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Jane Margolis, a senior researcher at the
Institute for Democracy, Education, and
Access at UCLA’s Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, has published a book called Stuck in the Shallow
End: Education, Race, and Computing.
The book, cowritten by Rachel Estrella, Joanna Goode, Jennifer
Jellison Holme, and Kimberly Nao, examines the daily experiences
of students and teachers in three Los Angeles public high schools:
an overcrowded urban high school, a math and science magnet
school, and a well-funded school in an affluent neighborhood. The
authors found that the race gap in computer science is a poignant
example of the ways that students of color are denied access to a
wide range of occupational and education opportunities. The book
is published by MIT Press and costs $24.95.
MORE INFO: The MIT Press, 1.800.405.1619
http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item/default.asp?ttype= 2&tid=11550
CustomGuide Software Training
has released nearly 100 Software
Quick References for free public
use. The Quick References contain
commands and shortcuts for such
programs as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and
Word; Apple Mac OS; and Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop.
They are in PDF format and printable for easy distribution.
MORE INFO: www.customguide.com/quick_references.htm
Autodesk Inc. has launched Animation Academy 2009,
a six-part curriculum that introduces students to 3D
animation and visual effects technology while immersing them in core academic subjects such as science,
math, and English language arts. Animation Academy
2009 adheres to the International Technology Education
Association standards and the U.S. STEM standards for
science, technology, math, and engineering. The curriculum includes comprehensive project-based lessons
on astronomy, architecture, the human digestive system,
weather systems, forensics and an independent study.
Contact manufacturer for pricing.
MORE INFO: Autodesk Inc.
www.autodesk.com/pr-animationacademy
Tabula Digita has released a
new version of the educational
video game Math Evolver:
Virus Origin, which teaches pre-algebra skills. This math
program is suitable for children in grades 6–9. The simulation format features 3D graphics, sound, animation, and
storylines comparable to those found in many commercial
video games. The embedded lessons align with the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Contact manufacturer for pricing.
MORE INFO: Tabula Digita, 1.212.529.3450
www.dimensionm.com
Coming Next Issue in
Transforming Education
Through Online Learning
Online learning is creating new opportunities for
thousands of students across the globe. Educators
who embrace these reforms see this trend as a
way to strengthen schools and meet the individual
needs of students.
Designing Effective Online Courses
Online courses are flexible and convenient for
students, but creating them takes time and
careful planning. Educators need to reflect on the
goals of a course change when transitioning from
a classroom setting to a virtual environment.
Collaborating with Web Conferencing Tools
Teachers, school counselors, and administrators
need only to put on their headsets, check the
time zone, and log on to meet and learn from
educators across the globe. This article describes
how to get started.
