"Is Google Making Us Stupid?" That's the question author Nicholas Carr poses in a recent article in Atlantic Monthly. The question is really whether students who do their research on the Internet read at a more shallow level than those who use more traditional resources like books and libraries.

Digital Research is Fast
Carr cites a study by the British Library and the Joint Information Systems Committee that looked at how students' use of digital resources is evolving. It finds that Internet researchers skim, skipping quickly from page to page. Of those visiting an online journal, 60 percent view three pages or less and 65 percent visit the site only once.

Checking Understanding
Educators need to be aware that students can become overloaded with information and yet understand little of it. According to the report, "The information literacy of young people has not improved with the widening access to technology. ... Young people sometimes have a poor understanding of their information needs and thus find it difficult to develop effective search strategies. Faced with a long list of search hits, young people find it hard to assess the relevance of the materials presented and often print off pages with no more than a perfunctory glance."

Teachers still need to use assessments, questions and other strategies to confirm that their students grasp critical concepts.

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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:47 AM 0 Comments

We talked about "the nation's report card" in an earlier post. Well, the governing board for the National Assessment of Educational Progress has announced that starting in 2012, its test of the nation's school performance will include a measure of proficiency with technology.

21st Century Skills

Work is underway now on a way to measure how well students understand and can use technology in the classroom. Businesses have been clamoring for greater attention to technological literacy, but as yet there is no state or national standard to measure against.

Online Classes Develop Proficiency

Students learn by doing, and those who participate in online learning have an advantage when it comes to familiarity with 21st century technology and the skills it engenders, such as seeking relevant information and using multiple sources.

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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:29 AM 0 Comments

The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) has released a new report on using technology to improve assessments and better monitor learning. The report, "Technology-Based Assessments Improve Teaching and Learning," argues that assessments that simply measure what the student knows today are less useful than those used to tailor lessons and improve outcomes.

Technology Makes It Personal

Technology enables teachers to personalize assessments. Rather than using a test in a formal, high-stakes context, the report advocates informal, targeted testing aimed at identifying where students need help. Other innovations the group promotes are performance assessments, which use successful completion of a project to measure student knowledge; blended assessments, which cover more than one subject area; and portfolio assessments, which call for the student to create a collection of "atrifacts" that demonstrate a range of knowledge.

IQity Makes It Possible

Using the IQity Learning Management Suite, teachers can easily customize assessments for individual students and to achieve specific objectives. Ask for an online demonstration to see how IQity can work in your classroom.

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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:52 AM 0 Comments

20 Education Technology Trends to Watch

The Future of Technology in Education as presented by the NSBA's "20 to Watch Emerging Technology Leaders". The top 3 predictions for what to watch are as follows:

#1 Online Learning Opportunities

The discussion moved from what really is an online learning opportunity to revealing a myriad of styles and approaches. Leaders expressed concerns about a lack of rigor and an absence of teachers in one example. Yet, others emphasized the extended one-on-one time and authenticity provided by incorporating social networking and web 2.0 tools.

#2 (tied with #3) Access to School Related Software Applications and Projects from any Computer in the School Network

#3 Unlimited Internet Access

Participants agreed upon a need for integration and enjoyed quite the discourse on a need for additional policy and practices. Some recommended involvement from ISTE. Others believed we have enough policies and insisted it is more related to culture and communication suggesting that the challenge lies with ensuring all stakeholders feel safe while moving to the "next level".

#4 Online Communication Tools: Global Social Networks

As this prediction was revealed, the following questions was posed... "It's not about the stuff. How are you [technology leaders] changing teacher behaviors?" Dr. Kari Stubbs offered this response, "Research says connecting technology to higher order thinking and the authentic learning experiences provided by Web 2.0 tools and social networking is influencing a shift in behavior of teachers. Thus, we need to move to the next level."

As I digest the discussions occurring around me, I think about one of the things we all know about good instruction.... make the content relevant and meaningful and they'll get it. Authenticity is key. All learners synthesize information more readily when it is important to them. Thus, when a need is present, it is human nature to acquire the knowledge necessary to fulfill the need.

A school board member in the audience suggests we have a responsibility to provide access to technology and students need to learn how to use it appropriately.(ie cell phones) Almost 10 years ago, at Columbine High School, the only people that could communicate were those in possession of the then banned cell
phone.

I suggest we continue to find ways to narrow the gap between what students view as life - MySpace, FaceBook, Skype - and school or the acquisition of knowledge.

And finally, I thoroughly agree with the number one recommendation for school leaders of Professional Development. Putting technology in the hands of staff simply isn't enough. We must develop models to help staff, students, and parents increase their "comfort level" and become technology leaders in their own right.

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posted by Sohne at 8:15 AM 0 Comments

Wired is just so last year. Among 438 students arriving as freshman at Amherst University, barely one percent have a landline. The rest rely on cell phones exclusively. That's not the only interesting tidbit in a recent post on the Buzz Up! technology blog.



Students Want Mobile Technology



Only 14 incoming Amherst freshmen have desktop computers. Presumably the others will be using their laptops to keep their Facebook pages current; 432 freshmen have a profile. Other popular mobile technology choices are the iPhone and Ipod Touch, brought to campus by 93 incoming students.



Students' comfort level with computer technology is also reflected in the fact that 89% of them filed their college applications online.



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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:19 AM 0 Comments

I'm headed to Seattle for the National School Boards Association (NSBA) annual Technology and Learning Conference. I'm looking forward to meeting educators from across the country who are coming to Seattle for practical and innovative solutions to using technology in the classroom.

IQity Supports T+L Conference

IQity is a Platinum Sponsor of the T+L Conference and will be hosting an exciting special event on Wednesday evening. We'll be going to the Experience Music Project, a unique Seattle venue dedicated to the exploration of creativity and innovation in popular music. Interactive displays and the opportunity to see cutting-edge technology will be paired with a live band, dancing and refreshments, so conference attendees can mix networking and fun.

If you'll be at the conference, don't miss the party, and be sure to ask me how IQity can bring technology and learning to your school.


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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:41 AM 1 Comments

It's not too late to get your students involved in this year's Great Worldwide Star Count, a project that teaches both astronomy and technology skills. Now until November 3, you can participate with classes around the globe.

Technology Anchors Global Participation
This is the second year for the project, organized by a consortium of universities calling itself Windows on the Universe. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the goal is to map global light pollution while helping students learn astronomy. Volunteers worldwide choose a constellation and report online how many stars they observe in it.

An activity guide and star charts are available online. Observations must be reported by November 3.

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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:57 AM 0 Comments

Educational technology could get a big boost with the creation of a new national research center. A recently enacted federal law will create the National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies. The center will disseminate federal funding for research on educational technology and how it affects learning. It's still under development and does not yet have a web site, but will be part of the U.S. Department of Education.


Investing in Educational Technology

The legislation, a higher-ed bill signed by the President in August, says that the center will develop a comprehensive research and development program to advance educational technology and improve learning at all levels "in order to provide Americans with the knowledge and skills they need to compete in the global economy." Educational technology advocates hope that the budget for federal fiscal year 2009 will include $50 million to fund the center.


Schools Can Get Started Now

Schools don't need to wait to get started with today's educational technology. The IQity Learning Management Suite comes with a variety of high-tech tools and schools and students need only computer access to use them. Schedule an online demonstration with an elearning expert to see how easy it is to get started.

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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:54 AM 0 Comments

The Vision for K-20 Education initiative is a year old and the Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA), its sponsor, says that while progress is being made, more is needed.

Educational Technology Vision
What is the vision? It's that by the end of the decade, every K-20 school will use educational technology for six specific purposes: to increase student engagement and achievement; to provide equity and access to new learning opportunities; to document and track student performance; to empower collaborative learning; to maximize teaching and administrative effectiveness; and to build student proficiency in 21st century skills.

SIAA surveyed educators at the first anniversary of announcing its initiative and found that schools are making progress in using technology to improve communication and anytime/anywhere access to learning. More needs to be done to nurture creativity and meet the needs of all students.

IQity Advances the Initiative's Goals
Using the IQity Learning Management Suite to offer online classes can help schools meet all the goals of the Vision for K-20 Education. The LMS simplifies tasks for teachers and administrators, helps students master 21st century technology skills, and gives them access to standards-aligned content that meets the needs of each individual learner. Schedule an online demonstration to see how IQity can help your school attain its goals.

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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:55 AM 0 Comments

The National School Board Association's (NSBA) annual T+L Conference is coming up in Seattle October 28-30. T+L is short for Technology and Learning, and the conference is billed as the key event for school district leaders interested in educational technology.



Top Technology Topics

The conference will focus on a number of hot topics in the field, including S.T.E.M. Initiatives, social networking, and using technology to enhance one-to-one learning. The conference includes dozens of workshops and roundtables on technology topics. Examples include Online Learning vs. Traditional Learning: Which is More Effective for the Student?; The Virtual Science Lab; and Why All Your Teachers Must Learn How to Teach Online And How Their Brick-and-Mortar Classes Will Benefit. Pre-conference sessions are offered October 27 on issues such as getting students engaged in learning and technology and the law.

IQity Will be There

IQity will be hosting a social event at Seattle's Experience Music Project on October 29. Stay tuned for more specifics about our plans for a fun, exciting opportunity to network and party.





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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:27 AM 0 Comments

While all of America is focused on the Presidential race, important local issues will appear on the ballot as well, including funding requests by many school districts. If a newspaper poll is any reflection, the economic crisis could make school ballot issues a tough sell this election.

Tough Times for School Funding
The Columbus, Ohio, Dispatch ran a poll yesterday asking whether readers plan to vote for the school levy on the ballot. As I write this, a whopping 82% were telling the newspaper, "No." Many cited tough economic times as the reason. Sample comments:
"We all want more, however it a bad time to be asking."
"We are all being hit hard in this economy."
"During these tough economic times, we all have to tighten our belts a little."

IQity Offers Cost-Effective Solution
Of course, every school district has to be mindful of its expenses, whether or not it's asking for more community support. That's why its good to know that IQity's Learning Management Suite is free to school districts. Ask for an online demonstration to see how we can help you get started in online classes.

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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:59 AM 0 Comments

If you're tired of hearing from the Presidential candidates, here's a chance to let them hear from you. A group of education organizations has posted an online petition asking the next President to make educational technology for K-12 students a top national priority.

One Giant Leap for Kids
The petiiton is part of a public service campaign titled One Giant Leap for Kids, based on the idea that it was investment in education that enabled Neil Armstrong to take the first step on the Moon. The campaign argues that American students need a 21st century education to compete in the global economy.

Schools that sign up to use the IQity Learning Management Suite are able to offer students online classes and standards-aligned curriculum. IQity takes advantage of both technology and award-winning content to deliver quality education to today's students.

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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:06 AM 0 Comments

The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) has released a report calling for schools to upgrade their broadband internet connections. SETDA says many schools lack the high-speed connectivity necessary to support distance learning.

Technology Essential for Student Success
SETDA Executive Director Mary Ann Wolf said, "We now have data that show how technology makes a significant impact on student achievement in all subject areas and grade levels." Yet the report shows that many schools have slower internet connections than students may have at home if they get their home internet service through a cable provider.

SETDA encourages schools to coordinate with state and local governments and others to address broadband requirements and seek volume pricing. In Ohio, Governor Ted Strickland has set a goal to extend broadband access to the southeastern portion of the State, which is part of the rural Appalachian region and currently lacks broadband internet service in large areas.

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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:50 AM 0 Comments

October 12 is the deadline to apply for the 2009 Best Buy Teach Awards program. Best Buy will award a total of $2 million to K-12 schools that use technology in innovative ways to teach standards-based classes. Schools can receive $1,000 to $5,000, intended for the purchase of additional educational technology, and multiple teachers from the same school can apply.



Educational Technology Promotes Learning

The Best Buy awards program is based on the belief that "technology can excite and engage students." The awards have been offered annually since 2004, and so far a total of $17 million has been awarded. More than 6,000 schools have received Best Buy gift cards to purchase educational technology.

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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:30 AM 0 Comments

Essay contests are a time-honored tradition, but in a 21st century twist on the classic approach, eSchool News held a video contest. The publishers asked students from elementary through high school to send a three to seven minute video on the topic "How Technology Helps Me Learn." Entries poured in from across the U.S. The results clearly indicate that today's students are at home with computer technology and more.

Educational Technology Enriches Schools

Students demonstrated the many ways they use computers in the classroom, from researching homework assignments to producing the school's morning news show to learning to follow directions by using a flight simulator. Finalists include videos featuring time-travel and missing person themes. You can help choose the winners of the Empowered Education Awards by voting on the eSchool News website.


Proving the Value of Educational Technology

The contest is intended to prove the value of educational technology by letting students speak directly to how technology adds to their educational experience. Watch the videos and you'll be convinced that young people make great advocates for school technology.

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posted by Teresa Berry at 8:26 AM 0 Comments