   | | | Head of the Class |  | | |  | - Why text-messaging might not harm students' grammar skills
While some researchers have found that students' text-messaging can have a negative effect on their grammar skills, others disagree, saying such studies make too many generalizations. Linguistics expert Susana Sotillo says that, in some cases, those who alternate between "texting language" and standard language possess an expanded vocabulary. "Children know that when you're in school, you do not use texting language," Sotillo said. "It's up to the teacher to say it's not acceptable." NorthJersey.com (Hackensack, N.J.) (free registration) (8/13)       | eLearning | | | |  | - U.K. teacher examines the pros, cons of the iPad
In this blog post, David Andrews, a teacher in the United Kingdom, writes about the pros and cons of using iPads in the classroom, rather than laptop computers. Among the benefits, he writes, are usability, superior audio-visual tools, electronic books and tools that enable creativity. The downside, Andrews writes, is that the devices are not compatible with Adobe Flash and Javascript, do not facilitate multitasking and have poor word-processing capabilities. The Guardian (London)/Teacher Network blog (8/13) - Students with disabilities face obstacles to school technology
Students who have disabilities face barriers to accessing emerging technology such as learning management and student information systems being used at many universities and colleges. "It is a matter of civil rights and basic inclusion," said Dianne Hengst, director of disability services at the University of Texas at San Antonio. "The highest unemployed population in the world is the disabled, so it is important to provide everyone with the same opportunity to be successful." San Antonio Express-News (8/13) - Some Ohio schools introduce blended learning
Some Ohio schools and districts this year are turning to blended learning models to teach middle- and high-school students, following the state's passage of an education reform bill that encourages such programs. In Westerville, students can take a teacher-created online health course, while newly redesigned classrooms at one Reynoldsburg middle school allow seventh-graders to move between online learning and face-to-face instruction. "This is a new delivery model that gives some students a chance to really examine their potential," said Machelle Kline, Westerville's director of assessment, accountability and alternative education. The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio) (8/12)  |  | What are 8 keys to schoolwide math success? Small Steps, Big Changes helps you and your staff set goals, create a culture of mathematical thinking, and translate high-level standards such as Common Core into effective classroom practice. Includes examples from diverse schools across the country. Preview the entire book online! |
 | | - School lunch accounts go high-tech
Two school districts in Oklahoma are using online lunch-account management programs that allow parents to load money digitally and check their balances online -- or in some cases, through a mobile application. School nutrition professionals say the programs -- MyPaymentsPlus and MyNutrikids.com -- have helped speed up cafeteria lines and offer a more convenient way for parents to keep their children's meal accounts up to date. The Edmond Sun (Okla.) (8/10) | Managing Budgets | | | |  | - Mich. district loses state funding over virtual school
Michigan has eliminated $480,000 in aid to a school district after officials found that students at a virtual school there did not communicate via phone or e-mail with a "mentor" each week, as they are required to under state law. "The district lost a half-million dollars on a terrible technicality," said Robert Dietzel, an attorney representing the district. "There's no doubt that the children received an education." MLive.com (Michigan) (free registration) (8/13) |  | Become a leader in online education. Earn a Master of Distance Education and E-learning from University of Maryland University College (UMUC). Choose from three specializations: teaching and training, policy management or technology. An interest-free monthly payment plan is available, plus financial aid for those who qualify. |
 | | - Resources to help teachers use Pinterest in the classroom
 Amy Erin Borovoy, Edutopia's digital media curator, in this blog post shares resources for using the social network Pinterest in the classroom. Borovoy writes that Edutopia is starting its own Pinterest account, and provides links to several video resources on what Pinterest is and how teachers are using it. Included is a guide for online educators and tips from teacher Kim Fernandes on using Pinterest to involve parents. Edutopia.org/Amy Erin Borovoy's blog (8/10) | | | - Active video games offer exercise, but not enough, study says
An analysis of 41 studies on active video games found that just three effectively increased physical activity levels, while most did not provide the half-hour of moderate-to-vigorous exercise adults should get daily, Michigan State University researchers said. The study on the website of Health Education & Behavior said so-called "exergames" could be helpful for seniors who want light-to-moderate activity, and are most effective when used during a structured program. HealthDay News (8/10)  | Continuous effort -- not strength or intelligence -- is the key to unlocking our potential."
--Winston Churchill,
British prime minister |
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