Education IT News Roundup For VARs — July 23, 2014
By Amy Taylor, contributing writer
Common Core Standards face complications as the American Federation of Teachers come down on the benchmarks. A technology initiative puts thousands of laptops and tablets in schools, and local-area middle school students are invited to the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University to learn more about technology and information science.
School District To Put 40,000 Laptops And Tablets In Schools
The Washington Post reports that Montgomery County wants to roll out 40,000 tablets and laptops for students. The plan to launch this major technology initiative in public schools is set to begin in August and will provide Chromebook laptops to students grades three, five, six, and to high school social studies classes.
Middle School Students Explore Technology At Nearby University
Syracuse University reports that a group of middle school students from Syracuse-area schools spent a day exploring technology and information science at the School of Information Studies on campus. The seventh and eighth grade group was a part of an initiative between Syracuse University and Bristol-Myers Squibb, which was designed to encourage interest in science and technology among grade school students.
Universities Navigate MOOCs And The Appropriate Credits
Campus Technology said that higher education institutions are navigating the credit process for MOOCs. In March 2014, Kennesaw State University set out to establish a process that would operationalize credit awards for MOOC participants. The school processes fee-based portfolio submissions from MOOC students and routes them to departments for evaluation.
OER Partners With Common Core Standards At Khan Academy
Education Week said that the Khan Academy recently unveiled a new online math resource that ties to Common Core State Standards. The materials feature interactive user interfaces and back-end software that adapts to individual learners, embracing open education resources (OER).
Common Core Takes A Hit On Capital Hill
Politico reports that the American Federation of Teachers will be establishing an unexpected obstacle to the Common Core. President Randi Weingarten announced recently that there will be grants for members to critique the standards or write replacements from scratch. The union will also establish a resolution after asserting that the standards are subject to political manipulation, administrative bungling, corporate profiteering, and an invalid scoring system.
Education IT Talking Points
The Washington Post blogs about, “What libraries need from key U.S. technology program.”
The Daily News Journal claims that “City school system should review safety measures” and invest in more high-tech security systems.