Coverage of the FETC 2011 Conference

Here you'll find coverage of the FETC 2011 winter conference being held Jan. 31 through Feb. 3 in Orlando, FL. We're providing news from the show floor, session highlights, and lead-up interviews with ed tech leaders who will be delivering keynote addresses and moderating sessions at the event. For show schedule, registration information, and other details about the conference itself, visit FETC's site here.


Powering Up Learning with Technology

Technology is about how we bridge the gap between what students learn in school and what they do outside of school, according to Karen Cator, director of the Department of Education's Office of Education technology. She spoke Wednesday to a crowd gathered at the FETC 2011 conference in Florida, where she elaborated on some of the goals of the National Education Technology Plan (NETP).

Epson Makes Federal Grant Apps for Its Products Easier To Manage

Epson America has developed a tool to make adding its products to federal funding applications much easier, the company announced this week.

School Specialty Launches Content-Area Vocabulary Builder

School Specialty Literacy and Intervention has introduced an online software application aimed at helping students in grades 4 through 8 who struggle to master vocabulary specific to the subject areas of science and social studies.

Bretford Intros Netbook Cart and Charger

At the FETC 2011 conference being held in Orlando, FL, Bretford Manufacturing demoed a new netbook cart that securely stores and charges up to 36 classroom netbooks.

Free for All: Great Freeware for the Classroom

Former middle school teacher Luke Allen offers his recommendations for the best free software for teachers, from social Web browsers to image and video editing and manipulation tools.

Reconnecting Students in Alternative Education

In an effort to reduce truancies and tardiness among alternative education students, Kingsville ISD in Texas has started using videoconferencing to reconnect those students to their original classrooms. The results from the initial pilot have included improved attendance and, for the district, $200,000 in annual savings.

Report Shows U.S. Schools Can't Meet Technology Demands of Teachers, Students

Few people will be surprised to learn of research that shows K-12 institutions throughout the United States have become heavily dependent on technology, and that this dependency continues to increase with each passing year. What may surprise even the most jaded among us, however, is that, given that many view this a "good" dependency with a wealth of immediate and long-term benefits for teachers, students, and staff, we're doing an inadequate job of feeding the habit.

SkillsTutor Aligns Math Facts Fluency Program with Common Core Standards

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's SkillsTutor division has launched a new version of its digital math program that aligns with Common Core State Standards.

Qwizdom Launches K-8 Online Learning Community

Qwizdom has opened a free online community designed for K-8 educators, students, and parents.

Free Money: 11 Tips for Securing Grants To Enhance Instruction

Writing a grant to fund classroom instruction can be overwhelming. But once you know how the process works and what you can do to increase your odds, grant funds become one more asset in your toolkit.