Engineering Education

Technology adds to students? math comprehension - Maya T. Prabhu, eSchool News

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:40 GMT

Research suggests the use of tools that enhance visual learning, such as the INTERWRITE Mobi, can help students learn math. Recent studies from two different continents point to the value of education technology in helping students grasp important yet abstract math concepts?and in both studies, animations that allow students to visualize these concepts were central to the results. In one research

WebIntel honors science excellence - Maya T. Prabhu, eSchool News

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:35 GMT

The top three winners of the Intel Science Talent Search contest took home scholarships totaling more than $200,000. Space exploration could become cheaper and more efficient, and scientists might understand how genetics influence the spread of prostate cancer?thanks to the work of some very talented high school students.

2.0's Power to Brand Public Service - Brittany Ballenstedt, NextGov

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:30 GMT

Monster.com's Unleash the Monster blog has an interesting post about how federal agencies can leverage social media to brand themselves to potential recruits. NASA, for example, has generated renewed interest in the agency through the use of Web 2.0 tools, in part by tweeting from space and utilizing Tweetups, or in-person meetings that allow the agency to interact face-to-face with the public.

Web inventor calls for government data transparency - Chris Vallance, BBC News

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:25 GMT

Sir Tim Berners-Lee was hired to work on the project in June 2009. Countries should be judged on their willingness to open up public data to their citizens, the inventor of the world wide web has told the BBC. He said "openness of data and the neutrality of the network" should be considered as important as free speech. Sir Tim Berners-Lee is an advisor to a UK project - data.gov.uk - that

World wakes up to digital divide - Jane Wakefield, BBC News

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:20 GMT

Some of the world's poorest nations are getting to grips with technologyThe digital divide, like many other economic or social problems, is a global issue. From the most switched on countries such as Sweden to the poorest nations in Africa there is a widening gap between those with access to technology and those without. The gap between countries on the same continent is also getting wider.

Technology addicts offered treatment - Zoe Kleinman, BBC News

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:15 GMT

The therapy is aimed at "screenagers" - teens who spend hours a day online. Technology addicts can now seek treatment at a London hospital which has launched bespoke treatment for those diagnosed with the condition. The programme is designed for young people who spend large amounts of time each day playing computer games or using social network websites.

Online learning ?offers new opportunities? - i-to-i Chalkboard News

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:10 GMT

Students and teachers are benefitting from the progress being made in online learning techniques, according to one education insider. Jamie O?Connell, marketing director of the Student Room, claimed that the internet allows people to get "credible support" from their peers by logging on to the web. In his view, online technology opens up new opportunities for learning outside of the traditional classroom, with fresh tools and resources available for use in education.

Adventure Learning: Authentic online learning - Aaron Doering and Charles Miller, eSchool News

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:05 GMT

Students and teachers gain valuable real-world experiences online. Adventure learning (AL) is a recent framework used for designing and developing online learning. This AL approach engages teachers and students using a blended approach in the delivery of authentic, adventure-based narratives. The blended, online, and web-delivery approaches to online learning in K-12 classrooms are growing rapidly as teachers and students have increasing access to the internet and teachers are becoming well-versed in the use of web-based technologies. Online learning is here to stay and there is much concern about the quality of distance education design and delivery, with numerous studies offering models for effective technology implementation and integration.

Inside a GRPS online learning class - Tony Tagliavia, WOOD 8

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:01 GMT

They are high school freshmen in the same Grand Rapids Public Schools classroom, but Eduardo Moreno is studying fjords, Devon Baker is studying oceans and Araceli Hurtado is studying the history of the United Farm Workers.
"It's pretty flexible in here," teacher Melissa Gorman told 24 Hour News 8. "My students are taking two to three classes online. They can choose which subject they want to be working on."

High Point University Libraries Utilize Social Media And Late Night Hours To Help Students Stay In Touch

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:40 GMT

In the old days, a card catalog and a microfilm reader were considered high-tech in terms of tools in the library, but students today need much, much more ? and thanks to ever-growing services in the High Point University libraries, students have everything they need and more. Case in point? The library is on Facebook, and students can literally be in touch with the library all day, every day ? a

Intel gives teachers tech instruction - Luci Scott, The Arizona Republic

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:36 GMT

The father of a student at Galveston Elementary School in Chandler needed to write a letter, but he didn't know how to use a computer and didn't have one at home. So, with the school's blessing, the family visited Galveston when classes weren't in session, and the child showed his father how to write the letter.The child is a first-grader. "School computers are available to parents, who learn

Why Sex-Ed Remains a Challenge for Social Media - Geoff Livingston, Mashable

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:30 GMT

Addressing the very private nature of intimacy remains the most difficult aspect of sex-ed on the social web. While ?Public Health 2.0? is a top priority for related causes and organizations, it can be difficult to approach from a social media standpoint. Because it?s the most private and sensitive of issues, many people are embarrassed or offended by conversations about sex. However, many

Tracking Electric Use Could Allow Utilities to Track You, Too - STEVE LOHR, NY Times

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:25 GMT

Smart electric grids are championed by the federal government, conservation groups and industry as good for the economy and the environment. The digital meters in homes enable measurement and two-way communication with utilities so consumers can trim electricity use. But some technology policy organizations worry that smart meters pose a potential threat to privacy and could be exploited by

Apple Hires Wearable Computing Engineer - NICK BILTON, NY Times

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:20 GMT

Apple has hired Richard DeVaul, a veteran of the wearable computing field and co-founder of AWare Technologies, a technology company focused on creating products for the fitness and ?wellness? markets. According to Computerworld, Mr. DeVaul will be a senior prototype scientist at Apple, presumably working on some of the technologies he discusses on his blog

M.I.T. Researchers Create Molecular Chips - NICK BILTON, NY Times

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:15 GMT

As devices continue to get smaller, universities and private technology companies have continued to build smaller computer chips. But the miniaturization techniques they currently use, which date back more than 50 years, are reaching their limits and may not continue to work for much longer.

New prof rating system - Olivia Koester, Manitou Messenger

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:10 GMT

In an unanimous vote by the Student Senate on Tuesday, the Student Government Association officially proposed that St. Olaf have its own way of rating professors and courses called the Course and Teaching Evaluation (CATE). This idea is generating a copious amount of attention from St. Olaf students and faculty. To shed light on the the issue, a Senate committee headed by Mohn Hall Senator Jon Laven ?12 has been promoting the proposed system.
?[CATE is] a classy version of ratemyprofessors.com [that] would allow students to evaluate courses and view ratings via SIS,? Laven said, referring to the Student Information System.

Online Learning: Merrill schools to go virtual - Charles Menchaca, Wausau Daily Herald

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:05 GMT

Merrill Area Public Schools next year will expand its course options beyond traditional classrooms. The district will offer classes from three online programs for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Merrill Superintendent Lisa Snyder has invited all interested families to a meeting on the courses Monday at Merrill High School. The district wanted to provide a computer-based way of learning to Merrill families that would attract more students than its current enrollment. There are about 3,000 students in Merrill public schools.

Cathy Mincberg Speaks to Gates Foundation Panel About Online Learning as a Disruptive Innovation

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:01 GMT

Cathy Mincberg recently spoke to school innovators from around the country as part of a Bill and Melinda Gates conference on "Creating a Literacy Spine by Design". The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is funding partner school districts and charter management organizations around the country to rapidly build and scale innovations that ensure that students leave high school truly ready for college or careers. To expand thinking about innovation, a panel entitled "What Will Disrupt Literacy Learning / Instruction as We Know It?" provoked attendees by illustrating how innovative ideas can disrupt education in a way that makes quantum, rather than incremental, improvements possible. Dr. Cathy Mincberg talked about how online learning will provide half of all high school courses by 2020.

Universities hope to top Google?s high-speed list - Maya T. Prabhu, eSchool News

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:36 GMT

Google plans to build and test ultra high-speed broadband networks in communities across the United States. As cities and towns vie for the opportunity to be chosen for Google Inc.?s pilot of an experimental, ultra-fast internet network, some colleges and universities have thrown their support behind their local towns. Google is planning to build and test ultra high-speed broadband networks in at

FCC announces Children?s Agenda for broadband - Maya T. Prabhu, eSchool News

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:40 GMT

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski highlighted ways the new National Broadband Plan will affect children and families. Digital access, literacy, citizenship, and safety are the four key areas of focus in the Federal Communications Commission?s plan to bring broadband access to all children. Broadband internet access should be available to 100 percent of American children, but parents should be aware

Colleges embrace MP4 technology for delivering instruction - Dennis Carter, eSchool News

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:30 GMT

The Droid phone is one mobile device enabling students to study anywhere. Four universities are giving students the chance to complete certificate and degree programs by downloading class material to mobile devices like iPhones and iPods in a distance-learning initiative that one day could be commonplace in higher education. The University Alliance, one of the country?s largest online education

Opera Introduces Mini 5 and Mobile 10 Browsers - Michelle Maisto, eWeek

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:25 GMT

Opera?s new Mini 5 and Mobile 10 mobile Web browsers are designed to compress the data sent to a phone by up to 90 percent, speeding up browsing time and lowering bills for pay-by-byte customers. Both are now available as free downloads.

Facebook Soaring in Search, Popularity, Researchers Say - Clint Boulton, eWeek

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:20 GMT

Facebook saw search queries grow 10 percent in February 2010 and surpassed Google in the U.S. to become the most visited Website for the week ending March 13. Facebook.com reached the No. 1 ranking on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day as well as the weekend of March 6th and 7th, said HitWise. Meanwhile, comScore said search queries on Facebook grew from 395 million in January 2010

SuperPower: Visualising the internet - BBC

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:15 GMT

Explore this interactive graphic to find out which are the biggest sites on the internet, as measured by the Nielsen company. This feature is part of SuperPower, a season of programmes exploring the power of the internet. (Very Cool!)

College 2.0: More Professors Could Share Lectures Online to Extend Learning Opportunities. But Should They? - Jeffrey R. Young, chronicle of Higher Ed

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:10 GMT

"Camera shy" is not the first phrase that comes to my mind for Siva Vaidhyanathan. The University of Virginia faculty member commands healthy fees for his lively presentations on media studies and law at conferences, and he has even appeared on The Daily Show With Jon Stewart. But he's not sure if he should record his lectures?or if he does, whether he should share them freely online.

New Web site offers career courses via online learning for Michigan's out-of-work baby boomers - AnnArbor.com

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:05 GMT

If they choose to stay in the state, thousands of unemployed Michigan factory workers will need to re-brand their careers, experts say.
But how?
Online, non-credit courses with the LEARN program aim to help baby boomers laid off from manufacturing industry jobs answer that question, said University of Michigan professor Lynn Wooten, who helped to develop the program's curriculum.

High school summer school learning goes online - Tim Troglen, Hudson Hub Times

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:01 GMT

District students looking for a few extra credits during the traditionally academic downtime of summer will soon be able to move a step closer to graduation without leaving their homes.
Students can sign up now for several online summer school class offerings, including health, U.S. government, geometry and algebra. The classes will be offered June 14 to July 23, with registration ending June 7. The price per class ranges from $170 to $300.

Survey: Digital access, collaboration a must for students - Laura Devaney, eSchool News

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:40 GMT

Students are voicing their opinions about educational issues such as access to digital media tools and online learning. In a national survey that reveals K-12 students? use of technology at home and at school, students overwhelmingly agreed that access to digital media tools and the ability to collaborate with peers both inside and outside of school can greatly enhance education. ?Speak Up 2009:

Online Hate Sites Grow With Social Networks - STEVE LOHR, NY Times

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:35 GMT

Terrorists and racists are turning to online social networks and depending less on traditional Web sites, according to a new report on digital terror and hate speech. The report, by the Simon Wiesenthal Center, found a 20 percent increase in the number of hate and terrorist-abetting Web sites, social network pages, chat forums and micro-bloggers over the past year, to a total of 11,500. ?The real

Online courses from Pamoja Education use Web 2.0 technology to encourage global collaborative learning

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:30 GMT

Pamoja Education, based in Oxford, UK, will use the latest web technologies to develop and deliver a minimum of 27 high quality online courses by 2015 with an aim to increasing this to 70 or more courses by the year 2020. Enrollment for the initial 8 two-year courses is now open. Initial subjects on offer include economics, business and management and information technology in a global society.

US plans to give high-speed broadband to every American - Maggie Shiels, BBC News

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:25 GMT

News Pressure groups see broadband investment as vital to the US economy US regulators have unveiled the nation's first plan to give every American super-fast broadband by 2020. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which has submitted the plan to Congress, said broadband was the "greatest infrastructure challenge".

Cyber crime losses in US almost 'double' during 2009 - BBC

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:20 GMT

Net criminals cashed in during 2009, suggests a report. US losses to online crime almost doubled during 2009, reveals a report. Losses totalled $560m (?371m) in 2009, up from $265m (?176m) in 2008, showed the annual report by the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Complaints about online fraud grew 22% during 2009 and the IC3 received more than 336,655 reports of high-tech crime incidents

Twitter embeds itself in the web - BBC

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:15 GMT

Twitter has announced technology that it hopes will further embed the service into the fabric of the web. @anywhere, as it is known, will allow people using websites such as Amazon or the New York Times to follow new users or share media directly from the page. It was unveiled at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.

Weighing higher education in the budget balancing act - DOROTHY LELAND, Macon Telegraph

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:10 GMT

During the past week, it has appeared that public higher education might become the vehicle for carrying the weight of this budgetary shortfall, although there is now some indication that compromise might be in the air. Failure to continue down that compromise path is a dangerous road to take. Higher education is the engine that feeds economic growth. In fiscal year 2008, the University System of Georgia provided a $12.1 billion (yes, that?s billion with a ?b?) impact on the state of Georgia?s economy. And that?s only measuring the impact of the dollars it spent that year ? it?s not including the impact of its graduates as they enter the work force and make contributions to keeping companies solvent and profitable.

What does the crisis mean? - Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Flame

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:05 GMT

Public higher education is at risk: if we continue down this path of diminished state funding, the University of Illinois will become a de facto private school. The poor in Chicago will lose out on affordable and accessible higher education. Future students will have to pay more money for less quality and fewer options. One thing to keep in mind is that much damage has already been done. The University of Illinois will feel the state's inaction to this point for a few years, at least. But the worst is yet to come if the state does not begin to meet its obligations.

Free online learning AP classes available for S.D. high school students - Bandon, SD Info

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:02 GMT

The Learning Power program helps South Dakota high school students who want to challenge themselves academically and get a leg up on college.
Learning Power Director, Dr. Jim Parry, says, ?It?s exciting to offer a learning opportunity to all students, but in particular to students in small, rural high schools, who have this opportunity for the very first time. It is equally significant that students may earn college credit if they score well on the AP exam.? In 2009, 54 percent of all AP exams taken by Learning Power students received a score of 3 or higher enabling students to receive college credit.

It's Time to Finally Drop Internet Explorer 6 - Tony Bradley, PC World

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:40 GMT

A security researcher has published exploit code for the latest Internet Explorer zero-day flaw on the Web and Microsoft is warning that more attacks against the unpatched vulnerability can be expected in-the-wild. One thing seems to be more apparent with each passing Internet Explorer (IE) vulnerability: its time to upgrade the Web browser.

Does Web 2.0 Need Web Security 2.0? - Katonda News Network

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:36 GMT

Web 2.0 is thriving, and so too are applications that take advantage of this technology. Interactive sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and even company websites are becoming ever more popular, and yet, many IT departments are unprepared for today?s emerging threats. As more companies take to the web to conduct business, the opportunity for attack is increased and organisations need to re-adjust

Employers Want 18th-Century Skills - Mark Bauerlein, Chronicle

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:30 GMT

"Only one in four employers thinks that two-year and four-year colleges are doing a good job in preparing students for the challenges of the global economy." As for employers having a narrow, vocational view of higher education, this finding is a surprise: "Employers believe that colleges can best prepare graduates for long-term career success by helping them develop both a broad range of skills

Internet 'in running' for Nobel Peace Prize - BBC

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:20 GMT

The internet is among a record 237 individuals and organisations nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize. The number of nominations surpasses last year's record of 205 nominations. The internet's nomination has been championed by the Italian version of Wired magazine for helping advance "dialogue, debate and consensus".

Virgin Media to trial broadband over telegraph poles - BBC

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:20 GMT

Virgin Media has started trials to deliver fibre-optic high-speed broadband over telegraph poles. The firm believes it could be used to extend its reach to another one million homes in the UK, mainly in rural areas. The trial will initially deliver 50 megabits per second (Mbps) broadband to the Berkshire village of Woolhampton.

Internet restrictions curtail human rights, says US - BBC

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:15 GMT

Iran's human rights record had "degenerated" after the June elections. Many governments have used the internet to curtail freedom of expression at home, the US state department says in its latest annual human rights report. In many cases new forms of electronic communications are restricted to control domestic dissent, it says.

Colleges of Education Are Urged to Focus More on Online Learning - Jill Laster, Chronicle of Higher Ed

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:10 GMT

The draft of a new federal plan focuses on improving digital learning at the elementary- and secondary-school level, but it calls for changes in higher education as well.
"Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology," released this month by the Department of Education, is a draft of the National Educational Technology Plan 2010. It calls for an increased role for online learning in kindergarten through 12th grade and says colleges of education must include online learning in their curricula as well.

Online learning ?does not mean an easy ride? - Tefl Chalkboard

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:05 GMT

It noted that a 2009 study by the Department of Education found that there were significant improvements achieved by students who undertook online learning programmes, compared to those in a traditional classroom."Well-designed online degree courses make it possible for you to receive your course materials in a variety of media and also encourage you to interact with students and professors beyond e-mail," explained the publication.BBC News recently reported that one potential trend in the UK teaching profession is that there may be more men, with the Training and Development Agency for Schools recording a 52 per cent increase in applicants in 2009/10.

Online courses from Pamoja Education use Web 2.0 technology to encourage global collaborative online learning

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:01 GMT

Teaching Images Digital Experiences

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:40 GMT

The Teaching, Images & Digital Experiences website (TIDES) was started in 2002 by a team at the Steen Library at Stephen F. Austin State University. Since its inception, the collection focused on the "rich historical,cultural, and scientific resources held in Texas and Mexican libraries, museums, archives, historical societies, University Research collections, private collections, state parks and

Museum of Contemporary Art: Podcasts

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:35 GMT

The podcasts available on the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago's website offer "Exhibition Audio Tours", "Talks and Discussions" and "Educator Salons"; something for everyone. Each podcast can be listened to online, or downloaded for later listening. Helpfully, each of the podcasts is divided into smaller "Entries", so visitors can pick and choose which parts of the podcast they would like to

Courseware 1.1.2

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:30 GMT

the Center for History and New Media at George Mason University is always working on new projects, and their Courseware plug-in for Word Press is worth a look. Visitors can use this latest version of Courseware to publishclass schedules, assignments, and bibliographies. Courseware is primarily intended for use by the higher education community, but it could easily be used in high school

Evan Williams says Twitter fundamental to government - BBC

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:25 GMT

Social networks will become a fundamental way we communicate with our governments, businesses and loved ones, Twitter co-founder Evan Williams has told the BBC. He said that Twitter will be expanding into regions where only the simplest of technology is available.

Cloud Computing: 10 Ingenious Tools from Google Apps Marketplace - eWeek

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:20 GMT

When Google recently launched the Apps Marketplace, some wondered just how useful it would be for businesses. Google has historically provided services that appeal to both consumers and the enterprise, but for the most part, its focus has been on more consumer-oriented products, rather than enterprise solutions. But with the Apps Marketplace, all that has changed. Google's online apps repository

IE Attacks Circulate as Microsoft Updates Advisory - Brian Prince, eWeek

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:15 GMT

In the face of ongoing attacks, Microsoft updates its security advisory for an Internet Explorer vulnerability a day after a security researcher published exploit code for the vulnerability on the Internet. Ongoing attacks targeting a new zero-day bug in Internet Explorer and the presence of exploit code on the Web prompted Microsoft March 12 to update its advisory.

Why Families Choose Online Learning - Katie Nordeen, WDIO

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:10 GMT

In this digital age, the world is at our fingertips. It's no wonder then, that an increasing number of today's students are logging online for their schooling. But as this form of education grows, so too does the debate over whether it works.

Above the Law: Classes get Second Life online learning - Josh Law, the East Texan

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:05 GMT

Second Life is a virtual online world where users can log in and quite literally live a second life. The service is totally free to use, though there are options if you wish to pay money for a subscription that allows you to own more land and have more money in the world. The user?s avatar can be anything, and I do mean anything. Some users choose to look like themselves, and others choose to be an animal or plant. Once you have created this avatar for yourself, you are off and running in the virtual world.

The Future of Online Learning Is More Growth - David Nagel, Campus Technology

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:02 GMT

By virtually every measure, electronic learning is experiencing unprecedented growth and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. A new analysis and forecast released this month by research firm Ambient Insight bolstered previous research in this area, showing that electronic learning, by dollar volume, reached $27.1 billion in 2009 and predicting this figure will nearly double that by 2014, with academic institutions leading the way.

Clicking on the Web - Howard Lestrud, ECM Online

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:40 GMT

Global warming or climate change has become a topic of interest to many and it also can be a very controversial item for discussion. World renowned explorer Will Steger, Minnesota born, has dedicated recent efforts to informing the general public about global warming. Steger says, ?We have a responsibility to teach the next generation what global warming is and where the solutions lie.? The Will

Homeland Security wants you to know your cybersecurity ABCs - Brittany Ballenstedt, NextGov

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:35 GMT

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano last week unveiled an initiative that calls on industry experts and the public to develop ways to enhance their awareness of cybersecurity. Speaking at a security conference in San Francisco, Napolitano said the National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign Challenge invites cyber professionals and anyone who is interested to submit ideas for improving the

Discovery Education and Wilkes University Announce First Graduates in Master's Degree Program in Instructional Media

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:30 GMT

Wilkes University and Discovery Education congratulate ten educators and instructional media designers from the United States and Canada for having recently graduated from the innovative online master?s degree program in instructional media offered collaboratively by the two organizations. Launched in June 2008, the 30-credit instructional media program prepares educators to engage today?s

Google Buys DocVerse For Office Collaboration: Chrome, Android & Wave Implications? - Rob Jackson, Phandroid

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:24 GMT

Currently DocVerse is just a plugin for Microsoft Office so you WOULD need a license to use it in that manner. Perhaps they?ll take DocVerse knowledge and incorporate Google Wave with Google Docs so they can create an unparalled collaboration tool? I?m really looking forward to seeing where Google takes this but all-in-all seems like another great move by the GOOG.

The Future of Windows - the Technologizer

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:20 GMT

In 1985, almost all PCs sat on desktops, the Internet was a Defense Department research project, and the cell phone revolution had barely gotten underway. It was also the year that Microsoft launched a DOS front-end called Windows 1.0.Over the past quarter century, Windows has evolved many times, and it will change again in light of Microsoft?s investments in cloud services, mobile platforms, and

The 5 Strangest City Pitches for Google's New Fiber-Optic Service - PCMag.com

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:14 GMT

When Google says, "We have fiber," eyes shoot open. Ears perk up. Creative juices start churning throughout the wacky minds of individuals and groups intent on proving to the Mountain View search giant that their communities are ready for Google to start laying the digital pipes. At least, that's the premise so far: Google's planning to launch tests of its ultra-high-speed broadband networks in

Online Learning: Students use online reviews to find easy graders on faculty - Maureen Downey, Atlanta Journal Constitution

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:10 GMT

With online sites that rate college professors, students have a lot more information at their fingertips when they choose their classes. Now, a survey suggests that a possible byproduct of these teacher review sites is grade inflation as students use the information to identify the easiest professors and those most likely to award higher grades. (I question the accuracy of Internet reviews since I think disgruntled students are more likely to submit comments than happy ones)

E-textbooks: The New Best-sellers - Knowledge@Wharton

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:04 GMT

Will Apple's iPad kill the textbook? Many educators are pointing to Apple Computer's recently announced iPad as the prototype for an e-reader that will be able to hold all the textbooks a student needs. Its color touch-screen, interactive-video capability and virtual keyboard, they say, give it greater potential for textbook users than monochrome readers like Amazon's Kindle. Apple has been quiet about its designs on the textbook business since unveiling its new device, which will go on sale this month. Meanwhile, Hewlett-Packard and Dell have also announced portable tablet computers, and Microsoft is rumored to be developing a two-screen model.

Online Learning: E-books could save students money - Ethan Walker, Univesity of Minnesota Duluth

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:01 GMT

I was one of the lucky ones this semester. I spent $292.50 on my school textbooks. For many years college students have bought textbooks at outrageously high prices and watched as those prices continued to soar while their bank accounts barely manage to stay afloat. It appears that this trend may change with a new development in digital textbooks. That development involves Macmillan, one of the largest textbook manufacturing companies in the world, which has now opened the door for teachers to sort through textbooks and cater them to their specific online classes.

Microsoft's Ballmer: 'For the cloud, we're all in' - Denise Dubie, Network World

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:40 GMT

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer explains why the company is betting on the cloud to provide the next wave of innovation and opportunities for technologists, business and consumers. Microsoft is betting the cloud will deliver it and its customers the most opportunities for innovation and development. And according to CEO Steve Ballmer, five key reasons are driving the company's confidence in -- and

Google claims "Desktops will be irrelevant in 3 years" - John Crowther, Metro

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:34 GMT

Google executive John Herlihy has stated that desktop computers will be irrelevant within three years as users turn to smartphone technology. Then there is the much-hyped Google Wave project, and though it is still in beta it offers an insight into the company's plans for mobile computing, with users able to log on and interact with each other on the move and in real time. Laptops and netbooks

MindMaps for Google Wave - IPod News

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:30 GMT

CS Odessa has released a new gadget for Google Wave that allows users to collaborate on mind maps, while EA Mobile has released new information on several of its upcoming iPhone titles. A new gadget for Google Wave has been released by CS Odessa. ConceptDraw MindWave is a free tool that can be used to map out strategies or brainstorm ideas on various topics. Through Google Wave teams can come

Hands on: Opera 10.50 makes impressive performance gains - Ryan Paul, ars technica

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:25 GMT

The Opera Web browser has taken a big step forward with the release of version 10.50, a significant update that brings some nice new features and a number of radical improvements under the hood. Opera Software contends that it has taken the lead in performance, leap-frogging its competitors. We conducted benchmarking and some hands-on tests to determine if the new Opera lives up to the hype.

Lip reading mobile promises end to noisy phone calls - BBC

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:20 GMT

Technology that could see an end to the bane of many commuters - people talking loudly on their mobile phones - has been shown off by researchers. The prototype device could allow people to conduct silent phone conversations. The technology measures the tiny electrical signals produced by muscles used when someone speaks.

Online Learning Management Systems: Are They Knowledge Management Tools? - B. A. AbuShawar, and J. A. Al-Sadi, iJET

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:10 GMT

The new adventure of online world has helped to improve many domains and sectors. Knowledge manage mentera which originally related to business sector is now required in industry, health, or any institute that needs to manage its knowledge. Education is no exception! The advancement in computers speed and memory, and the growth of Internet usage are behind the inspiration of e-learning approach. In which the computer is used as a medium to deliver and share educational materials and knowledge insteadof face-to-face tutoring. This makes education available to any one, any place, and any time as learner need. This paper presents the relationship between knowledge management and learning management system (LMS) that is used in e-learning paradigms. A detailed description ofthe LMS used at Arab Open University (AOU) is included in this paper. We claim that the most common LMS can be considered as a knowledge management tool.

YouTube plans to caption most videos automatically - Mike Swift, Mercury News

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:10 GMT

Speech technology on cell phones getting better but still not perfectYouTube said Thursday that it will start automatically captioning videos on its site, opening up a huge share of its content to people who are hearing-impaired, and a first step in creating a network of videos that could be subtitled between many languages. For now, YouTube can only transcribe videos uploaded in English into

Adult Learner?s Motivation for the Use of Micro-Blogging During Online Learning Courses - Jutta Pauschenwein and Anastasia Sfiri, iJET

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:04 GMT

In this article we discuss our key idea that informal exchange in twitter contributes to the motivation of participants in online courses. Micro-blogging (via twitter)was introduced to groups of educators that participated in three online courses on the use of Web2.0 technologies and Online Didactics in educational settings. We used qualitative as well as quantitative methods to investigate their use of twitter and found out that informal exchange in twitter contributed to the motivation of learners during their participation in the online course. The participants extended the irrelatedness within the group, reflected their personal growth and supported others via acknowledging their inputs in a certain extent.

Cascade Model for Online Discussion Boards in an Online Learning Environment - V. Kumar, iJet

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:01 GMT

This report is an outcome of five years of higher education teaching and managing groups of students in an online learning environment. Some course management software allow users to create groups and add different links within each group that has been created by e-moderators. Distinct platforms with various sections can be formed within those links for any given project. Students, as well as instructors, can manage the project for 6 to 8 weeks, cascading one discussion board into one or multiple platforms. This provides better understanding of the project material due to the step-by-step layout of a given exercise, leading to increased group management and greater communication among the e-moderators, group leaders and group members. This report provides the step-by-step procedure for cascading one discussion board into various platforms to manage online group projects and provide a more controlled online environment for students in higher education.

Federal officials address ed-tech concerns - Laura Devaney, eSchool News

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:40 GMT

Before an audience of chief technology officers from across the country, Karen Cator, director of education technology for the U.S. Department of Education, and Federal Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra discussed the nation?s ed-tech efforts and held a frank question-and-answer session that ranged from the proposed education technology budget for fiscal 2011 to removing barriers to classroom

Google Research probes educasearch engine - Cade Metz, the Register

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:20 GMT

Peter Norvig - current Google Research head and the company's former director of search quality - is exploring some sort of new-age search engine aimed specifically for students. Wednesday, at the search-obsessed SMX West conference in Silicon Valley, Norvig was asked if he was doing anything in "20 per cent" time - Googlespeak for the one day a Mountain View week that engineers can use for

Some colleges charge higher tuition for online classes - Tim Post, Minnesota Public Radio

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:11 GMT

Data from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system shows online classes at MnSCU schools cost an average of 19 percent more than those taught in the classroom. MnSCU schools can decide individually how much to charge per credit. The University of Minnesota charges extra for its online courses as well, tacking on a fee that can range from $15 to $30 per credit hour. It's something colleges and universities in surrounding states do as well.

Memphis in July?must be Laptops?

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

The digital age has provided me the opportunity to learn through a vibrant and expanding network of amazing minds - my personal learning community. The chance to engage in conversations with colleagues from around the world through blogs, skype, twitter, etc. has exposed me to many ideas that push my boundaries [...] [From: Whip Blog, February 20, 2008] 286399

A New Year

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

I am never sure just how to feel when we return to school in January.� The Christmas Break was much different for me this year - I hardly “worked' at all.� I spent the break enjoying time with my wife, our kids, my new “wiki” (see previous post) and reading about trains and travel in [...] [From: Whip Blog, February 20, 2008] 286400

A Wiki for Christmas?

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

My wife has long shared my love of animals, yet resisted adopting one due to her allergies. While we do have several fish, since my cat passed away three years ago I have not been able to replace him with either a cat or a dog. Last night before our family dinner, a [...] [From: Whip Blog, February 20, 2008] 286401

Extended classroom?a tale of connection.

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

I can be guaranteed to get a reaction from students, colleagues or parents when I talk about learning in the new digital landscape. With ever-increasing connectivity and digital spaces, I have no doubt that going to a physical “school” on a daily basis for an education will be an option for many students. [...] [From: Whip Blog, February 20, 2008] 286396

what Pink Thinks?

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

I am excited about tomorrow….and not just for ANOTHER dump of snow that most teachers and students hope will cancel school. On Sunday noted edublogger Karl Fisch, who calls Arapahoe High School in Littleton, Colorado home, finally made mention of a kewl new project involving two 9th grade honors Language Arts classes at AHS and Daniel [...] [From: Whip Blog, February 20, 2008] 286397

Trying not to sink?

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

My recent lack of blogging activity has even resulted in a couple of people have inquired as to my health. Truth is, I am fine, just slightly overwhelmed. There has certainly been no lack of blog fodder, with many ideas flowing through my cranium. It's just a pure lack of time. With my day [...] [From: Whip Blog, February 20, 2008] 286398

Overwhelmed? ?Glad it?s Friday!

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

As I was sitting at my desk - staring at my screen - I began to feel a bit overwhelmed. Open was my twitter, skype and netvibes (my current feedreader). I have found lately that skype and twitter have pushed blogs (including my own) to the background. Like our kids, I like the immediacy [...] [From: Whip Blog, February 20, 2008] 286393

Connected to the Top of the Earth?

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

Breaking down the walls of the classroom and having students connect with the world is one of the powerful learning opportunities afforded by Web 2.0. Fredericton native Brian Jones is taking his concern for the environment and for student learning to a whole new level in a couple of months when he embarks on [...] [From: Whip Blog, February 20, 2008] 286394

Wanted: International Middle Schools for 1001 FWT

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

A little over a year ago Korean educator and edublogger Clay Burell and myself were playing around with a number of collaborative tools together online. It was interesting to connect with someone around the world, a full twelve hours away. From there both he and I have gone on to develop vibrant and [...] [From: Whip Blog, February 20, 2008] 286395

Feeling the warmth?

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

I have never been to Australia…at least not until yesterday (today?). Some students at our school are participating in the upcoming middle school writing workshop of the 1001 Flat World Tales project, along with another Canadian school, four US schools and two schools from Australia. After assuming the unofficial role of workshop coordinator - [...] [From: Whip Blog, February 20, 2008] 286392

Aperture 2 is out

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

Apple has got Aperture 2 out now. There is an upgrade price for us Aperture 1.5x users, so I'm thinking that the Education price on this is going to be pretty good as well. It looks like the minimum specs are about the same, so older hardware should be able to run it… not [...] [From: EDITing in the Dark, February 20, 2008] 286390

Sprout

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

I just got my invite to take a look at Sprout, an interesting little widget builder that can take a number of resources and make them “flashed” - essentially you could use this to replace PowerPoint or Keynote if you want to deliver webcentric presentations. If you combine this with Yahoo Pipes or custom feeds [...] [From: EDITing in the Dark, February 20, 2008] 286391

Pic of the Week - Dali?s Clock

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

Dali's ClockOriginally uploaded by idarknight. �Well, with the weather warming up, everything is starting to melt and the kicker is that it's raining outside today. The last time that I was in the rain this winter? London. So I thought this was only appropriate. [From: EDITing in the Dark, February 20, 2008] 286385

Google, what?s with the deal with slow scripts?

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that various Google apps - Reader, Mail and iGoogle are not playing nice with Mac browsers - at least on Macbook Pros? This has happened on two machines that I support - to the point where FF and Google are not playing nice and locking up [...] [From: EDITing in the Dark, February 20, 2008] 286386

A first look at Spore

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

Wired seems to have got the scoop - at least on the screen shots and associated blurbs. I almost picked up Endless Ocean last night, but wanted to read a review first. The reviews all say that it's an incredibly unique game that fills a niche that is unfilled, just as Spore does, of creativity [...] [From: EDITing in the Dark, February 20, 2008] 286387

Spore Disperses Sept 7

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

According to the�Guardian�and �on the official site as�well.� [From: EDITing in the Dark, February 20, 2008] 286388

Throw Sugar out the Window

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

Wired is reporting that the XO rev that is Windows capable is now getting field tested. Wired is saying that this is likely as much to do to ensure that kids in the developing world are “hooked on Windows”. While, I would agree - not being an MS fan - I think there might be [...] [From: EDITing in the Dark, February 20, 2008] 286389

Aperture 2 - first impressions - on an old Mac

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

Well, Aperture 2 is certainly impressing me so far on my old mac - Power Mac G5 (Dual 2 with 2GB RAM and a 64MB video card). There is still a lag when you want to start into some of the more processor intensive tools, but the wait is considerably shorter than what it was [...] [From: EDITing in the Dark, February 20, 2008] 286383

FireFox3b3

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

After having issues with Google and FF2, I decided to try 3b3. Having read that 2 was not very stable and not good on Flash, I tried b2 and watched it die a nasty death on Facebook and several Flash sites. b3 however seems to be running along fine and so far is not having [...] [From: EDITing in the Dark, February 20, 2008] 286384

Idea Sex - yeah the title got my attention too

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:19 GMT

Leave it to The Escapist for titles like this now eh? First from the article: No.2 … Keep the classroom, but change it and everything around it. Make the money in education slosh a different way. Have schools, colleges, communities, businesses and all other parts of the education system talk to each other a little [...] [From: EDITing in the Dark, February 20, 2008] 286382