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News

POD PEOPLE: Teachers Find Cool Uses for Apple's Ubiquitous Music Player
By Cheri Lucas
"It's a sleek, sexy must-have for the MP3 set, but Apple's iPod -- a digital
music player in fancy dress -- is more than just a gadget for tuning out
nagging adults. With the help of some clever software and creative teachers,
the device can get kids engaged in their schoolwork -- and help them express
themselves. Take a project by first-year teacher George Mayo, in Virginia
Beach, Virginia. His sixth graders at Brandon Middle School record podcasts, or
online radio shows, as part of their classroom blog, the M&M Online Magazine."
URL: http://www.edutopia.org/magazine/ed1article.php?id=art_1280&issue=jun_05
Referred by: Edutopia News

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Resources

Podcasting-Education Blog
"Information and discussion regarding podcasting as an educational tool in
today's classroom. Teachers, educators and others share how you have used
podcasting thus far, how you hope to use it soon, or any special projects that
you envision using podcasting in a school setting. Exchange ideas, tech tips,
lesson plans, or even your podcast."
URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Podcasting-Education

Framework for After-School Programs
"Moving Towards Success: Framework for After-School Programs is now
available from Collaborative Communications Group. The Framework is a
working document developed by a committee of preeminent researchers,
evaluators and program experts with funding from the C.S. Mott Foundation.
It describes a theory of change approach to help guide the thinking and
implementation of program goals and elements, outlines a broad range of
desired participant outcomes to consider, and discusses conditions most
suitable for achieving positive results that meet the needs of the after-school
participants."
URL: http://www.publicengagement.com/Framework
Referred by: Promising Practice in Afterschool (PPAS) Listserv

STRATEGIES FOR CLOSING ACHIEVEMENT GAPS
"A new guide from the National Education Association provides a multi-themed
approach to closing the achievement gaps -- focusing on Culture, Abilities,
Resilience, and Effort (C.A.R.E.).... By focusing on the themes of cultural,
economic and language differences; unrecognized and undeveloped abilities;
the power of resilience; and the importance of effort and motivation, "C.A.R.E.:
Strategies for Closing the Achievement Gaps" advances the idea that if
educators view these qualities of students as strengths, rather than deficits,
they can be successful in closing achievement gaps."
URL: http://www.nea.org/teachexperience/careguide.html
Referred by: PEN Weekly NewsBlast

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Research

Study: These factors retard digital teaching
"What's holding back the digital curriculum? A lot of things: too few classroom
computers, poorly conceived professional development, and a lack of time to
research and plan--to name three big factors, according to a new report from
the nonprofit Education Development Center (EDC). The study, "Effective
Access: Teachers' Use of Digital Resources in STEM Teaching," examines how
high school teachers use digital libraries and other electronic resources to
support "science, technology, engineering, and mathematics" (STEM)
exploration and instruction."
URL: http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=5706&page=1

We welcome your feedback!

_______________

YouthLearn
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