Learning and Leading - March/April 2012

Blackboard Inc. and NBC Learn have launched

“Solutions in Action,” an online video series focusing on innovation and successful uses of technology in education. The videos explore topics that range from better ways to measure student progress to virtual platforms that expand access to new and unique subjects in the classroom to project-based design technologies. The videos celebrate some of education’s top influencers and their contributions in and out of the classroom.

MORE INFO: www.blackboard.com/About-Bb/Solutions-in-Action. aspx?cmpid=HB_NBCSIA-Hrabowski-112811

The Azend Group has released the ZIPPY BT-500, a compact wireless keyboard that supports most Bluetooth-enabled devices, including Apple’s iPad 1 and 2, the iPod touch, and the latest releases of iOS5 and iPhone 4S. The ZIPPY BT-500 connects to six Bluetooth devices simultaneously and features one-touch fast-switch technology between all six devices in a matter of seconds. The Media Function keys allow the user to change the volume, scroll through sound tracks, launch the web browser, and much more with one touch. In addition, this compact wireless keyboard has a transmission range up to 33 feet and is compatible with smartphone devices, PDAs, and tablet PCs equipped with Bluetooth technology.

MORE INFO: www.azendcorp.com/index.php/ products/pc-accessories/89-bt-500

Discovery Education and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute have expanded the Turfmutt program to include content for students in grades K– 2. Designed to get students outside investigating the benefits of landscaping and recycling, TurfMutt online lessons and resources help students understand the importance of yards, flowers, bushes, and trees.

MORE INFO: http://turfmutt.discoveryeducation.com/homepage.cfm

Educreations has released an app for the iPad that turns your tablet into a recordable whiteboard. The Educreations Interactive Whiteboard app allows educators to create video tutorials by touching, tapping, and talking. You can easily explain a math formula, create an animated lesson, add commentary to photos, diagram a sports play, and more. When you’re done, you can email the files, share them on social media sites, or post them on the web.

MORE INFO: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/educreations- interactive-whiteboard/id478617061?mt= 8

Bring Back the Boys

Alarming statistics indicate that boys are tuning out of learning because school culture is out of sync with boy culture. Alison Carr-Chellman, a professor at Pennsylvania State University, USA, suggests that using video games in the classroom is one of many ways to re-engage boys in their education.

AIMing for Digital Equity How do we ensure that instructional materials are universally designed to be flexible, accessible, and usable for all students? Authors Gayl Bowser and Joy Zabala address the importance of accessible instructional materials (AIM) for students with and without identified learning disabilities.

Get Results with Formative Assessment Cate Sommervold and Melissa Goodwin describe how teachers in their South Dakota school district improved learning outcomes by participating in a one-year professional development program on integrating digital age skills into the classroom and using formative assessments to improve their teaching.