place among kids. Another example Richardson showed is a site called Fan Fiction where students can write their own chapters to add on to existing books. Then, their peers comment on their stories. Imagine the possibilities for a classroom!
So our challenge is to rethink what a classroom can be and open the world up to connect learners around topics that are important. For a really cool overview of these thoughts and more, check out Richardson's wiki. And join him in today's online discussion on the same topic.
A sign of the times
Posted by Christina Gordon, NSBA Staff, at 11:45 AM |
Education Technology Issues
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Press Releases
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 According to an NSBA survey released this morning at the T+L Conference in Nashville, school districts across the country are revising their academic curriculum to give students more 21st century learning opportunities.
The press release points out, More than 50 percent of responding school districts reported that they have revamped their curricula to include higher math, science, and technology standards; and nearly 50 percent have indicated they are now using new assessment measures for 21st century learning skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Many districts are also reporting that they are offering more Advanced Placement courses and tests (nearly 42 percent), and revamping their workforce readiness programs (35 percent).
The survey, which was conducted via e-mail during the week of October 1, queried approximately 1,400 registrants of the T+L Conference and members of NSBA's Technology Leadership Network. The group includes technology directors and specialists, teachers, administrators, and school board members.
“We believe this is a good indication that school districts are moving beyond the basic requirements of No Child Left Behind and really looking at the advanced skills that students are going to need to perform well in the workplaces of the future,” said NSBA Executive Anne L. Bryant.
The release goes on to point out, For the fourth straight year, survey respondents said by a wide margin – 92 percent – that technology in the classroom increases educational opportunities for students. And when asked how technology helped, nearly 95 percent said it helps students become more engaged in learning.
Home access to the Internet for low-income students continues to be a serious issue with nearly 80 percent of respondents saying it was a problem in their districts, which was about the same reported as last year. Districts are improving Internet access for low-income students by providing opportunities in before- or after-school programs (nearly 54 percent), and supporting access for students at community centers or libraries (48 percent).
A new question about the speed of connectivity to the Internet revealed that the majority of school districts rate their speed as a 4 or 5, on a scale from 1 (very slow) to 5 (very fast).
For more information and to read the complete release, visit NSBA's Web site here.
October 11, 2007
Post a question now for next week's online chats
Posted by Barbara Hunter, NSBA Staff, at 2:45 PM |
Education Technology Issues
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Wanna get your two cents in? Then post a comment or question in advance for our two experts who will be ready to respond during their respective online chat hours live from the T+L Conference in Nashville.
First, Will Richardson, author of Weblogg-ed blog and Learner-in-Chief at Connective Learning, will be discussing the educational benefits of social networking for students and teachers on Wednesday, October 17, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Central Time here.
Then, NSBA's Senior Staff Attorney Tom Hutton, will be helping school leaders to navigate the legal landmines around new technologies on Thursday, October 18, 12 noon to 1 p.m. Central Time here.
Check out both sites now to learn more about what they will be covering. And don't forget to leave a question or comment for them!
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