Youthlearn News Archive 2006

This 'Snapshot,' 'Harnessing Technology in Out-of-School Time Settings,' provides an overview of out-of-school time (OST) programs that use technology. It examines the diverse ways in which these programs utilize technology, how they are being evaluated, the outcomes associated with participation in these programs, and common implementation challenges and successes." YouthLearn's Afterschool & Technology website, and The YouthLearn Guide are featured resources in this publication.

DEADLINE: 5/1/06
"Financial services company ING gives Unsung Heroes awards to K-12 educators pioneering in new methods and techniques that improve student learning. Educators submit applications describing projects they have initiated or would like to create. Applications are judged on their innovative teaching methods, creative educational projects, and ability to make a positive influence on the children they teach. Awards range from $2000 to $25,000. Deadline: May 1, 2006."

From global warming to state politics, from gay rights to media diversity, the 16 shorts in the fifth annual Media That Matters Film Festival will make you laugh, make you think, and motivate you and your students to take action. The films can be viewed in their entirety online and are also available as a DVD compilation. Looking for ways to bring media into your classroom? The Media That Matters Film Festival Teacher's Guide has everything you need to incorporate these powerful short films into your curricula -- discussion questions, hands-on activities, resources and more.

VC2 Survival Guide: "online training package meant to give filmmakers (and teachers) the help they need with equipment, shooting tips, legal advice and editing skills"
As a part, the "Storytelling Guide includes advice from Robert Redford, Elvis Mitchell, Ira Glass, Xeni Jardin, Catherine Hardwicke, Jonathan Caouette, Bonz Malone, Dave Eggers, Sarah Vowell and Orville Schell."

"The Storytelling Guide goes far beyond your average web tutorial and connects developing filmmakers with experienced mentors in a way that is instructional and inspiring.

South Carolina Educational Television's (PBS) new media division has just unveiled ARTOPIA a website project created by funds from the National Endowment for The Arts. Of particular interest to media educators and students is the MEDIA ARTS section with material about photography, radio, television, film and electronic arts under BE A MEDIA CRITIC.

NEA Jazz in the Schools is a web-based curriculum, found at www.neajazzintheschools.org. The five-unit, multimedia curriculum is designed for high-school social studies, U.S. history, and music teachers, to help their students explore jazz as an indigenous American art form and as a means to understand American history.

In a recent article in TEACHER MAGAZINE, English teacher Alan Warhaftig argues that the emphasis on technology in the classroom harkens back to an earlier era of vocationalism in schools and threatens "to divert attention from academic content." A technology-infused curriculum, he says, may weaken students' intellectual skills and, ironically, jeopardize their ability to thrive in the global economy."
"What's your view? Do computers in the classroom detract from deeper academic learning? How should technology be used in schools?

Family Fun Sites offer parents an opportunity to explore the Internet with their children in a safe environment. Many of the sites have an educational focus, giving parents an opportunity to become involved in their child's learning as they guide their online activities."
"Although the Internet provides many wonderful, entertaining sites for children, parents often are concerned about the risks of allowing children -- especially young children -- to explore the Web on their own. What better way to provide online guidance than for parents to enjoy family oriented sites with their kids.

As states struggle to meet rising demand for AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS, federal support continues to fall far short of what is called for in the No Child Left Behind Act, says a new report by the Afterschool Alliance.

The Mockingbird Foundation is offering grants for in-school music projects that promote creative expression through music, encouraging applications associated with diverse or unusual musical styles, genres, forms, and philosophies. Maximum Award: $5,000. Eligibility: non-profit organizations, public schools. Deadline: February 1, 2006.