I just joined a new group on this NING called ISTE Coaches.  It will be a great place to gather to discuss the evolving roles and challenges of being an instructional technology coach in a variety of settings.  We understand the term "Coach" is new and many of you have the role, but may not yet have the title.  Come join us and join the conversation.

NAMLE is pleased to announce its next national media literacy conference to be held on July 12-13, 2013 in Los Angeles! The theme:  Intersections: Teaching and Learning Across Media.  More details…

Well it is nearing the end of the year already! We turned in midterm grades today for fourth quarter. A student passed away last week so the students have been quiet lately. It is hard to know how hard to push them knowing what they might be dealing with. We are in a rush to get all the knowledge in that we can before exams at the end of May. We can only hope that they know enough to move onto the next class.

Washington Notes - April 2012

In this edition:

• E-Rate Demand Swamps Fund
• New i3Grant Competitions Open
• FY 13 Appropriations Process Begins but End is Not in Sight
• Digital Literacy Rulemaking Draws STrong Comments from E-Rate Supporters

E-Rate Demand Swamps Fund

The…

ISTE member Bruce Ellard, Technology Coordinator at Cullman County Schools in Alabama participated in the Washington Education Technology Policy Summit earlier this spring.  He was kind enough to share his thoughts and reflections about his advocacy experience over the last nine years and the importance of our community making our voices heard.  I think it is important for education technology advocates to share their advocacy experiences so that we can learn from each other.  If you would…

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) has informed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that the estimate for demand on the E-Rate program totals  $5.237 billion for 2012.  The estimated demand for Priority One funding is $2.44 billion, an increase of 12.5 percent from last year, and exceeds the total funding of  $2.25 billion for the E-Rate program.  There is $400 million of unused funds remaining in the E-Rate account.  The $400 million combined with the $2.25 billion…

Higher Ed Faculty,

Would love to have your students act as expert advisors in the next Flat Classroom® Project 12-2 (September - December 2012)! Here is a page that explains more about the idea -> …

It's been so convenient keeping everything in one place with Pearl Trees.  I tried Pintrest, but I find it visually cluttered and confusing.  Pearl Trees is so much more clean and direct.  http://www.pearltrees.com/#/N-f=1_3849346&N-p=30260278&N-reveal=5&N-u=1_408854&N-fa=3564149&N-s=1_3849346

| Learn About Mixbook Photo Books | Create your own Photo Book

Please visit…

Action: File Comments with the FCC by May 2, to oppose administering a new digital literacy initiative through the E-Rate program.

Background:

Earlier this year, the FCC sought comment on proposed changes to the universal service Lifeline program, which supports discounts on phone service for low-income consumers. Within the Notice inviting comments on Lifeline, the FCC proposed to establish a Digital Literacy initiative that would provide $60,000…

April is Advocacy Month, please join ISTE in celebrating your voice. Whether you’re a seasoned ed tech advocate or just getting started, ISTE has many great resources that will help you strengthen your advocacy skills. This month we’re featuring the My Technology Story contest (with a chance to win a Kindle Fire!), sharing new resources, and posting inspiring videos!

During Advocacy Month, we encourage you to get involved by:

• Sharing your advocacy…

http://youtu.be/y1yazlpbPb8

From the Philippines ... cute coloured Easter Chicks

Please note that there are some other videos related to religious ceremony in this part of my YouTube channel…

In a strong show of support 23 U.S. Senators signed a letter requesting that the Enhancing Education Through Technology program be funded in FY 13.  The letter, crafted by Senators John Rockefeller (D-WV) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) states, "Technology is critical for moving the US education system into…

Formative Assessments Available in the Curriculum I Am Required to Use?

Over the last few months I have been looking at how I can use the assessments developed in the online curriculum that I am required to use. Frustratingly most of the assessments ill-suit using the data to improve learning outcomes. Most of the quizzes and tests deliver a summarize evaluation with data…

Portland, Oregon, despite the NBC drama of "Grimm" drawing attention to the cities secret society of malicious fairy tale characters, draws many young families. An abundance of parks, a great zoo, child friendly restaurants and interactive museums cause the entire city to feel like it was designed with children in mind. Nevermind the hay days of shanghaied sailors and…

Podcamp Nashville -- Virtual Worlds!!!