The EDGE: Cloud technology offers new opportunities, challenges for schools

Tips to help schools launch successful STEM programs | Technology changes the role of school librarians | Education Cartoon

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July 2, 2013

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Head of the Class

Cloud technology offers new opportunities, challenges for schools

A growing number of school districts nationwide are partnering with inBloom and other firms that are blending education data with cloud technology -- allowing them to store students' data in one location and use it in new ways, such as personalizing instruction for students. However, as the cloud-technology platforms become more common, they are drawing criticism in some places, including New York, where there are concerns about students' privacy and transparency. CNNMoney (6/28)

eLearning

Tips to help schools launch successful STEM programs

STEM is a hot topic in education, and while many are seeking to establish programs in science, technology, engineering and math, success remains elusive for some, writes Doug Haller, principal of Haller STEM Education Consulting. In this blog post, he suggests that to launch successful STEM initiatives, schools first define STEM, provide teachers and administrators time and flexibility to work together, address potential barriers, engage outside partners early on and "don't get hung up on the acronym." SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Education (7/1)

Systems Management

Technology changes the role of school librarians
The role of the school librarian has changed in Massachusetts and elsewhere, with some districts turning librarians into technology specialists and others eliminating the positions entirely. Fairhaven Public Schools Superintendent Robert Baldwin said his district eliminated librarian positions in favor of hiring technology specialists. "The instructional technology teachers are not just going to be teaching the students, they're going to be teaching the adults how to integrate technology into their instruction," he said. "I look at it as expanding and enhancing the role." SouthCoastToday.com (New Bedford, Mass.) (tiered subscription model) (7/1)

Education Cartoon

Managing Budgets

Ohio schools expect millions of dollars in lost federal aid
Federal sequestration likely will result in 5.2% in cuts from 14 federal programs that serve schools in Ohio, the state's Department of Education announced Monday. That likely will result in $66 million less in federal aid for the 2013-14 school year. The cuts will affect school districts differently based on their enrollment of students in special education and those from low-income households, state Superintendent Richard Ross said. The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) (7/1)

Schools and Social Media

What are the most popular channels on YouTube EDU?

A growing number of people are using YouTube's video-sharing services for educational purposes, according to NBC reporter Stephanie Gosk. In this article, Gosk compiles a list of some of the most popular channels on YouTube EDU, including Steve Spangler's "The Spangler Effect;" Rob Tarrou's math lessons, which have been viewed worldwide; and videos by Paul Anderson, who began by taping lessons for his own students and soon gained an online following. NBC News (7/1)

Last Byte

Stars not aligned for a rebound in PC market, analysts say
Analysts highlighted the "deteriorating conditions" of the PC market in recently released sales and shipment data for May, which show the sector continues to atrophy despite the temporary hype surrounding the release of Windows 8.1. On Friday, IDC became the latest research firm to sound the warning, following a forecast of double-digit declines from Citi Research, with estimates that the PC market will experience negative 7.8% growth in 2013. CNET (6/30)