Learning and Leading - August 2011

The U.S. National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training has released “Profiles in Innovation: How the Enhancing Education through Technology Program is Improving Teaching and Learning in America’s Schools.” The report highlights excellent uses of U.S. educational technology money by districts and states. The success stories come from 10 states, including Alabama, California, Connecticut, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, and Washington.

MORE INFO: www.nctet.org

The Civil War Reporter, a new feature on the U.S. National Park Service’s website, offers daily dispatches from reporter Beglan O’Brien, a fictional Civil War correspondent. The website commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. O’Brien reports on the people and events of the times. He follows the story wherever it takes him, from assignments embedded with Union and Confederate soldiers to covering President Lincoln at Gettysburg. He posts updates on Twitter @CivilWarReportr.

MORE INFO: www.nps.gov/civilwar150

Califone International Inc. has launched the Wireless Tablet Interface, designed with educators in mind. Once installed and calibrated with a Windows operating system, the lightweight tablet enables users to control computer desktop and presentation functions remotely. In addition, the wireless functionality allows use up to 50 feet from the computer when connected to a USB receiver. When used with a computer and connected to a projector or whiteboard, the tablet allows increased classroom interactivity and online learning. Users can erase sketches, magnify images and details, and capture snapshots of the on-screen display to point out or add specific information to any existing presentation. With 18 available frequency channels, additional tablets can be assigned a unique identity, preventing interference within a 100-foot radius. By using the tablets in groups, students are able to engage in shared discussion and learning.

MORE INFO: www.califone.com For the first time, ISTE is offering download-able NETS•S posters. Each of the six miniposters showcases a different standard. They print out on 8. 5" × 11" paper and cost $6.95 for nonmembers and $4.87 for members.

MORE INFO: iste.org/store

Celebrating Excellent Educators Ever wonder what makes excellent educators, well, excellent? L&L senior editor Diana Fingal takes a closer look at several of the teachers, media specialists, and administrators who won 2011 ISTE awards. She’ll highlight some of their projects and share how they motivate, inspire, and engage their digital age students.

Rigor, Relevance, and Technology How can you be sure teachers are equipped to use technology effectively as they confront today’s paradigm shift away from traditional practice? Authors Andrew Halter and Jeff Finch explain how a focus on assessment combined with professional development in the form of instructional coaching has helped teachers target higher-order thinking.

What’s in Your Backpack? Researchers James D. Basham and Helen Meyer of the University of Cincinnati team up with Ernest Perry of the National Freedom Railroad Center to introduce the digital backpack—a handy sack of tools, resources, and instructional materials handpicked for their ability to engage students in project-and problem-based learning.