Instructional Technology Newsline
January 2006: Volume 7, Number 3 

Newsline Submission Guidelines


 Inside this Issue

Instructional Technology Update 

From the Director’s Desk

National News

State and National "Technology Days"

E-rate Program

  • Funding News

  • New SLD Website

Ed Tech Research, Publications, Resources, Special Events

  • Second edition of Visions 2020

  • Using NCLB Funds to Fund Afterschool Programs

Missouri Schools and Programs in the News -

  • Springfield High School wins Broadcast Award

  • National Council on Social Studies Recognition of Missouri eMINTS Teachers

MOREnet Update

  • Connections 2006: MORENET Spring Technical Conference

  • Megaconference JR

Regular Featured Items 

 


Index by Topics
Archives

January is a month filled with much hope and action. Students and faculty return to school after a nice, long break, looking forward to getting back to teaching and learning. School administrators and program staff also look forward to hearing word of the state’s plans and support for schools for the coming year. The Governor presents the annual State-of-the-State Address, outlining his goals and objectives and proposed budget for 2006-07 and providing impetus for wide-spread action on the part of state legislators, state department staff, school personnel, and others. Let us all hope for a great 2006. Deborah Sutton

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

Budgets/Grant Programs

Fiscal Year 2005-06 – There are no changes for current budgets and grant programs.

Fiscal Year 2006-07 – In December, Congress passed Conference agreement on the appropriations bill that funds the Title II.D  Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) Program at $275 million, a 45% cut from the current appropriation of $496 million. (See NATIONAL NEWS for more details.)

RFP for FY07 Competitive Grant Program –
The Department plans to administer competitive grants in FY07. Districts should expect to receive general information about the FY07 program in the Department’s January 11 mailing. At that same time, Instructional Technology will post on its website a copy of the letter, a program FAQ, the administrative manual and application forms, and eligibility lists (based on U.S. Census poverty data).

The FY07 program will continue to operate under the current structure. Competitive grant proposals must focus on school-wide reform or systemic renewal through implementation of the eMINTS instructional model. Approved projects are funded for two years. Applicants may request up to $400,000 for year one and up to $150,000 for year two. Districts submitting new (year one) applications must meet eligibility requirements. A district may only submit (or participate in) one application or project.

Instructional Technology and eMINTS will co-host an information workshop on February 17, 2006, from 9:00 AM until noon. The workshop will be held live in Jefferson City (in Room 510 of the Harry S Truman Building), and distributed to multiple remote sites via Centra videoconferencing. A listing of the remote sites – as well as driving directions and copies of the presentation slides and handouts – will be posted on the Instructional Technology website by late January.

Technology Data Collection

Census of Technology – To be completed February 15 through April 15, 2006 <Reminder>
To ensure timely and proper access to the COT, districts are encouraged to review their contact information by no later than mid-January. Visit the Web Application screen for Data Collection/Data entry, August Cycle (03 screen), and update information as needed. Districts are also encouraged at this time to preview the items and manual instructions. Facsimiles of the census and instructions are located at http://www.dese.mo.gov/divimprove/instrtech/statefunded/census/index.htm. Read through this information to determine district strategies for collecting and reporting timely and accurate data. (See December's “Technology Census Question of the Month” article about common mistakes and frequently asked questions.)


Technology Planning

District plans due spring 2006 – Option of submitting one-year or three-year plans <Reminder>
Over 400 districts have been informed they must submit new education technology plans for state approval in spring 2006. This round, districts have the option of submitting one-year or three-year plans. With the Department in the process of developing a new state education technology plan, a district can opt to submit a one-year plan (based on the currently approved plan) to allow the district more time to develop a long-range plan that aligns with the new state plan. For more information about this option and this year’s [new] electronic procedures for submitting plans for approval, visit the IT web site at: http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/instrtech/techplan/2006/index.html.

Development of a new State Plan – Review and provide input on goals and objectives now!
Efforts are underway in creating the 2006-2011 Missouri Education Technology Strategic Plan. The current task (through early January) is reviewing the goals and objectives of the current plan to determine what should be kept, modified, or discarded, and to identify what new objectives should be added.

A listing of the 2002-2006 goals and objectives is available on the state technology planning website for viewing or downloading as a rich-text file that can be opened in most word processors. The document can be accessed from the "Ed-Tech Documents" link on the main navigation menu. Please take some time to review this document and post your ideas in the comments area below the article. See: http://www.successlink.us/motechplan/

Participation and feedback from all stakeholders is essential in the creation of the next Missouri Education Technology Strategy Plan! You can participate by registering for a free account with this website and taking part in discussion board forums, provide feedback on specific articles using the "Comments" section below each article, or submit your own recommendations using the "Submit News" link available to registered users of the site.

TECHNOLOGY CENSUS QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Q: Who should schools contact for technical assistance during the Core Data collection window?

A: The Department’s Instructional Technology section can respond to questions on how to access and submit the Census, how to navigate through the screens, and how to interpret and respond to specific items. Feel free to contact Instructional Technology staff by telephone (573-751-8247), fax (573-522-1134), and/or email (instrtech@dese.mo.gov).

NATIONAL NEWS

Budget News—U.S. Department of Education

Third Continuing Resolution –
On December 18, 2005, the President signed into law P.L. 109-128, the third continuing resolution for fiscal year 2006. This continuing resolution provides funding for several Federal agencies, including the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) Program, and runs through December 31 or until budget is passed, whichever comes first.

Congressional Action –
On December 14 and December 21, 2005, the House and Senate, respectively, passed the (second) Conference agreement on H.R. 3010, the FY 2006 Labor/HHS/Education appropriations bill. The bill now goes to the President for signature. A table (last updated 12/23/05) showing the amounts provided in the Conference agreement for the programs and activities of the Education Department is available at http://www.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/news.html#06action. Also, note that FY 2006 discretionary totals have been reduced by 1 percent pursuant to a Government-wide rescission contained in the pending FY 2006 Department of Defense appropriations bill (H.R. 2863).

STATE AND NATIONAL "TECHNOLOGY DAYS"

Show-Me TechKnowledge Day 2006 <Reminder>
The fifth annual Show-Me TechKnowledge Day, hosted by METPA, will be held in the Third Floor Rotunda of the Capitol, on January 18, 2006. Student, from kindergarten to high school, will exhibit and make presentations illustrating how technology is used in Missouri schools to enhance learning and improve student achievement. Missouri schools are encouraged to visit the Capitol and/or host local events that coincide with Show-Me TechKnowledge Day.

Technology Impact on Education Month 2006 <Reminder>
Technology Impact in Education Month, sponsored by SETDA, will take place during January of 2006. Students and teachers are encouraged to participate in this month of sharing, discovery and celebration of the potential, both realized and envisioned, that educational technologies bring to the teaching and learning environment to help students achieve. The event’s website includes sample lesson plans (grades K-12) and activities and supporting material to help participants examine the impact of technology on teaching and learning. See: http://www.edtechimpact.com. Thousands of dollars of prizes have been donated including a Smartboard, digital cameras, subscriptions to Inspiration and Scribestudio, and T1 calculators.

E-RATE PROGRAM
    Funding News

Year 2004 – In December, the SLD issued Waves 44 through 47 of funding commitment decision letters. To date, the SLD has committed over $2.3 billion in over 32,440 letters for Funding Year 2004. Wave 47 will be the last weekly wave. 

Year 2005 – In December, the SLD issued Waves 24 through 27 of funding commitment decision letters for Funding Year 2005 that provides support for services delivered July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006. The funding associated with these waves address Priority One (telecommunications services and Internet access) services and Priority Two (internal connections) services at the 90% discount level. To date, the SLD has committed over $1.146 billion in more than 25,600 letters. Those eligible for discounts below the 81% level are being advised their requests for internal connections must be denied due to insufficient funds.

Filing window open December 6 – February 16
The Form 471 application filing window for Funding Year 2006 opened at noon EST on Tuesday, December 6, 2005 and will close at 11:59 pm EST on Thursday, February 16, 2006. January 19, 2006 will be the last possible date to post a Form 470 on USAC’s website to meet the 28-day posting for the competitive bid requirement and submit a complete Form 471 by the filing window close date. USAC encourages applicants to file and certify Forms 470 and 471 online, as online filing ensures applicants of meeting minimum processing standards and allows for early acknowledgement and quicker decisions. For more information on filing Form 470 and the competitive bidding process, visit “Form 470 Reminders” on the USAC website (see new address listed below), call toll-free at 888-203-8100, or send a fax to 888-276-8736.
 
    Bookmark the new SLD website
         In December, USAC launched its new SLD website -- bookmark http://www.universalservice.org/sl/.

ED TECH RESEARCH, PUBLICATION, RESOURCES, SPECIAL EVENT

Second Edition of Visions 2020
 NetDay, the Department of Education, and the Department of Commerce have written the second edition of Visions 2020, a project first undertaken in 2003. The current publication is based on online survey responses from 2004. Over 55,000 K-12 students responded to the question, “In the future, you will be the inventors of new technologies. What would you like to see invented that you think will help kids learn in the future?”  The report covers four main areas of kids’ classroom interest in technology: child-sized digital devices, computer and online Internet access, a digitized help desk, and online resource for homework help. To access the report (in pdf), visit: http://www.netday.org/downloads/Visions2020-2.pdf.

Using NCLB Funds to Fund Afterschool Programs
http://tinyurl.com/8sdft

A Strategy Brief from the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and The Finance Project takes a look at how schools can use funds under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation to help fund afterschool programs. The 34-page publication examines the basic tenets of NCLB and then describes how after school programs can be funded under specific programs.

MISSOURI SCHOOLS AND PROJECTS IN THE NEWS
Springfield High School Wins Broadcast Award
Central Intelligence, a news show produced by students from Central High School in Springfield, MO, received third place in the "Best of Show" broadcast category at the 2005 Journalism Educators Association (JEA) and National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Fall National Convention in Chicago, Nov. 10-13.

The winning segment, Central Intelligence episode 22, was produced by Central's broadcast media class under the direction of adviser Nichole Lemmon. It aired in October on Springfield Public Schools Mediacom cable channel 25.

The show included stories on abortion rights in Missouri, religious organizations in schools, the opening of the newly-renovated Harrison Stadium and a piece on the Jones Farm. Central senior Christopher Cunetto was the creative director for the show, senior Malia Norman was the line editor and senior Cara Williams was the news director.

More than 6,300 students from around the nation attended the JEA/NSPA fall convention. Five national "Best of Show" awards were given in the broadcast category.

 National Council on Social Studies Recognizes Missouri eMINTS Teachers
Congratulations to Missouri teachers who are receiving recognition for their lesson plans, articles, and presentations on behalf of the National Council on Social Studies (NCSS). Lori Mathys (Moniteau R-I) has her Westward Ho lesson presented in NCSS Bulletin and Anne Jeschke (Chillicothe R-II) also has lessons highlighted in NCSS Bulletin. For more information on the National Council, see http://www.ncss.org/.

MOREnet Update
submitted by Eric Nicklas
Connections 2006: MOREnet spring conference

The Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet) will host Connections 2006, the annual spring technical conference, March 22-23, at Tan-Tar-A in Osage Beach, Mo. This conference provides information on current technologies and offers insight into future directions of technology in education. It is targeted for those who manage and support technology in public libraries, K-12 schools and higher education, including, but not limited to, technology coordinators and technology support specialists who are current members of MOREnet. Online registration begins Jan. 27, 2006.

Connections 2006 will be held March 22-23, 2006 at Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, Mo. Room reservations must be made by March 8, 2006, to be guaranteed the conference room rate of $87. Contact Tan-Tar-A at (800) 826-8272 and reference the MOREnet 2006 Connections Conference.

 MEGACONFERENCE JR.

What is Megaconference JR?
 Megaconference Jr., now in its third year, is a project designed to give students in elementary and secondary schools around the world the opportunity to communicate, collaborate and contribute to each other's learning in real time, using advanced multi-point video conferencing technology. Presenters will design and conduct videoconference-based presentations and activities focused on both academic and cultural issues. Participants will be able to address questions to presenters and to collaborate with geographically diverse peers in collaborative learning activities, thus building international cultural awareness.

When is it going to be?
The event will be on May 18, 2006, and it will run from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm EDT (UTC-4). The 12-hour duration will make it possible for schools from many time zones to participate during their regular school hours. Schools are strongly encouraged to open up participation to parents, administrators, and the community and to stay connected for as long as possible so that they can actively participate with sites from around the world in different time-zones. Museums and libraries are especially encouraged to invite children and library patrons to participate during non-school hours.

How can I contribute?
Propose a 10-15 min. interactive presentation, or showcase an interesting collaboration project that you have been doing in your school. Suggest activities that could be organized at "downtimes" between the blocks of presentations. Or join us as participants. (Questions at the end of presentations are more than welcome from everyone).

Who can be a presenter?
Students and teachers can be presenters. Presentations with multiple sites are strongly encouraged.

How do I submit a proposal?
The proposal submission process has been streamlined again this year to ensure a successful conference for all. Anyone who wishes to submit a proposal must first register as a presenter for Megaconference Jr. 2006. Once registered, sites will be contacted about testing their network connections. Upon successfully testing, those who wish to submit a proposal will be able to do so. This will ensure that all sites proposing presentations have passed a preliminary connectivity test and will allow presenters more time to focus on their dress rehearsals.

What technology do I need to participate?
Most sites will need Internet2 or comparable high-speed connection and access to H.323 video-conferencing equipment. Presentations must be made using H.323 technology, preferably at 768 Kbps, and they will be made from the presenter's location. Presentations with multiple remote presenters are encouraged (see evaluation criteria above).

How to register and submit a proposal:
Presenter registration and subsequent proposal submission (upon successful testing) should be completed online at: http://megaconferencejr.org/?id=registration.

DEADLINES:
Submit your presenter proposal(s) by January 23, 2006. -(If you are unable to submit by this date due to special circumstances such as extended holiday break, please let us know and we will do everything possible to accommodate you.)

General registration opens February 10, 2006. General registration closes April 28, 2006.

Please forward this message to anyone you feel would be interested in being a presenter site, anywhere in the world. To check out the NEW Megaconference Jr. 2006 website at http://megaconferencejr.org

eMINTS UPDATE
 submitted by Monica Beglau

The eMINTS National Center has launched several new professional development programs this school year including opportunities specifically tailored for administrators, technology coordinators and educators interested in using the eMINTS instructional model to assist students with special needs in achieving academic and social goals.

eMINTS4Administrators provides principals, district level administrators and others with an overview of the eMINTS instructional model as well as developing a collaborative cohort group to work on issues of specific interest to administrators. Content of the program is designed to assist administrators who are currently implementing the eMINTS program in their schools or districts as well as those who are interested in implementing eMINTS. The current cohort group of eMINTS4Admin participants has completed one face-to-face session and an asynchronous online experience about constructivist teaching strategies in technology-rich classrooms. The group is now working collaboratively online using a BlackBoard environment to create a set of “look fors” that can be used in the supervision of teachers in eMINTS classrooms. The “look fors” will be used by principals and others as they complete “walk throughs” of eMINTS classrooms. A final face-to-face session is scheduled in late spring to summarize and wrap up the experience. For more information about the eMINTS4Administrators program, see the eMINTS website at: http://www.emints.org/programs/admin/index.shtml.

eMINTS4Technolgy Coordinators provides technology coordinators and other technology support personnel with an overview of the eMINTS instructional model as it pertains to their roles. eMINTS equipment specifications, network issues and other technical support concerns are addressed. eMINTS4Techs includes a one-day face-to-face session and ongoing discussion list activity throughout the school year. For more information about the eMINTS4Techs program, see the eMINTS website at: http://www.emints.org/programs/tech/index.shtml.

eMINTS in Special Education is a self-paced asynchronous online professional development experience. Participants receive a set of CDs with high-quality video and interactive reflection prompts. eMINTS staff and teachers share ideas and specific strategies for assisting students with special needs in eMINTS classrooms. The program also includes strategies for special and general educators who do not have access to the full suite of eMINTS hardware and software in their settings. The program includes an optional e-conferencing opportunity for participants to dialogue with specialists on specific issues they may be facing. For more information about the eMINTS in Special Education program, see the eMINTS website at: http://www.emints.org/programs/specialed/index.shtml.

eMINTS QUESTION OF THE MONTH
Q: Are there any basic technical self-help documents available for eMINTS teachers? I need something to help me with basics so I don't drive my tech coordinator crazy with simple problems.

A: Check out the Trouble-Shooting Flowcharts at http://www.emints.org/equipment/troubleshootingcharts.pdf. These are helpful in trying to solve some very basic problems with all of the different pieces of eMINTS equipment. Sometimes the problem is something that can be easily solved and even if it is not an easily solved problem, your tech coordinator will appreciate that you have tried some basics before calling for help.
 

COPYRIGHT QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Q.  May an educator (e.g., administrator, classroom teacher, substitute teacher, or student teacher) other district employee, volunteer, or others who owns a legal copy of a software program that is installed on their home computer install a copy of this program on a school owned computer?

A.  No, a single-user license allows the installation of the software on only one machine unless otherwise specified.

Note:  Installation may occur only if the license specifically allows the simultaneous installation of the software in both locations.

UPCOMING 2006 CONFERENCES

2006

 

January 30-
February 1

Midwest Education Technology Conference (METC)
Sheraton Westport
St. Louis, MO
http://www.csd.org/metc2006.htm

February 23-25

Interface A 2006:  Making Connections for Student Success (Grades K-6)
Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO

February 26-28

Interface B 2006:  Making Connections for Student Success (Grades 7-12)
Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO

March 22-23

MOREnet Spring Connections 2006 Conference
Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO
http://www.more.net/conferences

March 22 – 23

MOREnet Helix 2006 Collaborations and Partnerships: Communities in Action
Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO
http://www.more.net/conferences/helix2006/

June 17- 22

Teaching and Learning Conference
Holiday Inn Select, Columbia, MO
http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/curiculum/conferences/schoolleadersconf.htm


GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Deadline Grant
Ongoing Educational Foundation of America Grants
http://www.efaw.org
Ongoing Westinghouse Education
http://www.westinghouse.com/E2a.asp
Ongoing The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation’s Education Grants Program
http://www.hewlett.org
Ongoing Intel’s Model School Grant Program
http://www.intel.com/modelschool
Ongoing Adopt a Classroom Grants
http://www.adoptaclassroom.com
Ongoing Build an Outdoor Classroom at Your School
 http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=AboutLowes/outdoor/index.html
2006  
January 13 Youth Service America and Disney Minnie Grants for National and Global Youth Service Day Projects http://www.ysa.org/awards
January 15 State Farm Charitable Contributions to Teacher Excellence Programs http://www.statefarm.com/foundati/foundati.htm
February 1 Innovation and Learning and Leadership Grants
http://www.nfie.org
February 1 The American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
The Information Technology Pathfinder Award
http://www.ala.org/aasl/awards.html
February 24 Civiconnections
 http://www.civiconnections.org
March 1 The NEC Foundation of America Grants
http://www.necfoundation.org
June 1 Innovation and Learning and Leadership Grants
(NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education)
http://www.nfie.org
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

January 1

Newsline published online.

January 24

Newsline articles due.
January 1 - 31 Technology in Education Month
 

January 18

The 5th Annual Show-Me TechKnowledge Day -  State Capitol Jefferson City, MO 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
March 15 Tech Plan Reading.
 


FROM THE MAILBAG  

Earn Professional Development Credits through Free Online Courses
 http://www.paec.org/teacher2teacher

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers thirty-two free Teacher-to-Teacher online professional development sessions. Topics include reading. writing, math, science, history, differentiated instruction, standards-based assessment, data, inclusion, and NCLB basics. Many states allow teachers to meet their professional development requirements by completing these anytime anywhere workshop.

 LearnOutLoud.com
http://www.learnoutloud.com/Home

Check out this Podcast Directory for hundreds of hand-selected podcasts you can learn from or cruise on over to the Free Directory for free educational content on the Net. This site offers reviews on different podcasts for teachers, covering the topics across the teaching spectrum. Some are forums, some blog-oriented, some wandering, and others more focused on specific issues.

Digital-Literacy Curriculum Available
www.usdlc-121.org

Three new online courses from the United Star Distance Learning Consortium (USDLC) designed to help teachers learn about and teach twenty-first literacy are now available. Go to www.usdlc-121.org and click on “Visit as guest” to preview the site for information about registering for these courses, call Linda Walters at 919-807-3497 or email her at lwalters@dpi.state.nc.us

C-SPAN Classroom
http://www.c-spanclassroom.org

From the folks at C-SPAN, the cable television channel that broadcasts Congressional hearings, speeches, and other daily Capitol Hill events, comes a new web site for the classroom. Designed specifically for middle and high school civics and government teachers, "C-SPAN Classroom" is a free membership service dedicated to supporting educators' use of C-SPAN programming in their classes. The site contains a wide range of resources and teaching materials designed to help students understand the workings of the federal government, including free, standards-based video content, lesson plans, and primary-source materials. Future enhancements to the site will include the ability to search the video database by standards and keyword. Soon, the network also will offer video in different formats and downloadable files, making the content easier to access. To commemorate the launch of this new web site, C-SPAN has announced the return of the C-SPAN StudentCam contest. This student video documentary contest, first held during the 2004 presidential campaign, invites middle and high school students to submit short documentaries exploring a current issue to compete for $25,000 in prizes. Teachers and students should visit www.studentcam.org for complete rules and entry information. Entries are due February 28, 2006.

iSAFE Update

i-SAFE is pleased to announce that the new edition of the i-EDUCATOR Times newsletter is now online.

Each school year, i-SAFE prides itself on providing the most up-to-date information on issues concerning online safety and responsible use of the Internet. This issue of the i-EDUCATOR Times highlights some of the newest i-SAFE curriculum and supplemental materials. Take a look and see if you need to submit a new IP to receive updated materials.

Here are some other highlights in this edition:

Tech Tip—benefits and risks of magic cookies
In Action—i-SAFE and interdisciplinary lessons
Did You Know?—holiday shopping tips 
Curriculum Bonus—new curriculum items to supplement lessons in class

Take a look at this month’s issue of the i-EDUCATOR Times newsletter, which is now available at http://www.isafe.org/imgs/pdf/newsletter/2005/i-EDUCATOR.pdf. The i-EDUCATOR Times is your source for Internet safety information needed for a safe and responsible online experience.

 Doors to Diplomacy Project 2006 Web Project Competition for Middle School and High School Students Worldwide
 http://globalschoolhouse.org/doors/

The U.S. Department of State along with the Global SchoolNet Foundation is pleased to announce the 2006 "Doors to Diplomacy" award competition. This educational award program recognizes the student-created Global SchoolNet Web projects that best teach others about the importance of international affairs and diplomacy. Students work in small teams with teacher-coaches. Projects must be completed by March 17, 2006. Winners will be announced in May 2006. Every team that completes a final entry receives a special Doors to Diplomacy certificate to recognize their achievement. Each student member of the team who wins the "Doors to Diplomacy" receives a $2,000 scholarship, and the winning coaches' schools each receive a $500 cash award. For a complete description and information about eligibility and judging criteria, visit http://globalschoolhouse.org/doors/.

 Cable in the Classroom Launches Interactive Learning Module in Cooperation with The Weather Channel, NASA, and Discovery Education
www.ciconline.org/Windward

Students can now test their navigational wits with a new interactive Internet game that pits them against tricky weather conditions and unexpected challenges as they sail in a virtual race around the world. Windward: Outsmart the Weather in A Race Around the World was unveiled on November 4, the third in a series of online, interactive learning modules developed by Cable in the Classroom (CIC) to demonstrate the educational power of digital content and broadband technology.

The game is targeted for middle school students, but also invites adults and children to play together at home, school, and in other learning environments. Players have a multitude of resources at their fingertips during the game, including a cockpit laptop loaded with information, online reference books on weather and sailing, and the guidance of expert sailor and marine navigator Bill Biewanga. Players also have access to a library of multimedia tools including video clips and graphs about sailing, weather, and navigation, as well as nautical essays, music, and literature. To play the game and learn more about the initiative, visit www.ciconline.org/Windward.

As part of its commitment to Cable in the Classroom, The Weather Channel provides commercial-free, educational programming for teachers. As of October 1, The Weather Channel airs its Cable in Classroom programs on Saturday and Sunday of each week from 4:00-4:30 am ET.

Digital Skills for 21st Century Literacy
 http://www.adobe.com/education/k12/21stcentury.html

In this fast-paced digital age, it is essential to find new ways to engage students in learning while more effectively teaching them core subjects. A rapidly growing number of K-12 educators recognize the powerful role digital technology can play in helping students creatively express what they've learned. Those educators also understand the importance of teaching 21st century digital skills that students will carry into exciting academic and professional careers.

Adobe sees "21st century literacy" as involving a skill set that encompasses visual, aural, and digital elements of communication. In this age of rapidly expanding digital media, these skills reinforce and extend traditional verbal abilities.

Fun, easy-to-use digital tools can make all the difference as teachers empower students to express ideas effectively — through words, images, videos, and sound — while building strong interpersonal and communication skills. Adobe provides software tools and resources that can make this integration of digital technology a natural process — and help teachers create a dynamic learning environment.

Check out the Adobe Education page for information about the Adobe Digital Kids club, insights from leading literacy experts, a link to a report on a 21st century Literacy Summit, a multimedia project tutorial, information on historical storytelling, how one district helped instructors address multiple learning styles, and the Adobe Web Tech curriculum.

INTERNET SITES OF INTEREST

January Writing Prompts
http://www.teacherview.com/WritingCenter/journal_topics/January.htm

Beyond the usual writing prompt for January based on "I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King, Jr., find several other themed prompts to help your elementary students with writing or journaling projects.

From Converge
http://www.convergemag.com/index.php

WEB GEMS: Short collections of the best on the internet on selected topics by James Lerman
http://www.convergemag.com/story.php?catid=243&storyid=96485 

Teachers, like everyone else, are constantly on the lookout for tools to help them do their jobs faster, easier, and better. And you can't beat it when these power tools are free!

From TechLearning News
brought to you by Technology & Learning magazine and TechLEARNING.com.

Teachers Corner lists resources
http://www.lexington-hs.henderson.k12.tn.us/Teachers_Corner.htm

Peggy Wentworth teaches Wellness and also serves as the Webmaster for the Lexington High School Web site in Lexington, Tennessee. Wentworth has created Teacher’s Corner, a section of the high school site to help teachers at all grade levels find links to really good online resources.

United Nations World Food Program, online game
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1222/p14s03-stct.html

Using 3-D graphics and action video sequences, Food Force, a free online game from the United Nations World Food Program, helps players learn about world hunger. Learn more about "serious games."

Professional Development QuickTips: What Makes a Good Online Project?
http://www.techlearning.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?sssdmh=dm4.161917&articleID=174400710

There are many different types of projects, both simple and complex. How do you figure out what makes a worthwhile project to do online? Read these guidelines.

Technology in Education Award Program
http://www.amfcse.org/Alan%20Shepard%20Award/alan_shepard_award.htm

The Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) in partnership with the Space Foundation and NASA is currently accepting applications for the 2006 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award. February 1, 2006, is the deadline for mailing entries if you have not yet sent in your application.

The Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award is open to all K-12 district or school level educators from across the nation. Visit the web site for application and information. While at the web site, you can also view information on past Award winners and their contributions. If you have applied in the past, please do not hesitate to apply again.

Geoscience Teacher Training (GEO-Teach) Grant Program
http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf06526

Through its Geoscience Teacher Training (GEO-Teach) program, the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) at the National Science Foundation (NSF) will support projects designed to improve the quality of geoscience instruction, primarily at middle and high school levels.

GEO-Teach projects will provide teachers with easy access to high-quality curricular materials as well as the current state of knowledge, and will implement pre-service teacher training and in-service professional development programs designed to enhance middle and high school students' understanding of and appreciation for the importance of the geosciences.

GEO-Teach projects should emphasize the importance of an Earth system science approach in geoscience education and should promote the integration of content drawn from atmospheric science, Earth science, and ocean science disciplines. The relevance of the geosciences to modern society should be made clear by GEO-Teach products and activities.

The GEO-Teach program is expected to have a transformative effect on geoscience education. GEO-Teach projects should take a leadership role in the geoscience education community by providing services and support to that community. GEO-Teach projects should contribute to development of a common sense of purpose regarding geoscience education among scientists and educators drawn from across the geoscience disciplines.


From Riverdeep
http://rivapprod2.riverdeep.net/portal/page?_pageid=336,1&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Listening & Reading Comprehension Skills Online
 http://www.esl-lab.com/

Use RealPlayer for this huge collection of online listening and reading exercises, with quizzes included. The collection, originally targeted to ESL classes, can be an excellent tool for reinforcing student reading and listening comprehension skills for standardized test prep and practice. Entries are organized along easy, medium, difficult, and very difficult categories in this online lab.

Winter Celebrations Webquest
 http://aldertrootes.wcpss.net/winterholidays.html

Students will take a global tour, online, to learn all about holiday traditions in winter. Divali, Shichi-Go-San, the Chinese New Year, Taeborum, and Tet are all included. As suggested here, students can create Kid Pix reports on their findings; use the 2nd link above for more info on Kid Pix. (As always, please ensure all current links are appropriate before allowing student access.)

CoSN Releases Digital Learning Spaces 2010
 http://www.cosn.org/resources/emerging_technologies/learningspaces.cfm

The Consortium for School Networking is proud to announce the release of our latest Emerging Technologies report: Digital Learning Spaces 2010. The learning spaces of 2010 have the potential to be dramatically different than they are today, if school districts lay the groundwork now. Students and teachers will routinely take advantage of online learning, use a variety of hardware and software tools, and communicate and collaborate extensively in "schools without walls." The report discusses the policy and instructional implications of technology implementation and provides a look at the infrastructure required to create 21st century learning spaces.

From Edutopia
http://www.edutopia.org/ 

Leaders in Learning Awards
www.leadersinlearningawards.org

Education leaders from around the country who have created and implemented innovative learning programs can apply for Cable's Leaders in Learning Awards, given by Cable in the Classroom (CIC). The application deadline is January 31, 2006. 

Math Hero Awards
www.mathmovesu.com/pdf/MathMovesU_Heroes.pdf

Nominate your favorite math teacher for a $2,500 award from Raytheon, which will also donate an equal amount to the recipient's school or a math-related nonprofit organization of the recipient's choice. The deadline for applications is February 15, 2006.

FIRST Robotics Competition Kick-Off
http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/2006_kickoff.php

The FIRST Robotics Competition Kick-Off will take place Saturday, January 7, 2006 from 10 a.m. to noon EST. Visit the website for more information about the NASA TV broadcast and webcast.

Earthwatch Education Awards
www.earthwatch.org/education/educator/fellowships/apply.html.

The Earthwatch Institute, an international nonprofit that connects adventurous travelers with research scientists worldwide, offers fully funded fellowships for K-12 educators to participate in one of 130 conservation and field research projects around the world.

The Met's Timeline of Art History
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/splash.htm

New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art has an online art history database that includes an extensive timeline depicting artistic periods throughout history, examples of art, and searchable indices.

Schoolyard Geology
education.usgs.gov/schoolyard/index.html

Teach students about geology and mapmaking with earth science activities and information from the U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS also has graphic examples of the life cycle (so to speak) of rocks and other geological phenomena.

From YouthLearn
http://www.youthlearn.org/ 

Let's Just Play
http://www.nick.com/all_nick/everything_nick/

Children's television network Nickelodeon will distribute more than $1 million from September 2005 to June 2006. The "Let's Just Play" Giveaway offers kids around the United States the opportunity to take action and enter for a chance to improve their school or community program's fitness resources. Maximum Award: $5000. Eligibility: Kids (6-15 years of age), partnering with teachers and other community-based leaders.
Deadline: rolling, until May 31, 2006.

Grant Writing Tips
http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev039.shtml

"Show Me the Money: Tips & Resources for Successful Grant Writing"
Many educators have found that outside funding, in the form of grants, allows them to provide their students with educational experiences and materials their own districts can't afford. Learn how they get those grants -- and how you can get one too. Included: Practical tips to help first-time grant writers get the grants they need.

Biology in Motion
http://www.biologyinmotion.com/

Having trouble finding illustrations, diagrams, and interactive activities to supplement biology lectures for your students? Want to provide a visual representation of the passage of blood through the human cardiovascular system--or have your students conduct an online experiment in cell division? "Biology in Motion" offers these and many other features. Based on the premise that the web provides an ideal vehicle for teaching biology, developers have assembled a collection of learning activities, animations, and cartoons designed to help explain difficult, but widely taught, biological concepts. Current topics range from evolution to energy storage, among others. Not sure how to get started? A helpful teacher's section provides tips for how best to integrate the technology into existing lesson plans and offers pointers for making sure the videos and interactive activities can be viewed easily by students.

Space Foundation Launches Science Lessons
www.sciencestandardslessons.org

The Space Foundation has developed a bank of free science lessons for grades preK-12. The lesson plans, which meet national science standards, can be downloaded online.

Whiteboard Resources
http://www.fsdb.k12.fl.us/rmc/tutorials/whiteboards.html

This site contains a myriad of resources for using whiteboards in the classroom.

From Science News for Kids
www.sciencenewsforkids.org

Out in the Cold
http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/articles/20051221/Feature1.asp

With pollution, over-fishing, and shrinking habitats, the life of a penguin isn't getting any easier.

TERC EarthKam project
http://www.earthkam.ucsd.edu/public/about/

ISS EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students) is a NASA education program that enables students, teachers and the public to learn about Earth from the unique perspective of space. At the core of the program is a spectacular collection of digital images of Earth. The image collection and accompanying learning guides and activities are extraordinary resources to support classes in Earth science, space science, geography, social studies, mathematics, communications and even art.

Educational Blog Contest:
http://www.eschoolnews.com/blogawards/

eSchool News is hosting a contest for all classroom and education bloggers. For eligibility and entry information on their first Education Blog Awards, simply visit the web site. The following categories will be honored: Best Classroom Instruction Blog, Best K-12 Administration Blog, Best Higher Education Management Blog, Best Education Theory Blog.
                                                                                                                                                                                            

NEWEST eTHEMES

Animals: Oysters
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001747.shtml

These websites are about oysters. Learn about the life cycle and anatomy of oysters and how they make pearls. Find out what diseases are threatening oysters. Includes quizzes and interactive activities.

Architecture: Domes
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001738.shtml

Domes are extremely stable structures. Learn about the history of domes and the modern geodesic domes. Learn about Buckminster Fuller who invented the geodesic dome and his extraordinary life. Includes photographs and videos of domes.

Family
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001730.shtml

These websites are about families. Children can learn about the different types of families that there are in the world. There are many student activities such as make a family tree, paint a family portrait, or make a poster about how they celebrate special occasions in their families. There are also eThemes resources about grandparents.

Health: Obesity
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001742.shtml

One of the serious health problems of modern America is childhood obesity. Read about the dangers of childhood obesity. Use the interactive calculator on KidsHealth to find out if you are overweight. Included on this site are two eThemes resources on eating disorders, diet, and nutrition.

History: The Stone Ages
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001752.shtml

These websites are all about the period of time known as the Stone Age. Find out what kinds of shelters people lived in, what technologies they had, and how they got food. Includes photographs of artifacts, timelines, games, and vocabulary.

Literature: "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001749.shtml

These sites for high school students focus on the Salem witch trials and "The Crucible." Was Arthur Miller's play historically accurate? Seventeenth century New England is explored and there are also some sites for teachers. Maps, videos, and audio files are found to explain the happenings at Salem in 1692.

Literature: "War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001732.shtml

These websites are about the book "War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells. Included is the full text of the novel, worksheets, and lesson plans. There is also information about the infamous 1938 radio broadcast by Orson Welles. There are activities, lesson plans, and audio of the program. There are links to eThemes on science fiction and Mars exploration.

Safety: Farm Safety and All Terrain Vehicles
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001733.shtml

These sites provide information on rural safety including aspects of farm and ranch safety as it relates to All Terrain Vehicles. Also included is ATV history, ATV hazards, and ATV safety. Several sites profile ATV accidents and the role of first responders is explained. There are videos and online quizzes.

Science: Oceanography
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001748.shtml

These sites include information on the topography of the ocean floor and life in the ocean. Sea floor spreading, plate tectonics, and underwater volcanic activity are topics found on several of the sites. Many sites have photographs, maps, and videos. Included are two eThemes resource sites for younger grades, one on the geography of the ocean and the other on creatures of the ocean.

Study Skills: ACT Preparation
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001745.shtml

These sites have many resources for students preparing to for the ACT. Many sites have practice tests as well as test taking skills specific to the ACT. Read about the difference between the ACT and the SAT.

U.S. President: Theodore Roosevelt
 http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001740.shtml

Learn about the life and political career of Theodore Roosevelt. Includes audio and video clips as well as timelines, photographs, quizzes, and biographies. There is a link to an eThemes resource on United States Presidents.

Writing: Essays
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001739.shtml

These sites focus on writing descriptive essays for Junior High and High School students. There are lesson plan and activity ideas, possible essay topics, advice for improving writing skills, tips for avoiding clichés, and many examples of descriptive writing. Includes links to eThemes resources on research papers, persuasive writing, and 6+1 writing traits.

UPDATED eTHEMES

Animals: Giraffes
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001061.shtml

These sites are about giraffes, the tallest mammal on earth. Learn about a giraffe's physical characteristics, natural history, and behaviors. Includes lots of fun facts, such as how much this animal's head and neck weigh. Students can listen to an audio file of giraffe sounds or watch several videos.

Animals: Hippopotamuses
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001078.shtml

These sites are about hippopotamuses, which are large, river-living mammals. Learn about their physical characteristics, behaviors, and social structure. Find out how hippos stay underwater for as long as 15 minutes. Watch several videos and listen to audio files.

Holiday: Christmas Around the World
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000501.shtml

These sites explain how Christmas is celebrated in different parts of the world. Countries include France, Canada, Poland, England, and many more. See how to say "Merry Christmas" in several languages and discover if people around the globe decorate trees or believe in Santa. There are links to eThemes Resources on Christmas traditions in America and Christmas crafts and games.

Holiday: Christmas Traditions in America
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000500.shtml

These sites explain Christmas traditions in America, including Santa, stockings, Christmas trees, and the story of Jesus. There are some educational activities that have a Christmas theme, such as story starters and math problems. Also includes text of the famous letter, "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa" and "Twas the Night Before Christmas."There are links to eThemes Resources on Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.

Holiday: Hanukkah
 http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000249.shtml

These sites tell about the history and traditions of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah (Chanukah). There are several online games, recipes, print-outs, and more. Includes a link to an eThemes resource on Christmas traditions in the United States.

Matter: Properties
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001504.shtml

Find out how properties of matter describe its various states. Discover the states of matter that exist on our planet and in the universe. Includes experiments with different states of matter and observing the changes as well as animated movies, lesson plans, worksheets, and online quizzes. Several sites have lesson plans for teachers. There is a link to an eThemes on gases, liquids, and solids.

Medieval Castles
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000709.shtml

Learn about the history, architecture, and other basic facts about castles. There are many photographs. Take a virtual tour of a historic castle, build your own online weapon to protect a castle, or construct your own castle model out of sugar cubes or cardboard. There are links to eThemes Resources on knights and feudalism, and two links to book resources that have a medieval setting.

DESE 3370-41 1/06

   

Revised: January 27, 2006
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