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News

Do Computers Trump Real Learning?
"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.' [TEACHERTALKBACK] What's your view? Do
computers in the classroom detract from deeper academic learning? How
should technology be used in schools? What skills, vocational or otherwise,
do today's students need to learn, and how are they best taught?"
URL: http://www.edweek.org/tm/tb/2005/12/21/370.html
Referred by: Education Week Teacher Magazine

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Funding

ING GRANTS FOR INNOVATIVE TEACHERS
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."
URL: http://www.ing-usa.com/us/aboutING/communityconnections/ineducation/unsungheroes/index.htm
Referred by: The AMLA Update

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Resources

Web Site Launch of ARTOPIA: media literacy elements
"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."
URL: http://cfmedia.scetv.org/artopia/media/index.html
Referred by: MEDIA-L Discussion List

FREE MEDIA THAT MATTERS TEACHER'S GUIDE
"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."
URL: http://mediathatmattersfest.org/mtm05/tools
Referred by: The AMLA Update

Current's new Storytelling Guide for teachers and filmmakers
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" In addition, 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."
URL: http://www.current.tv/studio/survivalguide
Referred by: Current TV

NEA Jazz in the Schools now online
"NEA Jazz in the Schools is a web-based curriculum. 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. A free multimedia
toolkit containing a modified version of the curriculum, designed primarily for
high schools without adequate web access, can be ordered on the website."
URL: http://www.neajazzintheschools.org

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Research

Impossible Choices: How States are Addressing the Federal Failure to
Fully Fund Afterschool Programs
"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."
URL: http://www.ecs.org/00CN2839
Referred by: Education Commission of the States

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Activities

We welcome your feedback!

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YouthLearn
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