Education IT News For VARs — October 1, 2014
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In news this week, a look at tech education “in flux,” new technology that takes students on virtual field trips, new analytics that can assess content efficacy, and the pros and cons of Wi-Fi access in schools.
The Current State Of Tech Education
This article from Tech Republic examines 10 things educators, legislators, and entrepreneurs need to know about tech education in schools, saying it’s currently “in flux” and also explores the question of why there is a disconnect in how to use technology: should students be trained for specific STEM jobs or just gain overarching 21st century skills? List items that might be of particular interest to VARs are 5) more education is coming from outside schools and 6) there are creativity and money addressing the issue.
New Tech Offers Virtual Field Trips
An innovative new LiveDiver device from Reach-In is now installed at the Aquarium of Boise, according to eSchool News. The technology allows users to log into the aquarium’s website and control a small mini-submarine in the shark and fish tank to get a diver’s perspective of the marine life, creating a virtual field trip to the aquarium.
New Analytics Aim To Measure Content Efficacy
According to the eSchool News, new analytics tools from uClass can show users which resources are “trending” across the district — that is, which resources have been used the most in a given time frame — as well as which resources have been used to teach certain standards, all with the goal of providing administrators valuable information about what content and strategies are working most effectively, as well as maybe which resources are being underused within a school or district.
Security Vs. Accessibility Of Wi-Fi In Schools
Access to Wi-Fi in schools can enhance student learning, but addressing the security risks is a consideration, according to this article from eSchool News. There are inherent risks in adopting Wi-Fi in schools, including hacking of the network or infection by viruses and the very benefit of Wi-Fi in schools — easy, open access — is also the biggest threat. The article points out this could be an opportunity for you to educate your education clients on security matters.
Education IT Talking Points
This article from Education Dive examines five startups that are primed and ready to help schools stock their supply closets including Chalkfly (one-stop shopping for teachers seeking supplies); DonorsChoose (helps teachers find funding for classroom projects outside of school money); EduCents (tells administrators about discounted educational products — great for districts that may be faced with a bit of a budget crunch); ClassWallet (aims to alleviate the reimbursement waiting time); and Teachers Pay Teachers (allows schools, teachers, and administrators to pay other schools, teachers, and administrators for their lesson plans and teaching resources).
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Education IT Resource Center.