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Though it may have gone unnoticed by most K–12 users of Internet2, in the 2 years since the publication of Erika Miller’s article, “Internet2, K–12 and Librarians,” in the September/October 2006 issue of MultiMedia & Internet@Schools, the available bandwidth for this powerful network has increased dramatically. Now capable of moving along at 100 gigabits per second, Internet2 (I2) provides powerful new potential for the research and education communities to take advantage of an ever-increasing range of options for high-speed applications that change the way students and educators learn and teach.
With Web 2.0, the number and functionality of fee-based and free interactive electronic resources available for K–12 classrooms have grown and changed tremendously in the last 5 years. In this article, the sixth in Robert Congleton's series of reviews, he looks at four websites he found particularly notable for the interactive programs they offer. These are programs that can be integrated into K–12 classrooms either as part of the curriculum or as learning supplements. One is a fee-based database while the others are free to use but require user registration.
Of our 53 million K–12 students, 51 million of them (or 93%) play video games, and neither that number nor the value the games they play should be dismissed. After all, these days there are games being produced by “a new crop of entrepreneur-developers who believe that today’s games must be anchored in more specific pedagogical design principles. They also believe that to stand the test of time, today’s games must not only engage but teach ,” says author and game developer Ntiedo Etuk. Read on. Find out more.
Resources or tools that facilitate elementary classroom processes but aren’t major curriculum or textbook components can take at least three forms: tools that help teachers with their daily work; materials (software or electronics) that can be used for learning centers with individual students or small groups of learners; and online or electronic materials and software that support the curriculum or help teaching in some other way. This article takes a look at a few examples of new technology-based possibilities for elementary education. Several of the items mentioned here can be used across grades K–12, but they are well-worth considering in an elementary resources context.
In her previous column Mary Ann Bell protested loudly, “I’m Mad and I Am Not Gonna Take It Any More!” regarding overly restrictive internet filters. In this column, she shares some tactics for gaining access, starting here with the bandwagon ploy: “Everybody else is doing it!” After all, decision makers need to know that many educators are moving ahead with Web 2.0 sites.
Trek back in history to the reign of the pharaohs. Uncover the secrets of mummification. Lift the shroud of mystery surrounding the great pyramids. Translate hieroglyphic writing. Open the door to anthropology and archeology through the study of Ancient Egypt. With Cyberbee's guidance this month, your students will discover and solve many mysteries.
Much behavior in the teacher-librarian/media specialist community is too often driven by opinion and no data. And every class, every school, every library club, every community, is, or can be, different. However, when you are attempting to empower your learners to excel, it is incumbent on you to have an informed view of their technological bent. So Stephen Abram has devoted this month’s column to providing you with a starting point for checking out where your students stand in the technological spectrum.
Like that of many others, the condition of the technology in Mary Alice Anderson’s district has declined to the point of continuing frustration. The need for change was obvious. Even this longtime Mac user and champion knew they had to do something … And so they did. In this column, Mary Alice shares her district’s success story in the hopes that she can help media and technology specialists in similar situations remain … well … a little less discouraged.
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Register and Be Entered to Win a Free iPod Shuffle!
Register for free access to our comprehensive product reviews and to receive MMIS Xtra and be automatically registered for a chance to win a free iPod Shuffle!
November 2008 Winner:
Jean Whittman, English teacher at Dryden High School in Dryden, New York
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CyberBee’s Web Pick
For November 15, 2008: try out BookHooks and introduce your younger students to a place where they can share their book reports with other readers in a safe environment.
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In the Spotlight
Google Apps Education Edition
Google Apps Education Edition offers a variety of email, calendar, and collaboration tools directly from a computer browser.
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POPULAR ARTICLES |
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Applications are now being accepted for the National Center For Women & Information Technology/Bank of America Award for Aspirations in Computing.
Posted 10 Nov 2008
The TriCaster DUO is designed to enable elementary and middle schools to produce network-style live television newscasts.
Posted 07 Nov 2008
The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) launched a Green Computing Leadership Initiative designed to help schools identify ways to reduce waste, save energy and promote sustainability.
Posted 10 Nov 2008
The Encyclopedia of the Arab-Israeli Conflict provides a general reference work encompassing all aspects of the contentious Arab-Israeli relationship from biblical times to the present.
Posted 09 Nov 2008
More than 3,000 students nationwide are being assessed with Learning.com’s newest assessment, designed to go beyond assessing whether students are proficient using technology tools.
Posted 12 Nov 2008
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