Education IT News For VARs -- March 7, 2014
By Amy Taylor, contributing writer
The Consortium for School Networking makes recommendations for school networks. Also in the news, all-digital curricula could become a trend, and a proposed bill in Maine would prohibit selling student data.
Recommendations For Creating Reliable Internet Networks in Schools
Education Week cited new guidelines presented by the Consortium for School Networking that intend to help school district leaders understand how their Web networks work, what their technology needs are, and how they can implement change to improve connectivity and student learning. The document includes recommendations for school technology officials that should help them create “durable” education networks.
All-Digital Curriculums Align To Government’s Pledge For Internet In Schools
The New York Times featured a new trend of all-digital curriculums that hope to ride the high-tech push in classrooms across the country. Several companies are said to bring English language curriculums built entirely on a digital platform, replacing written textbooks, worksheets and printed study guides. This follows the Obama administration’s pledge to provide high-speed Internet connections to 15,000 schools over the next two years.
Bill Would Ban Companies From Selling Student Data
A bill is being considered in Maine that would bar companies that provide Internet-based services to Maine schools from using or selling student data for profit said The Kennebec Journal. The proposal stands in the wake of heightened concern about protecting the privacy of students online.
Technology Reaches A Focal Point In Oregon Classrooms
The Argus Observer reports that schools in the Fruitland School District launched a pilot program for teachers to purchase technology for their classrooms. Teachers file applications for specific technology to be introduced in their classroom. Upon board review and approval, teachers will be awarded a small grant for the technology. They must then keep a record of what is successful and what is not successful for future reference.
Education IT Talking Points
The World Bank examines “A ‘mobile first’ approach to educational technology" in a recent blog post on Edutech.
Edudemic summarized the NMC Horizon Report: 2014 Higher Education Edition with The 6 Education Technology Trends You Should Know About. The trends include social media; hybrid, online, and collaborative learning; data driven learning and assessment; students shifting from consumers to creators; agile approaches to change; and the evolution of online learning.