Are schools doing enough to integrate technology in learning?

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September 14, 2012 CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF Share | Sign up | Archive | Advertise Head of the Class    Are schools doing enough to integrate technology in learning? More than half of U.S. teachers interviewed for a recent Dell survey said students are more proficient at using technology than they are. The survey, which evaluates digital learning in the U.S., China and Germany, shows the U.S. could do more in terms of using technology in the classroom. T.H.E. Journal (9/13)       Complete, Online Writing and Grammar Curriculum New from Zaner-Bloser: Meet 100% of the Writing and writing-related Language Common Core State Standards with Strategies for Writers—now available in a completely digital format! Tour our virtual classroom today to view and interact with free samples and to learn about the all-digital program option, the Strategies for Writers Online Writing Center. eLearning    How teachers can plug into videoconferencing In this blog post, fourth-grade teacher Stephanie Bader suggests ways in which teachers can use videoconferencing in the classroom. She suggests using the technology to help connect students with subject-matter experts, professionals and other teachers and students they might not otherwise be in contact with. She also suggests several resources to help teachers initiate videoconferencing and recommends starting small. Powerful Learning Practice (9/13)         Other News 13-year-old creates STEM curriculum with Legos The Oregonian (Portland) (9/11)       Reading Intervention Webinar Series, Part 1: 9/25, 2pm ET Join Foundations in Learning's panel of experts on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 2:00pm ET to discuss Reading Intervention in the general population. Learn what has worked at Hillside Elementary School in West Des Moines, Iowa, and how RTI Tier II strategies have improved automatic word recognition skills and have facilitated fluency and comprehension. Register Now Systems Management    Online courses to be part of new La. Course Choice program Louisiana is setting up a new educational choice program to allow students in low-performing schools or in schools with limited offerings to take courses -- virtual and in-person -- from multiple providers, ranging from tutoring companies to trade groups. Approved by the Legislature in April, the Course Choice program will redirect local and state education dollars to pay course fees for students, and several groups, including Sylvan Learning, already have applied to participate in the marketplace. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org) (9/12)       Other News Fla. district to ensure certified educators teach online courses Florida Today (Melbourne) (tiered subscription model) (9/13)       National School Speed Test initiative to assess Internet connections Engadget (9/13)       As students transition from elementary mathematics to middle school, many start to lose interest in academic success. Think Through Math is designed to transform how students feel about math and dramatically improve their achievement on the rigorous road to Algebra. Web-based and adaptive, TTM motivates all students to persevere and succeed. Download our free white paper. Managing Budgets    Cost of technology leads district to adopt BYOT policy A Virginia school district is experimenting with a bring-your-own-technology policy to help reduce expenses and improve instruction. Students are invited to use their own devices -- including iPads and smartphones -- in class. The school also has 50 iPads on hand for students who do not have their own technology. "With limited funds, you can't buy devices for every student to use," said principal Tony Francis. The News & Advance (Lynchburg, Va.) (9/13)       Travel Abroad With Your Students If you've ever considered leading a group of students overseas, download 5 Steps to Planning an Educational Tour. This free guide offers teachers the tools and knowledge to start organizing an unforgettable journey abroad as well as tips for selecting a tour style and obtaining school board approval. Get your free guide today. Schools and Social Media    YouTube launches video contest for teachers YouTube has announced the start of a contest in which they will ask teachers to submit video lessons, and a panel of top online educators will select the best one. "The rise of online educational videos is giving learners access to the world's greatest thinkers and teachers, leveling the playing field for all," YouTube said in a blog post announcing the contest. "We believe that inspiring online educators can come from all walks of life, and we want to find the next generation of educational YouTube stars." TechCrunch (9/13)         SchoolTube website highlights education videos Teachers and students looking for a place to share educational videos can turn to a free website called SchoolTube. The St. Louis-based site now has about 400,000 videos online. Featured videos include lessons on concepts such as the quadratic equations and a parody about school science-lab safety. Time.com/Techland blog (9/13)       In her new DVD Talk to Me English teacher Cris Tovani invites your staff into her classroom to observe 14 individual and 5 group conferences where she differentiates instruction by listening to, learning about, and connecting with her students. Click here now to view two conferences from the DVD! Last Byte  Social networking reduces exercise time, study finds The amount of time students spend on social-networking sites reduces the amount of time they are active and exercising, according to research from the University of Ulster. Online surveys from 350 students also showed that Facebook users were less likely to play team sports. HealthDay News (9/13)       SmartQuote  Don't assume a door is closed; push on it. Do not assume if it was closed yesterday that it was closed today." --Marian Wright Edelman, American activist       SmartBrief delivers need-to-know news in over 100 targeted email newsletters to over 3 million readers. 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