Author: grabe

A USA Today article identifies threats faced by your computer when online, provides data on which operating systems are most vulnerable, and offers suggestions for defense.

Microsoft (MSN) now offers a blog service (msn spaces). Note the service is still listed as a beta version.

It appears MSN is attempting to compete the Google which acquired blogger.com in order to offer another service to attract users.

Blog on!

Beginning Monday, November 15, 2004 until March 2005, C-SPAN will televise live a series of discussions hosted by the Library of Congress’ John W. Kluge Center. Approximately one presentation will be available a month and archived versions of the presentation can be viewed online (C-SPAN Digital Future).

The first program, featuring David Weinberger (blogging), is available as of this date.

eSchool News reports that the federal budget support for the “Enhancing Education Through Technology” block grant program is to be cut by 200 million despite a 1.4 billion increase for education.

Earlier administration promises that technology support would be provided through block grants rather than more targeted programs (e.g., Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers To Use Technology – PT3) no longer appear valid. The argument for block grants is basically that states are allowed to apply funds as needed rather than as mandated at a higher level.

Funding priorities are heavily weighted toward NCLB initiatives.

Goals of administration technology policy can be found at Offices Educational Technology.

?? Individualize learning by personalizing instruction for each student???s unique needs.
?? Equip teachers with new tools to improve instruction.
?? Empower teachers, parents, and decision makers with the real-time data on student performance.
?? Expand access to the best resources and learning opportunities.
?? Engage students in their education in ways never before possible.

Perhaps the new secretary of education will update these goals.

A British study finds negative correlation between school use of computers and scores in math and reading. While the correlations with home use were positive, the relationship between performance and school use were negative. Computer availability is associated with more affluent schools providing more positive opportunities and when this connection is accounted for statistically a lack of positive benefits appears.

It will be interesting to see how these correlational results are interpreted as they gain greater attention.

Think computer games are cool and possibly the way to teach/learn? Interested in the reality of what it takes to create games?

Here is an interesting piece from the Dallas Observer describing the process of learning to be a game designer.

Edutopia, a component of the George Lucas Education Foundation, offers an analysis of the textbook industry. The analysis mostly concerns the many factors that combine to create a bland, but marketable product. I guess I can say that I now qualify as an insider and am possibly part of the problem. Still, it is not all “our” fault. There is a fine line between being creative and being ignored because those who make purchasing decisions (the educators who adopt a textbook) are concerned that the perspective taken does not fit with standards, standardized tests, and the “standard line.” How does one cover the basics, offer unique ideas, and also meet budgetary expectations that place a cap on how many pages you can offer or students are willing to read?

Perhaps you do what you have to to keep your work (the book) in front of learners and then use the web to offer other material for those who are searching for something more.