How can education technology pros help ensure the success of their open source deployments?
- By Natasha Wanchek
- 07/29/10
The cost savings of open source software aren't too bad. But without a focus on what's needed and what will be accepted in any given situation, an OSS implementation might be doomed to failure. We've compiled tips from a dozen expert sources to help K-12 IT directors improve the odds of success for their open source initiatives.
- By Natasha Wanchek
- 07/22/10
In 2008, children in Birmingham, AL, received XO computers through a government program designed to help bridge the digital divide for inner-city schoolchildren. The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project put the low-cost, wireless devices into the hands of 15,000 students in first through sixth grades, making it the largest 1:1 distribution in the United States.
- By Bridget McCrea
- 07/21/10
Online professional development program PBS TeacherLine has made the conversion to the popular open source learning management system (LMS) Moodle. The organization said it made the move in order to make its program easier for schools to customize in offering it to their educators.
- By Scott Aronowitz
- 07/20/10
Starting in fall 2010 the University of Arizona is offering a new online program to train charter school administrators. The Tucson-based institution introduced the "Charter School Leadership Certificate" in its Educational Leadership Program, which is part of the College of Education.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 07/15/10
Open source has proved attractive for K-12 school districts for any number of reasons, from upfront cost savings to freedom from cumbersome restrictions to the quality of the software itself. But how does a school or district get started with it? Three K-12 IT directors shared their experiences with THE Journal--the good and the bad, as well as the lessons they've learned in the process.
- By Natasha Wanchek
- 07/15/10
Grand Prairie Independent School District in Texas is using a digital learning platform and integrating professional development to get the most out of its 1:1 laptop investment.
- By Bridget McCrea
- 07/14/10
The University of Arizona and Arizona State University are teaming up to help middle and high school teachers learn how to use new technologies in the classroom.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 07/08/10
Education technology developer Promethean has updated its ActivClassroom lineup with a new 1.4 release of its ActivInspire software and a new mobile ActivBoard system. The company also added new features to its online teacher community.
In a study that is not without some controversy, researchers found that one form of mentoring for new elementary teachers, 'comprehensive induction,' can have a significant, positive impact on student achievement, while at the same time failing to improve teacher retention.
- By Scott Aronowitz
- 07/02/10