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Student Broadcasters Capture Headlines from the Hallways
Students aren't just studying the news in school, they're reporting it! Budding "Walter Cronkites" run the show from choosing topics to scripting, filming and editing. Teachers report that students gain self-confidence from producing their own school news broadcasts.

My Favorite Joke
We asked the Education World Tech and Teacher Teams, "What is your favorite teacher joke? This is what they told us...

Five Ways to Make Quizzes Fun for Students
As you prepare your next quiz, use these five tips to create a quiz that will help students receive the best possible score while having fun completing it.

My Favorite Teaching Tool
We asked the Education World Tech and Teacher Teams, "What is your favorite new (or newly discovered) teaching tool? This is what they said...

Chatting the USA: Building Understanding Through Web Conferencing
Last year, third graders in Brewer, Maine, conversed through Web conference with classes from Florida to Alaska. Intrigued by their differences, it was the many similarities the children shared that forged a special connection among them.

From Chalkboard to Wall -- Managing the Benefits of School-Sanctioned Social Media Use
As more students, parents, teachers, and administrators tap into social networking sites, the lines between educational and personal networking are becoming more blurred. Schools need to provide clear guidelines to avoid legal issues around school-sanctioned social media.

Form or Function? The Never-Ending Debate
For years, the distinction between website building and website design has caused disagreement in schools: Should we teach students how to design an aesthetically pleasing website or how to implement the technical aspects of a site?

Social Networking Tips for Teachers
Social networking in the classroom? Absolutely, says Facebooks chief security officer Joe Sullivan. Its educational and safe -- if you follow the rules.

My New (School) Years Resolutions
We asked the Education World Tech and Teacher Teams, "What are your resolutions for the 2010-2011 school year -- professionally speaking? How will you become a better employee... colleague... educator... mentor this year?" This is what they said...

Technology Closes Distance Between Kids, Schools
In the not-so-distant past, students had pen pals in other states and countries to learn about life elsewhere. Now with the help of Skype and other technology, kids are able to chat and work on assignments with students from across the district or across the world.

The Best Web Sites for Learning About Memorial Day
With Memorial Day coming up later this month, I thought it would be useful to create another The Best… list.

Teaching? Learning? There's an "App" for That!
In Colleen Ruggieri's high school English class, kids use iPods for online research, to define words, listen to music of historical periods, and more.

Fifth Graders Soar in the Blogosphere
Across the curriculum, Gillian Ryan asks her fifth graders to respond in writing to the topics they discuss -- whether in math, science, social studies, or language arts -- and their ideas become posts to classroom blogs.

Principal Podcasts Get to the Point
Whether they launched their podcasts at the suggestion of a parent or the gentle prodding of a tech-loving staff member, principals who have tried podcasting repeat the same refrain -- it is easy, inexpensive, and effective. Included: Learn about the free podcasting tools.

Podcasts Promote Reading
Librarian Malissia Bell has challenged students to create 500 podcasts describing their favorite books. Even parents and visitors are encouraged to record a review to add to the collection, which students use to identify great reads.

Reaching for the Heart: Five Tips for District Communications Directors
Today, press releases and strategic presentations to special groups are only a small part of the positive media attention that’s possible. Learn how school districts can use social media tools to connect with the global audience, circumventing the traditional media to get the real story out there.

My New Years Resolutions
We asked the Education World Tech and Teacher Teams: What are your New Year's resolutions this year -- professionally speaking? This is what they said

Dear Santa...
We asked the Ed World Tech and Teacher Teams: Whats on your holiday wish list this year? What gifts will make your life -- personally or professionally -- easierbettermore fun? This is what they said

Our Favorite Gadgets
“I love tools that are simple and do one thing really well. I call them ‘tools for people who have better things to do than mess with tools.’ If I can get my elementary teachers excited about a program, I know it meets the criteria.”

Who Is They?
Theres no simple resolution to the conflicting priorities between techs and educators, but I know this about making better policy decisions: the best rules and guidelines are those developed collaboratively.

Mobile Technology Goes to School
Matt Cooks fifth graders use cell phones to enhance learning and keep classroom doors open 24/7.

Ideas to Inspire
Twenty-One Interesting Ways to use Twitter in the Classroom

Risks Involved in Integrating the Internet Into the K-12 Curriculum
Lets consider eight risks involved in integrating the Internet into the K-12 curriculum -- and some solutions and resources to help you minimize those risks.

Students Produce Must-See TV
Students at one Pennsylvania elementary school keep families and the community in the know about school events by producing video segments that they upload to the Teacher Tube Web site. Crew members at the K-4 school storyboard and film each segment.

Not All Who Twitter Are Twits
The concept behind Twitter is simple. You post short statements -- tweets -- about your current activities. Other Twitterers sign up to follow your tweets.

Ten Pillars of Successful Technology Implementation
Integrated education works best when it is well planned, well-integrated, closely monitored as to its effectiveness, and given a fair chance. "A fair chance" only can be guaranteed, however, if computer-based teaching and learning is constructed on ten pillars of success.

Seven Brilliant Things Teachers Do With Technology
Here are seven technology practices that just make me marvel and feel proud to be a part of the profession. Which do you do?

A Philosophy of Instructional Technology Use for Teaching and Learning.
A pre-requisite for seamless integration of technology in the preK-12 classroom is well-trained teachers who understand how to use technology to improve the quality and effectiveness of education.

Using WebQuests in the Primary Grades: Konnie Lees Simple Machine WebQuest
Konnie Lee used WebQuests with her third-grade students and discovered that WebQuests allow students to use technology to take more responsibility for their own learning.

Using WebQuests in the Primary Grades: Joy Thomass Planet WebQuest
Joy Thomas used WebQuests with her first-grade students and was pleasantly surprised by the cooperation among students and the retention and application of information.

Seven Stupid Mistakes Teachers Make With Technology
I see stupid acts and beliefs related to technology in schools way too oftenthese would be my nominees for the most stupid things a teacher can do related to technology...

Driving Down Education Costs
With Online Technology
When schools use less energy by effectively using technology, they can have a huge cumulative effect in conserving energy, and perhaps more importantly, time for teaching.

Five for Fun
Lots of image generators are available on the Web. Most are free and easy to use -- so easy even a technology director can manage them. Here are five of my favorites.

Essential Computer Tips for Parents and Teachers
What every student, parent, and teacher can do to protect his or her Windows-based investment.

FugleFlicks Give New Meaning to "Art Film"
Making movies to teach art concepts has transformed Tricia Fuglestad's teaching and the way her students learn.

Using Web 2.0 Tools to Breathe New Life into Old Projects
Some of the pre-technology projects weve discarded could fit into todays classroom if we spent some time pondering how Web 2.0 tools could be integrated to bring them more in line with 21st century learning.

The One-Afternoon SecondLife Tour
Virtual reality in the classroom? Teaching avatars? Student astronauts? Time travel? Check it out as Doug Johnson takes you on a tour of "must-see" sights for educators in Second Life, a 3-D virtual environment.

A Web 2.0 Approach to Internet Safety
Student use of Web 2.0 technologies is expanding, along with a host of risk and management concerns. All schools must develop effective strategies to address the issue of online safety.

The Best Laid Plans
Let me tell you the tale of my visit to Karnataka state, a state adjoining Andhra Pradesh, in India. There was a plan. But this is India, where plans "oft gang awry."

Things Id Do Differently the Second Time Around
I had a woeful initial understanding of the state of technology-readiness of my new students in Tirupati, India. I should have spent at least the first couple of weeks in the computer lab going over the basics.

Ten Things Everyone Needs to Learn
Your school will try to teach you the facts you'll need to pass their tests, but schools won't teach you the things you really need to learn. Stephen Downes offers a list of his top ten things you need to learn.

Reflections on India
"Academically, I am a jack-of-all-trades," says Bernie Poole, "so I came away from the conference like a thief in the night, having gained much and given little in return.

Computer-Based Learning and Montessorian Manipulatives
The methodologies applied in Montessori schools are based on a philosophy of education that recognizes children's preference for control over their own learning.

Creating Your Own Web Site
Bernie Poole provides 11 easy-to-read handouts designed to lead you or your students step-by-step through the process of creating a content-rich education-oriented Web site.

Sites to See: Parent Conferences
These ten sites, filled with advice, tips, and practical resources, can help ensure that your parent-teacher conferences are a pleasant and positive collaborative experience for all.

Social Networking: More Hype Than Help?
If you believe the hype, just about everyone between the ages of 16 and 34 who thinks he or she is hip is logging into a social networking site and having a ball. But, asks Bernie Poole, can you believe the hype?

Judging, Regulating Student Online Content
Questionable content on teen online social networking sites such as MySpace and other Web sites is prompting many educators to wonder what, if anything, they can do to regulate content.

Integrating Technology and Science
Discover how technology enhances the science program in the Greece Central School District, Rochester, New York.

Summer-ize Your Computer
Don't head to the beach just yet! Take a few minutes to "summer-ize" your classroom computers and files to guarantee tech success in August. These tips and tricks apply to both PC and Mac users. Don't delay: summer-ize today.

A Techtorial: Create Self-Correcting Work Sheets
Need to review just the facts and can't find what you need online? Using if/then statements in Excel, you can create a fun and interactive review on just the right concepts. Great for K-2 classes as well as math, science, and foreign language.

Schools and Online Social Networking
Most educators working with middle and high school students are aware of the explosive involvement of youth on social networking sites. Few are prepared to deal with it. In this article, Nancy Willard discusses the risks and benefits of such sites and offers schools a comprehensive approach to addressing student Internet access.

Free Online Teacher Tools
Bernie Poole describes a few of his favorite online teacher tools -- including RubiStar, BlogMeister, Survey Builder, and Web Collaborator.

Tech Conferences: For Geeks Only?
Afraid you're not techie enough for a tech conference? Think again! Four classroom teachers share how attending a national tech conference impacted their teaching and networking.

Tap In to Tapped In
You've heard about it. You've read about it. Friends and colleagues have raved about the professional development opportunities it provides through ongoing events, groups, and chats. But you still haven't visited yourself. What are you waiting for?

What Every Teacher Should Know About Technology
Ed-tech professor Bernie Poole identifies six essential technology-related skills every good teacher should possess -- or acquire.

Search for Ice and Snow
Using an Earth Image database (Space Shuttle images) and world map, students identify places on Earth where there is ice and snow, and then create a table showing where they found the information, and the geographic location of the snow and ice.

Time-Saving Search Strategies
Bernie Poole offers a few quick tips and tricks for saving time when you're searching online.

A Techtorial: Using Firefox, an Open Source Web Browser
Firefox is an open source Web browser that allows users to surf the Web -- with a few new tricks. This techtorial covers the downloading, installation, and basic navigation of Firefox on both PCs and Macs.

Web Search 101
You can find almost anything you want on the Web if you look for it long enough. But if you know how to "phrase" your Web search questions, you can find what you want in a fraction of the time. Discover the secrets that savvy searchers know!

Online Math, Science Training for Teachers
Increasing the number of qualified math and science teachers in U.S. schools is a concern not just for school systems, but for businesses as well. Now some companies have teamed up with the University of California-Irvine Extension to improve teachers' skills.

Is PowerPoint Evil?
What is "PowerPointlessness?" What are our kids learning about multimedia presentations -- and what should they be learning? Exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly truth about presentation software.

The Best Search Engines
If you're frustrated by search engines that give you unrelated responses... if you're spending too much time looking for online resources if you're worried students might access the wrong kind of information... these search engines can help you find pertinent, accurate, and safe information.

Accessibility Tools
The NEA reports that, as of 2004, nearly every U.S. classroom includes students with physical and/or learning disabilities. Learn about the new technologies that make it possible for those students to work alongside their classmates.

Teaching and Learning About Technology
Find out what techies do during the summer -- and learn how you can use your vacation time to improve your computer skills and build your tech confidence. Included: More than two-dozen links to conferences, courses, workshops, online training, and more for both techies and classroom teachers.

Ensuring Internet Safety at School and at Home
How can parents protect their children from online stalkers and other Internet dangers? Read how one laptop school addressed the problem with parent groups, community-wide meetings, and new curriculum. Included: Links to further resources, including free classroom materials.

Blogging? It's Elementary, My Dear Watson!
Blogging -- or Web logging -- most often is thought of as an activity for high school students. Did you know, however, that students as young as kindergarten now blog on a daily basis? Read on to learn more! Included: More than two-dozen links to blogging software and to elementary blogs across the United States.

Tech Tips for Tots
How and when should toddlers use technology? Learn what early childhood experts say is appropriate technology use for children ages 2-4, and discover six ways to use technology wisely with young children.

Show is Better than Tell
Helping all students learn from computer textbooks means changing how those textbooks are written. At least that's what one Department of Education study discovered. Learn what computer teachers who work with students with special needs had to say about illustration-based classroom materials. Included: Information about how you can participate in a follow-up study.

Three Keys to Implementing a Laptop Program
With administrators, tech support, parent volunteers, classroom teachers, and even student tech leaders pitching in, Connecticut's Thomas Edison Middle School recently issued every one of the school's 6th graders a laptop computer. How did they do it?

Susan Patrick on the National Educational Technology Plan
Recently, Susan Patrick, director of the DOE's Office of Educational Technology, talked with Education World about the vision of the National Educational Technology Plan -- and responded to its critics. Included: Share your opinion about the report.

NETP Offers Action Steps for Success
On Friday, January 7, 2005, the U.S. Department of Education unveiled the National Education Technology Plan. Find out how NCLB started the ball rolling, why today's students are different, and what the DOE says educators must do to meet the needs of today's students. Included: Exclusive comments from National Educational Technology Director Susan Patrick.

What Five-Year-Olds Can Do with Computers
What can five-year-olds do with a computer? A lot, says school technology facilitator Susan Brooks. Discover what computer skills kindergarteners should learn -- and what activities you can use to teach them -- in this column by a 30-year veteran of kindergarten and technology classrooms. Included: Dozens of age-specific activities and lesson ideas.

Videoconferencing Deserves a Second Look!
Better and cheaper technology, combined with the rapidly growing availability of videoconferencing sites, have made this learning tool affordable and accessible to most K-12 classrooms. In this Education World interview, videoconferencing expert Jan Zanetis shares tips and cautions for making your first videoconference a real success.

Speaking of Electronic Whiteboards
Combine the touch screen capability of a video game with the drawing flexibility of whiteboard markers and what do you get? Electronic whiteboards! Discover how K-12 teachers are using these devices in almost every subject area, and learn what you should consider before purchasing one yourself.

Online Teacher Tools
Stumped for ideas, templates, or other classroom management tools? We've compiled some of our favorite online teacher tools --Web sites with interactive templates and other resources for K-12 educators -- to help you when time is short.

One-to-One Computing: Is Your School Ready?
Handhelds, laptops, tablet PCs...Which is best for your school? Guest columnist Elizabeth Sky-McIlvain offers a simple rubric for administrators, teachers, and parents to use when evaluating their school's readiness for one-to-one computing. Print this rubric and share it with your entire school community.

Assistive Technology Benefits All Students
Technology tools designed to help students with physical disabilities or learning differences might benefit more students than we've traditionally assumed. In this Education World interview, Steve Timmer, creator of Premier Assistive Technology, explains how assistive technology tools can help all students succeed.

One-To-One Computing: Lessons Learned and Pitfalls to Avoid
Just because a technology is available for students doesn't mean it has to be used all the time. Find out what the research says about the benefits of one-to-one computing, and read about educator concerns about the overuse of technology.

Embracing the Vision: One-to-One Computing in Our Classrooms
Conducting real research, collecting real data, publishing in a real public space (the Web)...What can be done only partly with previous technologies can be done easily, seamlessly, with handhelds, making students into scientists, publishers, enthusiastic discoverers, making one-to-one computing worth any trouble, cost, or frustration.

Tracing the Start of the Laptop Revolution in Schools
In 1990, fifth graders at a private school in Australia were introduced to laptops, and their learning was never the same. Author Bob Johnstone talks about the first laptop school, the response it received, and integrating laptop learning.

The 411 on One-to-One Computing
In classrooms across the United States, laptops, handhelds, and tablet PCs are replacing pens and pencils as the accepted "tools of the trade" for students. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of each of those one-to-one computing devices.

From Beginning to End: Making Memories All Year Through
Experienced educators share how they enrich their classes with projects and activities that take students from the beginning of the school year to the end -- while creating memories that last a lifetime. Included: Ideas for time capsules, memory books, welcome letters, more.

Learning With Laptops: An Urban School Shows Gains
Not everyone thinks of Internet research as a third-grade skill. But it is at East Rock Magnet School in New Haven, Connecticut. Third and fourth graders are assigned laptops, and not only have test scores increased, but student motivation as well.

Author Says Technology Brings False Promises to Schools
When it comes to technology, too often educators think the more the better, the sooner the better, according to author Todd Oppenheimer. He argues that the current emphasis on technology use in schools drains resources from other subjects and prevents students from developing critical and creative thinking skills.

Cold Mush: Serving Stories from the Iditarod Trail
Jeffrey M. Peterson of Minnesota, this year's Teacher on the Trail, is eager to experience the Iditarod and to share his observations and lessons with students around the world.

Students Map Neighborhoods With GIS
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mapping and analysis software employed by the U.S. government, NASA, and other agencies, now is helping students locate and document hazards in their communities.

GIS Brings "Real Life" to Learning
A Geographic Information System combines maps and information databases to produce displays that allow users to see and manipulate data in new ways. Learn how a GIS works and how to create your own GIS classroom activities. Included: Online resources for GIS lessons, activities, and projects.

The E-Mail ABCs!
Today's students believe that e-mail is a medium unfettered by the rules that govern letter writing. Most classroom teachers, however, believe that e-mail should adhere to the same rules of grammar and style as snail mail. Who's right? Let's take a look at the ABCs of e-mail etiquette.

Discover Mars
What time is it on Mars? Is there water on Mars? Was there ever life on Mars? What does Mars look like? Discover the sites that can help you and your students explore the answers to those questions and more. Included: More than two-dozen online resources for teaching and learning about Mars.

How Teachers View Technology
A recent "Teachers Talk Tech" survey found that the majority of teachers view computer technology as a valuable teaching tool that can improve students' academic performance and attention in class, while strengthening the lines of communication with parents.

Web Site Links Schools and Museums
Education World chats with Stephanie Norby, director of the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies, about its new Web site and about the Center's efforts to foster partnerships between museums and schools.

Technology Innovation and K-12 Education
Hewlett-Packard education technology expert George W. Warren reveals the latest technology tools and trends and discusses their possible applications in K-12 classrooms.

Technology Training, Assessment, and No Child Left Behind
Don Knezek, chief executive officer of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), discusses efforts to enhance and assess educators' technology skills.

Technology Integration, Assessment and No Child Left Behind
John Bailey, director of educational technology for the U.S. Department of Education, discusses in a teleconference how the federal No Child Left Behind Act can help schools and states use technology more extensively and efficiently.

Learning Games for Students in Grades 3-5
This week, Education World searched the Web for interactive learning games for students in the elementary grades. The sites below represent some of the best we found. Keep them in mind when you're looking for a way to engage students' interest while increasing their knowledge or enhancing their skills!

Tech Training Tips That Will Get Their Attention
In this April Fools' Day edition of Education World, some of the world's most renowned technology trainers offer "tips" guaranteed to spice up your technology training program.

The Concept-Mapping Classroom By providing a framework that allows users to focus on topics, and a structure that permits them to easily convert diagrams to outlines and back again, Inspiration and Kidspiration simplify the task of organizing thoughts into effective project plans.

Pre-K-2 Students Play and Learn Online
This week, Education World searched the Web for engaging -- and safe -- sites offering learning games for pre-K-2 students. The sites below fill the bill -- whether you looking for a learning center activity -- or just an activity for yet another indoor recess.

You Can Create a Class Web Site
If you've read the Education World techtorial HTML Basics, you know how easy it is to create a basic Web page. In this article, you'll learn how you can extend the lessons from that techtorial to create your own classroom Web page -- in four easy steps.

Traveling the Techno Trail: Training Teachers to Use Technology
Computer resource specialist Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach believes that her most important responsibility is to empower teachers to use technology to educate young minds. Find out how she does it -- and learn how you can do it too!

Technology Planning: Closing the Communications Gap
Technology is often underutilized in its role of helping educators track accountability and assess student progress. Technology planning expert Dixie Conner explains how effective technology planning by teachers and technology leaders can result in the more effective use of technology in all areas of education.

Keep Your Computer Healthy
As winter flu season approaches, many of us head to doctor's offices to be inoculated against the insidious viruses that threaten our physical health. How many of us, however, remember to visit a tech specialist to inoculate our computers against the insidious pests that threaten to infect them year round. Too busy for an office visit? Education World makes house calls!

Better Students Through Technology!
Technology-planning expert Dixie Conner explains how technology coordinators, by extending the use of technology beyond the classroom, can increase students' chances to reach -- and surpass -- today's stringent education standards.

Quick! Get the (Digital) Camera!
Discover two dozen digital camera activities guaranteed to make life easier for you and more interesting for your students.

Smile! Digital Cameras Can Make Your Day
Teachers across the country and around the world are discovering the many valuable uses for digital cameras; uses that both engage students and make their own professional lives easier. If you can use a camera, you can use a digital camera so, what are you waiting for?

Technology Integration Made Easy
Nineteen activities and nearly 50 Web sites to help you integrate technology into your daily routines.

Did You See That Poem?
Most likely, when you think about integrating technology into your curriculum, the technology you're thinking of is a computer, and the integration involves engaging students in Web-based lessons and activities. However, many other technology tools besides the computer are available to add interest, knowledge, and skills to your more prosaic lessons. Fifth and sixth graders in Saskatchewan, Canada, learned that lesson last year when the use of video technology turned a language arts unit into "poetry in motion."

Back-to-School Technology Activities
Whether you're a technology teacher or a classroom teacher interested in integrating technology, you can challenge and motivate your students as they succeed with these back-to-school activities from the Education World Tech Team.

Back-to-School Teacher Templates
Education World introduces the first in a series of printable, editable templates you can customize and use in your classroom.

Gee Whiz! Great Site-Building Advice from 'Web Wizards'
Is this the year you're finally going to create your classroom Web site? Have you been admiring other teachers' home pages and wondering how they make it look so easy? Do you wonder why some sites are naturally appealing and others are simply overwhelming? To help those of you who are ready to add an online component to their classrooms this fall but are new to Web site creation, Education World turned to its panel of 'Web Wizards'. These educator-Webmasters have "been there and done that" -- and share their best tips for Web site success!

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