Technology & Learning - November 2008 - (Page 12)

news trends Must Reads Teaching in the Digital Age: Using the Internet to Increase Student Engagement and Understanding By Kristen Nelson, Corwin Press, 2008 This book illustrates how teaching and learning are strengthened when Web resources are integrated with brain-based instruction to meet students' individual learning needs. The author supplies the tools and framework for using Internet-based, brainfriendly activities to promote students comprehension across content areas. Physical Education Technology Playbook By Darla Castelli, Leah Fiorentino, Human Kinetics, 2008 Promote healthy physical activity choices among physical education teachers and students through the integration of technology. Economics of Distance and Online Learning: Theory, Practice and Research By William Bramble, et.al., Routledge, 2008 Provides a comprehensive overview of the organizational models of distance and online learning from an international perspective and from the point of view of economic planning, costing and management decision-making. The book promotes further understanding and critical reflection on the part of administrators, practitioners, and researchers of distance education and training. A TOUCH OF E-LEARNING North Carolina beta-tests iPod touch in Chapel Hill venture There’s a lot of anticipation in Chapel Hill, NC, where an elementary and a middle school are working with North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) to develop courses based on using the iPod touch. Culbreth Middle School has jumped into the new program with teacher training and student involvement. Principal Susan Wells seeded with $30,000 (of what eventually could be as much as $300,000) via NCVPS and has delivered Apple’s iPod touch to students who are part of AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination), which places academically average kids in advanced classes and gives them support to succeed in those classes and go to college. Bryan Setser, NCVPS executive director, says, “We went to the strongest academic district. We’re the hub and Chapel Hill the beta site. We’re a course developer, using our partners. This is really no different than funding classroom resources like textbooks.” Principal Wells believes they could not access information through any learning tool in a more engaging way. “Desktops are not where we are; smart computers are it. Students are accustomed to being connected.” All of Culbreth’s staff of 80 already have an iPod touch and is working with Apple on course development. Hundreds of apps are available—quick tutorials on math, a thesaurus and dictionary, and formulas. Wells says, “We’re creating very small pieces on writing and so forth, not really grade-specific, more on content. For instance, physical education teachers may want videos for students to practice exercises.” In Culbreth’s 50-minute class periods, teachers use different apps in guided breakout groups, rotating assignments. Wells says, “Students function from this mobile place; we want to marry it as one of a number of learning tools.” Steering teams of teachers participate in research and design. The master team in Chapel Hill is supported through blogs and discussion boards. Student feedback comes in the spring. As her program begins, Wells will keep iPods onsite, but plans for home use are being explored. —Barbara Axelson 12 | TECH & LEARNING

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Technology & Learning - November 2008

Technology & Learning - November 2008 Contents Editor’s Desk News & Trends Put to the Test WeeWorld Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection SAS Curriculum Pathways Rosetta Stone Classroom Version Pulse Smartpen Highlights from T&L Top Classrooms Kepping the VoIP from Being the Wrong Number Watch It Back Office Business What’s New Keeping Tabs Leader of the Year Profile: Music to Their Ears

Technology & Learning - November 2008

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