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"What does the iPad have to teach educational technology about how a phenomenon becomes popular and adopted? Quite a bit. First, acceptance is high, with a half-million units sold in the first week of release. Six weeks later, Apple was selling twice as many iPads per week as Mac computers. Given some recent history, this should be surprising-the idea of a tablet device has been around for at least a decade or two, but most such devices have not experienced anything close to wide adoption. However, some specific factors have paved the way for the iPad's adoption. And these factors harbor advice that educational technology would do well to heed. Prime the technology pump. The iPhone, direct predecessor to the iPad, came onto the market amid a wave of technology that permitted small packages to deliver powerful computing. This hardware, including GPS location sensors, fast and efficient microprocessors, and the evolution of touch screen technology was a necessary condition for the emergence and success of both the iPhone and the iPad generation of devices. Define (and answer) the problem. The hugely popular mobile smartphones had an equally huge problem. People hated their interfaces. A decade of frustration with labyrinthian voicemail menus and inscrutable settings had created an army of frustrated mobile phone users with enough pent-up rage to fuel a revolution. By providing a device that was easy to use, the iPhone had identified a core problem and set a new bar for its solution, one that was quickly taken up by many others. Whet undiscovered appetites. The explosion of mobile devices also created for millions the idea of constant, away-from-home connectivity. The iPhone upped the ante significantly by providing a full browsing and even computing experience, giving consumers the expectation that they should be only inches away from powerful, networked computing at all times. Provide the practice. The iPhone defined a new set of touch-based interactions. Whi

Today's college students say the arrival of the internet was the moment that most characterized their lives, a Bronxite author found. In his book, "Generation on a Tightrope: A Portrait of Today's College Student," Arthur Levine, president of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, said the internet and the tech-savvy lifestyle that sprang out of it has affected the younger generation the most.

Was not impressed by the first generation. Would have to see this new batch.

Regarding what's missing from the Core Common Standards -- new texts, new media, viewing...  Where does "complexity" of new media text get taught? How will teachers learn to parse it?  Is new media analysis and production a discipline?  Yes in my opinion.  Is it interdisciplinary? Yes.  Media related to various content areas have their own criteria.  Video, photography, blogs, social networks and the systems that deliver them are, in a way, their own languages. They are increasingly dominating how our society functions, informs and represents itself.  HOW can this still be an afterthought for educators?  Fear?  Uncertainty on how to proceed?  Because it's not tested? The text landscape is more complex than the textbook.  

Redefining 'schools'? Breaking down walls?

Wow...this video gives a great explanation of how our current students see technology as an essential part of their everyday lives. Show this to anyone who doesn't get it, and explore the whole project when you get a chance

A good read. How would you respond?

This looks to be a robust assessment tool that allows teachers to track student progress. Some of the features include: a learning map that displays progres towards mastery of standards (CCLS aligned) and tools to support teachers in interpreting data. It also item analysis, grade-level stats and support tools that teachers can use to design interim assessments and more.

CITED's Lessons Learned for Effective Technology Implementation   Learn ways to address the challenges of integrating technology into the classroom. Hear from district leaders and read the most up-to-date research about effective methods to make technology an integral part of learning in this CITEd article.

CITEd seems like a smart, helpful organization. I like this piece and also their site in general. I wonder how many other organizations/sites are out there like this and what is the best way to choose a small number to follow/use for our technology work.

GenYES is the only student-centered research-based solution for school-wide technology integration. Students work with teachers to design technology-infused lessons and provide tech support. The resulting collaboration provides the students with project-based learning and the teachers with on-site, sustainable technology integration support.

I supervised the implementation of the GenYES program for three middle schools when I was working in the Schenectady CIty School District. The students really liked supporting teachers and some teachers really bought into the program. I believe it is a valuable collaborative program but sustainability, especially if it is grant funded, can be problematic because of the yearly licensing fees. It's been three years since I worked with Dennis Hooper and the program and the fee schedule be have changed. I know they were doing more online lessons, training, etc. I can provide more information to anyone who is interested.

Teachers' Domain, a free digital service produced by WGBH Boston, has embarked on a series of new efforts to bring award winning digital content to students and teachers involved in the design and production of user generated content using Open Educational Resources (OER).

Teachers' Domain is a free digital media service for educational use from public broadcasting and its partners. You'll find thousands of media resources, support materials, and tools for classroom lessons, individualized learning programs, and teacher professional learning communities.

New Visions approach to Professional Development in an user-generated YOUTUBE format