T.H.E. SmartClassroom :: June 14, 2007
Focus
Podcasts: Improving Quality and Accessibility
By Patricia Deubel, Ph.D.
Podcasts are increasingly being used in K-12 and in higher education. In part 1 of this two-part series, I discussed their nature, demonstrated their potential for learning, and pointed out that in developing podcasts, students become involved with the project method, which is a real-world experience. I also voiced my concern that many podcasts I've heard suffer from poor quality of the audio, content, and speaker presentation. Accessibility is also a major issue that is being overlooked in their development. Let's now look at what you might do to improve the quality and accessibility of your podcasts, so that all learners can benefit, including those with disabilities....
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Ed Tech News
LAUSD Leverages Web To Personalize Learning
The Los Angeles Unified School District has implemented Web-based system in 185 schools that lets teachers personalize education based on students' strengths, abilities and interests....
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Online Phonics Courses Slated for September Launch
Synthetic Phonics (UK), led by educator and synthetic phonics proponent Debbie Hepplewhite, will launch an International Synthetic Phonics Teaching Program in September for use by teachers, schools, tutors and parents....
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Securexam 'Cheat-Proofs' Remote Test Taking
Software Secure (Cambridge, MA) has released its Securexam Remote Proctor system, which provides exam security for distance learning environments. Working with Troy University's (Troy, AL) distance learning program--which maintains an advanced distance learning program -- the system eliminates the need for remote students to take exams on-site or in the presence of a proctor....
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St. Bernard Powers OpenDNS Site Blocking
DNS provider OpenDNS is expanding its list of safety features for kids by implementing new site blocking capabilities. The goal is to provide a means for school, library's, parents, and others responsible for kids' access to the Internet to be able to block sites deemed inappropriate for minors, including adult sites and social networking sites. OpenDNS is expanding its security toolchest with the help of St. Bernard Software, which is providing the technology behind the service's site-blocking capabilities....
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New Mexico Partners with MS for K-12 Education
The state of New Mexico is entering into a partnership with Microsoft Corp. through the company's "U.S. Partners in Learning" program. The idea is to bolster STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education programs by providing funding for classroom technologies and integrating curricula with opportunities to enhance the economic situation in the rural communities that will participate in the programs....
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T.H.E. Journal is currently looking for the following types of articles for future issues and for our eNewsletter, T.H.E. SmartClassroom:
- School Perspectives - discuss a specific topic, trend, or concern about education technology.
- Case Studies - have you implemented technology and learned a lot from the experience? If so, share your efforts about what worked -- and what didn't.
If you have a potential article, or questions about the above topics, please e-mail [email protected]
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