Youthlearn News Archive 2006

Much has been made of the danger of posting too much personal information on web sites such as MySpace.com, where millions of people--including online child predators--can, in seconds, find out where ..."
"With the rise in social networking sites such as MySpace.com, experts are warning that students need to exercise more discretion in what they post about themselves online. Besides the obvious danger of posting personally identifying information, they say, the potential exists for embarrassing information to come back to bite students later in life when they apply for college or a job.

Once thought to corrode reading skills, computers are a key tool in improving them."
By Grace Rubenstein

"Technology promises to play a crucial role in helping adolescents cope with reading and writing deficits, while at the same time teaching digital literacy -- an essential skill in the world beyond school."

"The transcript of a typical teenager's instant message correspondence -- full of acronyms, symbols, and misspelled and partially spelled words -- might bring despair to adults.

Recently published in Threshold, Cable in the Classroom's quarterly journal for education leaders, this article by Nellie Gregorian of the Michael Cohen Group details initial results of the evaluation of AMLA's pilot project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Called "Media Literacy & Core Curriculum," the article discusses early findings about teachers' successful integration of media literacy and the arts into core curriculum areas."

TakingITGlobal's page on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
"We are the first generation that can end poverty - we're glad you're here to learn how. No matter what your level of understanding, this site offers you many ways to get involved through action. Now get started! Play the MDG card game, send MDG e-cards, submit artwork and writing, discuss the MDGs in our discussion boards, or tell us about what you are contributing to end worldwide poverty. Plus, find useful resources to download like an action guide and a youth-written policy paper.

A new survey of teachers and instructors at the high school and post-secondary levels has found that students who excel in the use of information and communications technology (ICT) are driving change in classroom instruction...Dubbed "Power Users," these ultra tech-savvy students have a growing influence over what--and how--teachers now teach, the survey said."
"The study was carried out by Certiport Inc., a provider of technology training, certification, and assessment solutions, and the Education Development Center Inc.

The YouthLearn online community recently saw a deluge of messages in response to Lauren Penney's question about whether to unblock the MySpace website at her Boys and Girls Club. Folks weighed in on both sides of the issue, and expressed a great deal of concern and interest in the safety of the Internet for young users. If you're looking for additional resources, please check out the recently updated section on Online Safety at the YouthLearn website.

Fall 2005 @Concord Newsletter
This issue of the Concord Consortium Newsletter features ready-to-use lessons that "allow students to learn more science and math, earlier and deeper." Also, there's a piece supporting "More Science for More Americans: Technology can enable needed changes in science education." And more:

"Improving Student Learning with Teacher Professional Development
Our professional development courses help teachers become highly qualified.

Monday’s Lesson: Investigating Sound
Record your voice with the Sound Grapher to see waves and frequencies.

Tuesday’s Lesson: What

National Endowment for the Arts 'Learning in the Arts Grants' Program offers funding for projects that help children and youth acquire appreciation, knowledge, and understanding of and skills in the arts. Projects must provide participatory learning and engagement of students with skilled artists, teachers, and excellent art, and ensure the application of national, state, or local arts education standards. Maximum Award: $5,000-$150,000. Eligibility: school-based or community based projects. Deadline: June 12, 2006."

'Information literacy' is key in dealing with online sources

"Wikipedia and other reference sites that allow users to submit and edit content themselves are creating new challenges for educators.

Deadline: April 1, 2006

"The Hitachi Foundation presents the Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community each year to ten high school seniors from around the United States on the basis of their community-service activities.

The award is accompanied by a gift of $5,000, dispensed over two years. Recipients may use the award at their discretion. (The award is not a scholarship.)

Yoshiyama Award selection is based upon service and the opportunity for longer-term social change rather than on academic achievement or extracurricular activities.