LearniT-TeachiT: 21st Century Teaching & Learning

Career and Technical Education Changing STEM Approaches

2007-02-18T11:16:00.000-05:00

This recent article from the American School Board publication presents an overview of the trend in Career and Technical Education that is setting the pace for 21st century learning. The Nortel LearniT Center at the Arlington Career Center is a world class example of this approach.

Be sure to read this article and share your comments here.

Report on International Development

2006-10-27T09:25:00.001-04:00

‘Mapping the Global Future' is the latest unclassified report from the US National Intelligence Council. This forward-looking scenario based report focuses on the contradictions of globalization, the impact of the rise of China and India, and new security risks. As our world becomes smaller, it is increasingly important to think globally.

Report on International Development

2006-10-27T09:25:00.000-04:00

Podcasting and Education

2006-07-05T12:53:00.000-04:00

There is no hotter application in educational technology other than podcasting. Interestingly, the question as to "why podcasting", isn't a driving issue. Rather, the question of the hour is really "how does one create podcasts"? Given the rapid adoption of the podcasting technology, it is a distribution platform that is perceived as too valuable to miss the opportunity to deliver to. But the question remains, as to "why", or more importantly, "what is the potential educational value from podcasting"?

On a recent visit to The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at North Carolina State University, we had the chance to meet a graduate student who was involved in an educational training project that provides great insight into the value of podcasting. You must listen to Lodges' work on how the production of a podcast impacted the literacy skills of middle school school students.

The Friday Institute has also created a great resource on podcasting in education that you should be sure to check out.

Finally, this month Technology and Learning has created a good primer on how educators can use podcasting with their Podcasting: 101 resource.

Latest from Internet & American Life Project

2006-06-03T06:45:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Andy Carvin information about the latest report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project is now available.

The report focuses on home broadband access in the United States
and who's posting content to the Internet. Broadband access is up
across the board, with middle income family access growing at the
fastest rate. English-speaking Latinos are now almost as likely (41%) to
have broadband at home as white families (42%), while African American
families lag a bit behind (31%). Income and education levels continue to
remain major barriers, though growth was seen at all levels. DSL access
has become more affordable, though many more households cite speed as
their reason for getting broadband (57%) compared to the lowering of
cost (3%), suggesting that more people are willing to pay for it in
order to gain the benefits of high-speed access.

The most interesting part of the report focuses on online
content publishing. Overall, 35% of Internet users - 48 million people -
have posted content to the Internet. Broadband users are more likely to
post online content than dialup users - 42% versus 27%. This is
especially true of bloggers and people who manage their own websites.
While an average of eight percent of Internet users publish their own
blog, 11% of broadband users had blogs, compared to only four percent of
dialup users. And interestingly, lower-income users were a bit more likely
to post content online than higher-income users, while whites _lagged_
behind African Americans and English-speaking Latinos - 32%, 39% and 42%
respectively.

Nortel and Nortel LearniT Support Bring Your Child to Work Day

2006-05-04T11:13:00.000-04:00

Thursday, April 28, 2006 -- Richardson, TX and Raleigh, NC

In celebration of the national "Bring Your Child to Work Day" event, Nortel LearniT joined with Nortel to host events for participants to learn about technology in a fun, interactive way.

Beth Kolman (Nortel-Richardson TX) and Edgar Murphy (Nortel-Raliegh, NC) hosted a twist on the popular television game show Jeopardy. Nortel LearniT Jeopardy iT is an interactive quiz with kids in the audience viewing a short video tutorial and participating in answering questions for 'points'. All the participating kids are winners, both in learning more about technology AND in the tasty treats they received as prizes.

For more information on how your group can replicate a fun activity like Nortel LearniT, please contact us at staff@NortelLearniT.org

Cyber Safety Initiatives

2006-04-25T09:40:00.000-04:00

A number of states, including Virginia, have recently enacted laws or new policies to begin including Cyber Safety and New Media Literacy skills in the public school curriculum. Partially a reaction to the significant increase in undesirable activity online (e.g. child solicitation, identify theft, fraud, spamming, phishing, etc.) most states are exploring the best approach to embed the teaching of these skills in existing curriculuar objectives.

Nortel LearniT has a number of free online resources that specifically address these issues of Cyber Safety AND they are designed to be simply integrated or used alongside other instructional activities. Nortel LearniT also provides free lesson plans to help teachers get started on an integration approach to use these resources. Be sure to check out our FREE online Cyber Safety Guide Sheet for more information.

Copyright By Comic

2006-03-27T14:15:00.000-05:00

This cool new resource by the Duke University Law School explains copyright, public domain and fair use in the digital age, through an innovative approach; by comic book. Look under the Nortel LearniT Support iT category, under Discover iT to see the full comic book.

New Developments at Nortel LearniT

2006-03-27T10:06:00.000-05:00

Be sure to check out the updated links for Nortel LearniT.

We're excited about our work with the Project Chapleau (Innovation Centre) and the CARE Academy.

The Millenials: Transforming Education from the Inside Out

2005-11-21T17:18:00.000-05:00

The 'Millennials' Usher in a New Era
cnet News: November 17, 2005

Another news posting highlights the phenomena that the generation born after 1980 have a 'digital native' sense of technology and it's place within their learning, communication, ntertainment and, of course, social life.

The author does a good job of not just explaining the phenomena, but really why everyone believes it has the potential to accomplish what we haven't been able to architect on our own.

Nortel Education

2005-10-20T14:44:00.000-04:00

Nortel's work to support new and innovative approaches to technology powered learning are showcased in their new site.

Case studies, profiles and background on campus/school environments that are well-positioned to take advantage of Nortel LearniT are showcased.

Nortel LearniT Partners with Orlando Tech to Cover ISMF

2005-10-20T11:50:00.000-04:00

Nortel LearniT is pleased to announce a programming partnership with the Media Production Program at Orlando Tech. The school, a part of the Orange County Public School System in Orlando, Florida, is dedicated to preparing students for 21st century careers.

Under the direction of Television Production Supervisor, Mr. Paul Read, students from the program will produce sessions from this years International Student Media Festival (ISMF). The sessions focus on developing core technology skills among students and teachers. The finished sessions will be distributed through the Nortel LearniT portal as a part of its Support iT repository.

The Awesome Library

2005-10-07T08:48:00.000-04:00

Cathy came across this great resource of resources. This collection is maintained by an education professor who reviews all submissions and does the catalogging and categorizing.

This is a terrific tool that teachers, students and parents could use to find key teaching resources as well as supplemental instructional materials.

http://www.awesomelibrary.org/

Examples of Online Tutorials

2005-09-19T11:12:00.000-04:00

The people from the company who manufactures the SmartBoard have done a great job in putting together very effective, brief, mediated tutorials on how to use their products, with an academic focus. http://www.smarttech.com/trainingcenter/tutorials.asp

I think that in addition to this approach, having students and teachers, create their own version of such 'mini-tutorials' via digital video, would further enhance other users experiences. It is our desire to foster such a creative, and useful approach to training others on how they are successfully using technology in engaging and effective ways.

8th Grade Social Studies

2005-09-15T12:20:00.000-04:00

A recent inquiry from an 8th grade social studies teacher about what could Nortel LearniT offer them resulted in the following reply. I thought that I'd share that so others could see what may be helpful in getting started using Nortel LearniT.

Nortel LearniT has hundreds of free lesson plans, video tutorials and other teaching resources that are designed to integrate the use of technology into your subject based instruction. If you are new to our site, I would encourage you to take a minute to look at our Getting Started page and a short (just over 1-minute long) introduction video there. It will explain where to look for what resources would be of interest to you on our web site. http://www.nortellearnit.org/LearnitGet_Started.aspx

Once you've seen the basic structure and navigation tips for our site, please feel free to explore. One suggestion to help your exploration is to look at the left most panel drop down window and select a technology topic that interests. you. If you're not sure, start with Discovering the Internet; it may be basic information for you, but it will allow you to see the format for most of our video tutorials.

Next, do a search in the Lesson Plan center section of the site. Look for something that might be of interest to what you'll be covering in class a few weeks or month from now. I like the lesson plan on Political Cartoons and it features a hands-on project using digital imaging skills.

As you find resources in these two columns you will notice that the 3rd, right most side panel will present an assortment of related or supporting content. Here you will find items to print, evaluation tools and different types of videos, those produced by other students, that sowcase the projects that they have been involved with. Take a look at the "Kids in Action" video on Student Perspectives on Presenting with Technology. I think your 8th grade students will enjoy seeing what other kids did with Powerpoint projects in their classes.

After you have had a chance to explore our offering, I'd love to hear your opinion as to whether there is anything that you are able to use. We're always hungry to get feedback from teachers, and we're always looking for new ways to help educators have great experiences with the technology in their classrooms.

Digital Divide Network

2005-09-11T22:01:00.000-04:00

I have been a fan of the work that the Benton Foundation has done for years and this is no exception. The Digital Divide Network is the Internet's largest community for educators, activists, policy makers and concerned citizens working to bridge the digital divide. At DDN, you can build your own online community, publish a blog, share documents and discussions with colleagues, and post news, events and articles. Membership is free and open to all. Check it out online at: www.digitaldividenetwork.org

Interactive Games for Education

2005-08-31T20:15:00.000-04:00

It seems like there is a new report out every week about video games and learning. Some tout it's potential to positively impact learning, while others raise concerns about being 'too soft' an approach to teaching our kids. Last week I had the pleasure of learning about an exciting gaming project being co-developed by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Disney Online.

Hot Shot Business is a free Internet simulation game for 9-12 year olds that teaches kids about running their own businesses. The game blends the fun of interactive gaming, with important, real-world lessons that teach kids entrepreneurial concepts.

In the same vein as the Oregon Trail, Roller Coaster Tycoon and other simulation games, Hot Shot Business aims to engage, but to pack some valuable experiences in those having fun.

Take a look at the site yourself and tell us what you think about this approach to teaching and learning.

Online Professional Development that Integrates Video

2005-08-17T11:09:00.000-04:00

This NSF funded project does a good job of bringing together the elements that engage and allow for interaction that builds learning. Teachers' Domain is a project by the Public TV station in Boston, producer of many of the leading scientific programs on PBS (like NOVA) and was built to showcase how their TV programs could be restructured to have more value online.

What interests me most is the design of the 'courses' that support the teaching of specific subjects. It is through the subject pedagogy that technology is embedded, and hence, the literacy skills are integrated.

What Nortel LearniT could and should provide are short tutorials that work around 'templates' of the materials that we can collect and/or provide that allow other teachers to do the same thing, but with other rich media materials that they have available. Growing adoption of rich media repositories from Discovery Education (United Streaming), NASA and others, are ideally postured to work with this strategy. What needs to be built, are the 'roadmaps', such as the structure within Teachers' Domain, that allows teachers to build a true learning experience around their core subject resources.

Do you know of other examples of similar online training using rich media collections?

m-Learning Is An Emergent Application

2005-08-12T17:56:00.000-04:00

The Guardian (of the UK) is reporting on several recent initiatives to harness the near ubiquitous nature of cell phones for education and learning. This piece points out that many mobility applications in education connect with students who have trouble connecting with more traditional forms of learning.

I wonder if these (and other) initiatives are focusing on 'equal to' instructional objectives or if they are broaching higher achievement goals?

Would there be interest among schools to integrate training on how to use m-Learning from Nortel LearniT?

New Study Documents Tech Integration Challenges

2005-08-09T12:45:00.000-04:00

"Effective Access: Teachers' Use of Digital Resources in STEM Teaching" takes a specific look at how high school teachers use digital libraries in their classrooms. The Education Development Center (EDC) was one of the earliest recipients of the National Science Foundations' (NSF) National Digital Science Library grants (NDSL). While the report is not 'generalizable' to all HS Science teachers, it offers an affirmation of many de facto interpretations as to the obstacles to broader adoption and more effective use of technology infused into teaching.

What I found most intriguing in the report was the sense that there is a major disconnect between developers of digital resources and users. This issue is at the core of Nortel LearniT's strategy to instead focus on building the capacity of users (teachers and students) to create digital resources that THEY need to enhance their instruction, as opposed to promoting a centralized production model (the source of the current 'disconnect').

Does this make sense to you?

Friends We Meet Along the Way

2005-08-03T10:56:00.000-04:00

One of the best things about attending NECC is meeting so many talented and fascinating people. We are always happy to hear from teachers and students we've met, and learn about the wonderful things that they have been doing with technology infused learning. We met Jennifer this year at NECC and she dropped us a nice note to follow up on our meeting. We learned that she works with Gifted kids in Pennsylvania and is a fan of ASCD's Understanding by Design. We also are impressed with her review of Todd Oppenheimers' book "The Flickering Mind".

As for you, please take a moment to drop us a note and share the great work that you've been doing! staff@NortelLearniT.org

Teens Are Truly The Digital Natives

2005-07-29T14:38:00.000-04:00

This recent report found that the number of teenagers using the Internet has grown 24 percent in the past four years and 87 percent of those between the ages of 12 and 17 are online. Compared to four years ago, teens' use of the Internet has intensified and broadened as they log on more often and do more things when they are online. Compared to four years ago, teens' use of the Internet has intensified and broadened as they log on more often and do more things when they are online.

Training on How To Use Technology Still #1 Need

2005-07-26T08:33:00.000-04:00

After years of emphasizing the need to support the use of technology in the classroom, a recent study shows that it is still underutlized due to insufficient professional development. This article in the Courier Journal described how most of the $30 million spent on computer technology in Jefferson County public school classrooms in the past decade is not helping students learn. The leading cause behind this conclusion is no surprise in that investments in hardware and software are made with inadequate support for the teacher to find time to learn how to use these tools effectively.

One of the keys to solving this dilemma is to embed training in the experience of using the technology. Simply put: learn by doing. Couple this with the natural interest that kids have in using technology by channeling their interest towards learning objectives.

What do you think?

Juiciest new Nortel LearniT Resources?

2005-06-26T09:46:00.000-04:00

1. Understanding Image File Types
-you can find this resource under Support iT

2. NEW Digital Ethics training videos, lessons and support materials

3. NEW Online Safety training videos, lessons and support materials

All available 24/7 for FREE from www.NortelLearniT.org

Learner Feedback

2005-06-26T09:42:00.000-04:00

What are students saying about Nortel LearniT training and instruction?

Thank you so much for coming to our school and helping us to understand the programs on the computer. You were a great joy to look forward to on Mondays. I have learned some great things. Thank you. Robin

Thank you helping us with computers. My homepage rocks. Krystal

Without you I woundn't have had the chance to become a computer whiz. Zara

Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into our school. You’re awesome. Thank you for the pictures. Take are and thanks again for everything. Kyla

I appreciate everything that you have taught me. Thanks, Cara

Thank you for everything that you have done. You have taught me a lot about PowerPoint. Amanda

Thank you Cathy for a fun time. Veronique

NECC Conference Sessions from Nortel LearniT

2005-06-26T09:40:00.000-04:00

Be sure to check out presentation sessions on the show floor, Booth # 2228

For presentations details visit:
http://www.nortellearnit.org/EventsMain.aspx

Technology Integration vs. Technology Tools

2005-06-22T21:43:00.000-04:00

As the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) gets its 2005 show underway the question that has been bothering me is, what, if any difference is there between Technology Integration and Technology Tools?

I thought that I had a clear understanding before I was deluged with emails from vendors and presenters who are going to be at this show. Technology integration is where the emphasis is on the core instruction and there may be some use of technology to either illustrate key learning objectives or to demonstrate how they can be applied in varying situations.

But today, it seems everyone has claimed the label of being about 'Technology integration' and it has greatly expanded this definition. Technology tools such as eLearning applications, ed tech software and hardware all claim that they permit, support or even deliver integration within instruction.

So the term itself may not be as relevant as it was just a short time ago. At its root definition, technology integration once meant that it (technology) was to be carefully woven with a specific objective or task. Perhaps today's definition is simply being about the act of using or having technology included in the educational process.

I'm not saying that the broadening of the use of the term is necessarily a bad thing, I just think that the goal of de-emphasizing the role that technology plays is to focus on the end result of helping teachers to teach, and students to learn. So what does technology integration mean for education? I believe it should not be about imposing new ways to use technology in the classroom or creating additional tasks for teachers and students to have to accomplish using tech tools because they are available.

As you begin your summer, or as you head to NECC, or if you are hard at work in continuing your pursuit to provide and improve the educational system, I would love to hear your thoughts on what has happened and more importantly, how at this moment in time, we have the potential to truly transform education by inspiring learning.

How computers make our kids stupid

2005-06-01T18:12:00.000-04:00

This article has caused quite the buzz up here. Good to know what others are saying...

http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/education/article.jsp?content=20050606_106930_106930

Upcoming Nortel LearniT Presentations

2005-04-14T18:44:00.000-04:00

Nortel LearniT is presenting at Algonquin College's professional development conference on May 18th. We were asked to speak on engaging the millennial learner.
Read More

We are presenting at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Education year end conference for newly certified teachers on April 26. This session will provide brand new teachers with a hands on tour of Nortel LearniT.org along which includes integration strategy ideas.
Read More about this impressive faculty

Next month, we are offering four presentations at ECOO - The Eductional Computing Organziation of Ontario. Presentation topics range from Digital Imaging to Digesting the Internet. We are also exhibitors at this event.
Read More

All great warm ups to the big deal, NECC, in late June!
Read More

NetDay: Chat Today from 3:45 - 4:30PM Eastern Time

2005-04-08T09:50:00.000-04:00

I came across this and thought it sounded interesting. Have any of you taken part in any chats with NetDay in the past?

NetDay Student Voices Resource Center:
http://www.netday.org/SVRC/index.htm

Today at 3:45 (warm-up chat at 3:30):
Focus Chat with Susan Patrick, Director of the Office of Educational Technology

Topic:
In January, the Department of Education released a National Education Technology Plan. The national plan was written with student input and with students in mind. This is your chance to ask questions about the plan and share your ideas with the national director of the Office of Education Technology.

About NetDay SVRC:
NetDay Student Voices Resource Center is a comprehensive research and collaboration space that provides resources to engage and involve students in technology-related decision-making. Our aim is to connect student voices with teachers, community members, government representatives, businesses, and others involved with technology in K-12 schools.NetDay is a national, education technology nonprofit, whose mission is to connect every child to a brighter future. Our direct services, volunteer opportunities and original research help students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members develop capacity for effective technology use in learning environments. We began as a school wiring initiative and have grown to support digital divide communities and educational organizations with computers, Internet connections, and people.

How to Overcome Technology Integration Barriers

2005-04-06T18:06:00.000-04:00

Are you one of those teachers overwhelmed by the prospect of “integrating technology” into your classroom? Do you secretly laugh when you hear all of this talk about technology and how it is “so important”?

“Get real,” you say to yourself. You may teach in a school that allows your class access to the computer lab only once every three weeks – for 30 minutes at a time. You may have only one or even zero computers in your classroom. You may have little or no experience at “surfing on the net.” You are frustrated with all of the new adoptions and are skeptical at any suggestion of “learning something new.” Your “plate is full” and you wonder when the “pendulum of education” will swing back the other direction and allow you to do that which you do best . . . educate. You find yourself thinking: “The students already know how to work on the computer; they will learn it later or from somewhere else; I need to focus on reading, writing, and math.” Does this sound familiar? Read this full story from Tech Learning news online at: http://www.techlearning.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=159901636

Why Broadband?

2005-04-06T11:15:00.000-04:00

Educational Web sites are also seeking to take maximum advantage of the speed, social-networking possibilities, and technological wizardry afforded by broadband. Consider that 40% of parents who sign up for broadband access do so with the intention of helping their kids with schoolwork, according to research firm Grunwald Associates in Bethesda, Md. Examining the move from dial-up to broadband, Grunwald found that 13% of parents and 23% of youngsters report that students earned better grades as a result of the broadband connection, according to Grunwald's 2003 study of 2,300 students, ages 6 to 17. The study also showed that, with broadband, children end up spending 20% more time doing homework, despite all that online chatting.

Expect to see continuing major improvements in distance learning, too. Computer-networking gearmaker Nortel (NT ) is developing a system that will allow students to watch, say, an archeologist located at a dig site across the world in real time, says Walt Megura, the company's general manager of broadband networking. They would be able to talk with the professor and fellow students as freely as they would have done in a real-life classroom. Read the full story at BusinessWeek online

ISMF - Celebrating 30 years of excellence in student media

2005-04-05T11:07:00.000-04:00

Since 1923, the Association for Educational Communications & Technology has been a leader in promoting the use of technology to improve teaching and learning. Beginning in 1974, AECT sponsored the International Student Media Festival, celebrating outstanding classroom media projects. Students and teachers from kindergarten through college are honored in a three-day event that includes workshops, screenings of winning entries, and an awards ceremony. It has now grown to be one of the oldest and largest events of its kind.

Really cool event.
Read more here.

Technical Question - MS SP3

2005-04-05T10:38:00.000-04:00

Has anyone applied the Miscrosoft Office Service Pack 3 (SP3)?
Just wondering if there was any problems with it before I execute!
You can read more about it here.

Thanks in advance for your help.

2005-04-03T08:50:00.000-04:00

Kids Identities are Defined by Net

Experts call the Internet the socializing institution of modern society. So kids today have radically different approaches to using the tools of 21st century communication. They are imbedded in their conciousness as the way to share, react, and essentially, communicate. This recent Toronto Star article reports on this phenomena and what researchers are trying to learn.
http://www.thestar.com Search for 'Wired, Like Totally'

Student Intern Program

2005-03-30T08:41:00.000-05:00

Nortel LearniT is in the process of developing our Student Intern Program and could use your help. We want to design a program that provides students, grades 7-14, with hands-on experience in producing and distributing digital media. Some of the traits of our program will include: Working with other students to create group projects; Projects created must fit within one of the content areas we are establishing; Projects shall have an instructional/documentary objective tied to our core Discover iT curriculum; Projects should be both self - contained, and those that could constitute one program in a series of offerings.

One concept we are considering is to have each intern create their own 'bio' video as a means of introducing themselves to future interns working with Nortel LearniT and it's Centers and Charters. A follow-up may be to have these interns create a brief testimonial video when they are nearing the completion of their internship. See the Fraser Institute http://www.fraserinstitute.ca/studentcentre/intern.asp?tnav=1&scnav=2 for an example of how one program accomplishes this.

If you have any ideas or suggestions to help us structure our program to be of a benefit to both the kids participating and our content offerings, please post your comments.

2005-03-25T11:44:00.000-05:00

As more and more schools have begun using laptops as a means to provide students with the kind of anytime, anywhere learning that is needed to revolutionize education in the digital millennium, this online blog has emerged to help educators keep tabs on the latest laptop initiatives and see how teachers across the country are using the technology to transform learning.

2005-03-25T03:44:00.000-05:00

Nortel LearniT Plans for It's Newest Content

Any comments on OSPI?

2005-03-24T09:21:00.000-05:00

I have been asked to look into OSPI - any one using this or have any related information to share?

about OSPI

Formed in January 2003, the Open Source Portfolio Initiative (OSPI) is a collaborative, open-source, software development project based on the University of Minnesota Enterprise System's electronic portfolio software. The University of Minnesota (U of MN), University of Delaware, and the r-smart group, founded this collaborative to open the evolution of the U of MN ePortfolio to diverse input, rapid development, and widespread use.

Mission
Create and sustain leading production ePortfolio software.
Build a software platform to accelerate ePortfolio innovation for teaching and learning.
Influence and reflect best practices in portfolio thinking.
Influence the movement of open source in education.

Podcasting

2005-03-24T09:07:00.000-05:00

I am new to the world of Podcasting.
Anyone have comments or information on podcasting and classroom / education applications?

Here are some reference links if you are new to this topic also.
What is Podcasting
Podcasting for education
Library Broadcasting

Two more recommended to me by high school teacher Rob McLeod:
http://www.podcastalley.com/
http://www.podcastcentral.com/

I look forward to your input and feedback.

Using Video Streaming

2005-03-24T08:46:00.000-05:00

Using Video Streaming: Setting Up a Cheap System for Distributing Information
By Thomas McNeal, Jr. and Landon Kearns

Interesting article showcasing low tech video conferencing to benefit hearing imaired students.

Access PDF.

We Need Your Help In Designing our Newest Unit

2005-03-20T12:47:00.000-05:00

Nortel LearniT is embarking on the production of a new 'unit' to support educators and their students in their efforts to integrate the use of technology as an organic part of their teaching and learning. Like other units this new effort will include online resources that both lead and support individuals in their efforts to systematically involve the use of digitial literacy in their classrooms and in their studies.

Before we progress down this development path, we need your assistance in clarifying what our approach will entail. Among the many questions we must clearly answer are issues such as:

1.) What is the right 'curriculum' to use to reach our educator and student audiences?
2.) What is most needed by the teaching and learning community to support their integrative use of technology?
3.) How does this commitment and approach differ from other available online resources?
4.) What components will be most effective in delivering to our target audience the resources and approach to support the goal of technology infused learning?

This is the first of several posts designed to facilitate your feedback, suggestions and input. Please consider responding to this post, or create one of your own.

A Good Example of A Teacher's Experiment w/Blogs

2005-03-18T16:22:00.000-05:00

Betsy Rogers, 20-year teaching veteran from Alabama, and the 2003 National Teacher of the Year, is now working at the "neediest school" in Jefferson County, Alabama, and keeping a blog of her experience there. In this week's entry, she finds herself asking: "Am I the right person to work at this school? Can I really help and have an impact? Do I have what it takes?"

One Teacher's Philosophy on Technology Integration

2005-03-15T13:33:00.000-05:00

Johnny Hansell is a 3rd Grade teacher in a large urban school district. As he moves through his fourth year in the classroom, he has realized how valuable technology can be. Technology is NOT an activity unto itself, but as an itegral part of the core subjects that he must teach to a diverse group of learners. Read Johnny's essay in a recent article in Tech Learning. http://techlearning.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=60401514

2005-03-12T17:30:00.000-05:00

Blogging Clicks With Colleges
Interactive Web Pages Changing Class Participation
First the Internet turned colleges upside down, extending classrooms and changing the way people learned. Next came Napster and other file-sharing tools, then Web logs. Now blogs are morphing into the next big thing on campus: wikis.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A25305-2005Mar10.html

Research Priorities in Education Technology

2005-03-12T14:02:00.000-05:00

Evaluating the impact of technology in education is an ongoing interesting and debated topic.

ISTE Journal of Research on Technology
Research Priorities in Education Technology - Summary

According to the findings of this research study, over the next 5 years, the following areas should be the focus of technology integration impact research:

1. Learning - examine the relationships of technology and how people learn and including an investigation of the learning process, learner engagement, and contextual learning.

2. Teachers - develop models for preparing inservice and preservice teachers to be more effective users of technology.

3. Models / Strategies - develop technology-rich instructional modules to support student learning in the classroom and in the online environment

4. Assessment - develop appropriate methods and criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of technology-enhanced instruction, particularly for more complex learning tasks.

5. Schools - investigate changes in the classroom, teacher roles, and schools due to technology integration and determine how technology might best facilitate educational reform.

6. Social Issues - investigate factors influencing the digital divide and the effects of technology in social interaction and collaboration.

Read the Abstract here.

Teachers' Information Collaboration Regarding Technology

2005-03-12T13:18:00.000-05:00

Teachers' Information Collaboration Regarding Technology
Read Abstract from the ISTE Journal of Research on Technology in Education

"informal collaboration describes it is direct interactions between at least two parties who voluntarily engage in, and have full discretion over, the process of working towards the goal of their choice." p.130

5 Key assertions from the research study

1. When seeking information regarding technology use, teachers value informal collaboration as a more effective method of professional development than organizationally planned or sponsored activities.

2. Informal collaboration regarding technology is a pervasive part of teachers' professional lives.

3. Information collaboration among teachers regarding the use of technology is influenced by two major factors, time and the perceived potential for receiving information specific to their needs.

4. Teachers' specific needs generally focus around two broad areas, curriculum needs and how-to information.

5. Teacher seek out different types of individuals depending upon the broad area with which they need assistance. (Curriculum at same grade level, technical, and sometimes both)

2005-03-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Having technology in classrooms doesn't mean that schools are revolutionizing teaching and learning, introducing project-based learning and making other departures from the traditional factory model for schools. Many teachers use computers simply to keep track of attendance and grades, and many students use the Internet mostly for drill and practice, word processing or to shop for a prom dress. Read this Carnegie Foundation Report that showcases where technology integration is working and how. http://www.carnegie.org/reporter/06/learning/

2005-03-08T18:05:00.000-05:00

The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) is hosting a press conference to release a new national study of young people on their media use.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at 9:30 -- 12:00 a.m. EST

WHAT: Panel discussion and release of Generation M: Media in the Lives of 8-18 Year-olds, a national survey of young people which measures use of TV and video, music, video games, computers, movies, and print. The study and forum explores the following questions:

* How much time do young people spend with media compared to other activities such
as hanging out with parents, physical activity, and pursuing hobbies?
* What rules, if any, do parents impose on their children regarding media use?
* Has the use of "new" media such the Internet and video games affected time spent
on "old" media such as TV, music, and reading?
* What kinds of media do young people prefer?
* What kind and how much media are in young peoples bedrooms?
* What is the home media environment like?

WHO: Drew Altman, President and CEO of Kaiser will discuss the implications of the findings and Vicky Rideout, who directed the study and is Vice President at Kaiser will present the detailed findings, followed by a discussion moderated by Jeff Greenfield, Senior Political Analyst at CNN with the following panelists: Michael Copps, Federal Communications Commission; Common, Grammy Award-winning Hip Hop Artist; Jordan Levin, former CEO, The WB Television Network; Donald Roberts, author It's Only Rock and Roll and professor at Stanford University; Juliet Schor, author, Born to Buy and professor at Boston College; Alain Tascan, Vice President and General Manager, Electronic Arts Montreal

WHERE: Barbara Jordan Conference Center, Kaiser Family Foundation Building, 1330 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. (one block west of Metro Center)

RSVP: Tiffany Ford, (202) 347-5270 or tford@kff.org

Yahoo! Born to be Wired.

2005-03-06T21:19:00.000-05:00

Acurate and interesting article on the today's teen learner who are:
-excellent multi-taskers
-empowerd and excited by choice and multimedia options
-online more that watching TV
http://docs.yahoo.com/docs/pr/release1107.html

What Does Research Say About Technology Integration?

2005-03-06T20:54:00.000-05:00

What does research say about using Technology effectively?

Research exists now that helps define where technology can most effectively impact student learning.

· Students should be motivated, engaged and learning actively
· Learning should be authentic
· Learning should be collaborative
· Students should be the explorers and producers of knowledge
· Instruction and learning should be integrated across curriculum
· Students should be proficient in digital age literacy skills
· Assessments should be performance based

Related technology indicators and frameworks.

2005-03-06T18:39:00.000-05:00

Director of Education, Cathy Reid, working with high school teachers on a (rare) professional development day, to showcase Nortel LearniT (www.NorteLearniT.org) technology integration resources.

2005-03-06T18:18:00.000-05:00

Nortel LearniT

2005 NECC Conference Registration Deadline

2005-03-06T16:52:00.000-05:00

The early deadline for the June 27 - 30 National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) is rapidly approaching on MARCH 31, 2005.

Be sure to look online for more information at: http://www.iste.org/necc

Research on State of eLearning in K-12 Schools

2005-03-06T16:46:00.000-05:00

The US Department of Education released a landmark study that provides the first-ever data on distance education in elementary and secondary Schools. This report was released on Wednesday, March 2, 2005.

CNN's news story about the findings of the report and examples of the research.

The Deptartments Press Release

Nortel LearniT - Mission and Values

2005-02-22T09:12:00.000-05:00

Our Mission is to prepare teachers, students and learners of all ages to develop 21st century skills that will provide a basis for their ongoing engagement in learning and personal achievement.

Our Goal is to reach learners around the world and share with them the skills and opportunities that Technology can bring to learning and their future. By creating innovative online resources for teachers, students and learners of all ages, Nortel LearnIT provides a new level of engagement for students that can lead to enhanced levels of interest and academic success.

We are currently in development of exciting new tools, resources and services that will provide a unique approach to the integration of technology in teaching and learning. Through the use of our free online professional development program and classroom strategies that include lesson plans and streaming videos that develop skills, introduce careers and showcase kids and teachers using technology, teachers and students quickly become more engaged in technology charged learning.

National Ed Tech Plan

2005-02-14T17:48:00.000-05:00

The Department of Education's National Education Technology Plan overviews specific steps to helping utilize the billions of dollars spent on hardware to improve teacher practice and student acheivement.

More info here: http://www.nationaledtechplan.org/

LearniT-TeachiT: 21st Century Teaching & Learning

Career and Technical Education Changing STEM Approaches

Report on International Development

Report on International Development

Podcasting and Education

Latest from Internet & American Life Project

Nortel and Nortel LearniT Support Bring Your Child to Work Day

Cyber Safety Initiatives

Copyright By Comic

New Developments at Nortel LearniT

The Millenials: Transforming Education from the Inside Out

Nortel Education

Nortel LearniT Partners with Orlando Tech to Cover ISMF

The Awesome Library

Examples of Online Tutorials

8th Grade Social Studies

Digital Divide Network

Interactive Games for Education

Online Professional Development that Integrates Video

m-Learning Is An Emergent Application

New Study Documents Tech Integration Challenges

Friends We Meet Along the Way

More on Videogames and Education

Teens Are Truly The Digital Natives

Training on How To Use Technology Still #1 Need

Juiciest new Nortel LearniT Resources?

Learner Feedback

NECC Conference Sessions from Nortel LearniT

Technology Integration vs. Technology Tools

How computers make our kids stupid

Upcoming Nortel LearniT Presentations

NetDay: Chat Today from 3:45 - 4:30PM Eastern Time

How to Overcome Technology Integration Barriers

Why Broadband?

ISMF - Celebrating 30 years of excellence in student media

Technical Question - MS SP3

Student Intern Program

Any comments on OSPI?

Podcasting

Using Video Streaming

We Need Your Help In Designing our Newest Unit

A Good Example of A Teacher's Experiment w/Blogs

One Teacher's Philosophy on Technology Integration

Research Priorities in Education Technology

Teachers' Information Collaboration Regarding Technology

Yahoo! Born to be Wired.

What Does Research Say About Technology Integration?

2005 NECC Conference Registration Deadline

Research on State of eLearning in K-12 Schools

Nortel LearniT - Mission and Values

National Ed Tech Plan