ClarkstonSchools

A University of Michigan initiative.  From the site:  Our mission is to raise the standard for classroom teaching practice by transforming how teachers are prepared and supported.

A great set of practical differentiation strategies.

Take form data and transpose it to read horizontally instead of vertically. Take form data and print one submission per page.

Great find Jamie!

Using the technology students are already using - like Twitter, Facebook, and cell phones - to extend educational opportunities.  A few good ideas for teachers who are just dipping their toes into the "technology" water, like "low-tech tweeting" and "physical Facebook walls."

Designing classrooms for today's learners requires a different approach than what's been traditionally employed in K-12 settings," said Herskowitz. Six design principles that 21st century classrooms should include.

Responds to the questions of: "How do I find apps for education? How will I know it the app is a "good" app? How do I use the app after it's loaded? Can I track my student's progress?  Where can I learn more about apps for students with special needs?"

From the article: South Forsyth High School in Georgia made the leap to BYOT in 2009 and saw the number of discipline referrals for technology abuse drop dramatically, principal Jason Branch said. In its first year of BYOT, the school had four discipline referrals for technology abuse, after amassing 400 over the previous two years. Instead of working to subvert tech barriers, students were protecting their privilege with what Branch called a "mutual respect and instructional understanding between teachers and students." Sion made its leap trusting students - and trusting teachers. "We have to change the way we teach," said Sion world history teacher Beth Ingram. "Our concept of what knowledge is is changing.

While this article doesn't answer if the iPad is the correct tool to aid learning in education, it represents two sides of the debate. 

From the article: " the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation said it is creating a $100,000 competition for software that can 'reliably automate' grading essays on state tests." Very interesting idea; is it feasible?

From the Consortium of School Networking - gives technology projections for one year, two to three years, and four to five years out