Colleagues/ K-12 Leading The Mobile Way ?
/Gerry Technology Counts is Education Week's annual report on educational technology. Powering Up Change But lack of research on the educational impact of portable tech tools is a problem. Editor's Note Much like the shifting landscape in K-12 educational technology, this year's Technology Counts is changing to address the challenges of covering schools in the digital age. Profiles: Laptops Building on a Decade of 1-to-1 Lessons Sustaining a laptop program at a middle school in Michigan requires a wireless vision and parent purchasing power. EXPERT ADVICE: Wireless Issues Profiles: IPods Portable Playlists for Class Lessons Although still banned by many schools, a growing number of others are using iPods and other MP3 players as educational accessories. Profiles: TeacherMates Targeting Elementary Readers TeacherMate?a Game Boy-like device?is now being used by 40,000 students in 15 states with the aim to improve the reading skills of K-2 students. VIDEO: TeacherMates in Action Profiles: Smartphones Solving Algebra on Smartphones A project to use the devices as teaching and learning tools is showing promising results. Features Adding Up Mobile Costs Paying for initiatives that use portable tech tools goes far beyond the initial cost of the devices. Teachers Testing Mobile Methods Best practices are emerging as more educators use the devices in their classrooms. Configuring Content Developing meaningful lessons that fit the constraints of small-screen devices is a challenge. Full Speed Ahead in Higher Ed. Mobile learning is gaining momentum at colleges and universities faster than in K-12. Devices Deliver Learning in Africa Educators are finding innovative ways to bring education to students in remote areas. Tracking Trends Mobilizing the Research A growing number of studies in the U.S. and abroad is helping to build a better case for using portable digital tools. Ed-Tech-Stats This year, the Technology Counts data section shifts its focus from a state to a district lens, offering a host of charts showing how local schools and districts are using standard and emerging technologies to improve education. DATA: Ed-Tech Stats Q&A Three ed-tech researchers discuss important issues surrounding the use of cellphones, laptops, and other computing devices for teaching and learning. >>> Free / Full Access Available March 17- 24 2010 <<< See Also Link To Live Chat / Mobile Learning: Trends and Challenges / March 23 2010 / 2 PM / Eastern All Links Accessible Via [ http://tinyurl.com/ybg6qsj ] enJOY ! /Gerry Gerry McKiernan Associate Professor Science and Technology Librarian Iowa State University Library Ames IA 50011 Follow Me On Twitter > http://twitter.com/GMcKBlogs >>> "The Future Is Mobile" >>>