Education IT News For VARs — June 17, 2014
By Amy Taylor, contributing writer
In the news, a New Jersey bill would require police to access all school security cameras — and to force schools without cameras to install them. Also, the issue of keeping student data private is in the news again, with an email containing student data sent to 160 law students. In other news, technology integrated with a high school’s yearbook enables students to scan a photo to watch a video on a smartphone app.
New Jersey Bill Would Require Police Access To All School Security Cameras
Leigh Valley Live said that police access to school security cameras would improve safety, and Democratic lawmakers from Camden want to force schools without security cameras to install them. And schools with cameras would be required to provide the local police department with the IP address. The author of the bill, state Sen. James Beach, says the law would help improve safety in classrooms without costing taxpayers.
Student Privacy Concerns Arise After U-Va. Law School Sends Email With Student Data
Privacy concerns emerge after a recent email sent by The University of Virginia law school contained private information about all of its clerkship applicants, with very detailed data about each one, reports The Washington Post. The information in the email, sent to approximately 160 law students, included a spreadsheet with grade-point average and where friends live.
Yearbooks Integrate Technology With Interactive Video Supplements
TribLIVE said that the staff of Pine-Richland High School’s yearbook is implementing new technology to make yearbooks more interactive with pixel recognition software that brings certain photos to life using a smartphone app called Aurasma. When the marked photo is scanned, the image will turn into a video superimposed within the yearbook and begin playing.
MOOCs Transition Into Master’s Degree Programs
Inside Higher Ed reports that administrators at the Georgia Institute of Technology are optimistic after one semester of its affordable online master’s degree program in computer science. The challenge remains in balancing cost, academic quality, and support services. The master’s degree program also represents an important investment for Udacity, the one-time massive open online course (MOOC) provider that has recently gravitated toward paid certificates and corporate training.
Education IT Talking Points
The New York Times said that “Via Tablet or Smartphone, Learning With MOOCs” are a snowballing revolution in education.
The Washington Post reports that the Gates Foundation is urging states to delay using Common Core test results to evaluate teacher performance. The foundation, which supports the Common Core State Standards, joined the two largest teachers unions in calling for a two-year moratorium while students, teachers and school systems adjust to the new standards.
The Washington Post published a blog stating, “Superintendents on Common Core: ‘Slow down to get it right.’”
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Education IT Resource Center.