Group items tagged

"A consortium of individuals, institutions and organizations committed to quality online education Online Learning Report Learn what Chief Academic Officers in US Higher Education have to say about online learning. Staying The Course - Online Education in the United States, 2008 is now available as a free download The Sloan Consortium is an institutional and professional leadership organization dedicated to integrating online education into the mainstream of higher education, helping institutions and individual educators improve the quality, scale, and breadth of online education. Membership in the Sloan Consortium provides knowledge, practice, community, and direction for educators. Originally funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Sloan-C is now a non-profit, member sustained organization. Join with Sloan-C to lead higher education in meeting social needs for affordable access, quality innovations, and teaching and learning excellence."

"Adobe TV is Adobe's online TV network, offering free training, inspiration, and information about the latest Adobe products & services. The best of Adobe's expertise and community is now in one place. Watch when you want and where you want, save episodes, subscribe to your favorite channel, and post videos on your blog. And it's not only the talent that's in action - Adobe TV itself is produced and delivered using Adobe products and technologies. From planning to playback, Adobe TV is brought to you by Adobe. Adobe expert content: Watch the ultimate experts, straight from Adobe. Get to know your favorite Adobe presenters by seeing them in action, delivering tips and tricks from the inside. You know you're getting high-value programming with the latest and greatest that Adobe has to offer. Wide variety of programming - See a full range of programs, from entertainment through instruction. For all kinds of viewers who wear all kinds of hats, Adobe TV offers programming from how-to tech talk to personality-driven shows. Find a variety of program lengths, episode frequency, and formats, from highly creative productions to desktop walk-throughs. Adobe TV presents a growing number of channels to appeal to different audiences, including channels for photographers, designers, video professionals, and developers. Featured shows include "The Russell Brown Show," where Russell Brown shows the latest Adobe® Photoshop® wizardry. In "The Complete Picture," Julieanne Kost reveals digital imaging secrets. Web design and developer shows include "Taming the Web" with Greg Rewis and "Flash Downunder" hosted by Paul Burnett. Jason Levine and Karl Soulè edit video and mix audio in "Short & Suite," and at on "CSInsider|Design," Rufus Deuchler explores design tips, tricks, and insights. Central location and fast find: Get Adobe's best all in one place. Adobe TV provides an ever-growing lineup that includes the library of existing high-quality Adobe video content - now in

"About iNACOL: iNACOL, The International Association for K-12 Online Learning, is a non-profit organization that facilitates collaboration, advocacy, and research to enhance quality K-12 online teaching and learning. What we do: Facilitate the sharing, collection, evaluation, and/or dissemination of information resources and materials; Facilitate and disseminate research, and identify research needs; Advocacy and public policy that supports activities and legislation that removes barriers and supports effective online teaching and learning without respect to space and time; Develop and facilitate national K12 online learning standards; Create the voice of K12 within the larger education community with effective marketing, communications, and public relations activities; Assist and facilitate funding efforts for online K12 learning; Facilitate professional development for teachers and administrators; Identify and drive future directions in K-12 online education; Network and identify collaborative opportunities with other professional K-12 organizations; Drive educational initiatives that incorporate online learning and ways that transform positive learning outcomes for students; Mission: iNACOL strives to ensure all students have access to a world-class education and quality online learning opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success. Vision: Online learning is a powerful innovation that expands education opportunities. iNACOL supports access to high-quality online learning for all students. The International Association for K-12 Online Learning Believes: Online learning is a viable option that allows every learner to achieve a quality education; Models of reform in public and private education should incorporate online learning as a viable tool for change; Online learning is a viable path for educating children throughout their primary and secondary education years.

"Discovery Communications To Launch New Multimedia, Multi-Year Science Initiative, "Be The Future," Supporting Obama Administration STEM Priorities -- DirecTV Boosts Support of Science Literacy with Move of Science Channel to Total Choice, Offering Millions of Additional Subscribers Access to Quality Science Programming -- November 23, 2009 (Silver Spring, Md.) Underscoring its commitment to leading in science-related programming and education, and answering President Obama's call to action to encourage science literacy, Discovery Communications today announced a new multimedia, multi-year nationwide initiative called "Be The Future." Over the next five years, Discovery will launch a programming block, education curriculum and tools to inspire student learning and careers in the sciences and support the White House's efforts behind science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. "Lifting American students from the middle to the top of the pack in STEM achievement over the next decade will not be attained by government alone," said President Obama. "I applaud the substantial commitments made today by the leaders of companies, universities, foundations, non-profits and organizations representing millions of scientists, engineers and teachers from across the country." "The exploration of science, technology and the natural world is central to the mission and DNA of Discovery Communications and we are incredibly proud to put the full muscle of our content and resources behind this critical White House initiative," said John S. Hendricks, founder and chairman, Discovery Communications. "Through 'Be the Future' we will spark the innate curiosity in school-aged viewers and people of all ages, help drive interest and leadership in science-related careers and inspire a lifelong interest in how science shapes our everyday lives." A sweeping, multi-platform initiative, "Be the Future" will be built on two primary Discovery businesse

"Our Strategy: The National Urban League employs a five-point approach to provide economic empowerment, educational opportunities and the guarantee of civil rights for African Americans. Education and Youth Empowerment ensures the education of all children by providing access to early childhood literacy, after-care programs and college scholarships. Economic Empowerment invests in the financial literacy and employability of adults through job training, homeownership and entrepreneurship. Health and Quality of Life Empowerment promotes community wellness through a focus on prevention, including fitness, healthy eating and access to affordable healthcare. Civic Engagement and Leadership Empowerment encourages all people to take an active role to improve quality of life through participation in community service projects and public policy initiatives. Civil Rights and Racial Justice Empowerment guarantees equal participation in all facets of American society through proactive public policies and community-based programs."

The Promising Practices Network (PPN) is a group of individuals and organizations who are dedicated to providing quality evidence-based information about what works to improve the lives of children, families, and communities. Who runs PPN? This project is operated by the RAND Corporation, the nation's original "think tank." RAND is a nonprofit research organization providing objective analysis and effective solutions that address challenges facing the public and private sectors around the world. Long recognized as one of the world's premier research organizations, RAND produces work of enduring value-research and analysis that is prized and respected for its quality, innovation, comprehensiveness, and objectivity. The wide dissemination of its findings is an equally important part of RAND's mission: research must be readily accessible to policymakers if it is to have impact on the public good. RAND brings to PPN extensive experience in the child policy arena, with more than 150 researchers and consultants working in areas such as child health, juvenile justice, education, child care, labor, and demographics. RAND's analysis has shaped public policy on a range of problems facing young people, including prenatal health, substance abuse, firearms violence, and early childhood interventions.

"Establish a set of vendor-independent and language-independent interface standards for drivers that provide plug-and-play control of astronomical instruments and related devices. Provide general requirements and guidance for quality and behavior of drivers. Promote the use of these standard drivers from any astronomy-related software. Ensure that drivers are usable from the widest possible variety of programs and languages, including Windows Active Script languages and Automation based tools. Promote (but not absolutely require) open-source implementations of the drivers. Promote scriptability of astronomy software without standardizing application level interfaces (which would inhibit innovation). Provide general requirements for quality and behavior of application scripting interfaces, aimed at making script writers' experiences consistent and robust."

"Founded in 1967 at Sweetwater Creek State Park by a group of concerned citizens, the Georgia Conservancy collaborates, advocates and educates to protect Georgia's natural environment. Through its focus on clean air and water, land conservation, coastal protection, growth management and education, the Georgia Conservancy works to develop solutions to protect Georgia's environment and promote the stewardship of the state's vital natural resources. Called "the state's most influential environmental organization" by Georgia Trend magazine, the Georgia Conservancy, a statewide, nonprofit organization, serves as an advocate for clean air and water through programs such as Mothers & Others for Clean Air and as a founding member of the Georgia Water Coalition (GWC). The Georgia Conservancy, through its work with GWC, was active in the development of a statewide water management plan to ensure Georgia's waters remain clean, abundant and available for all Georgians. Today, the water program continues as the Georgia Conservancy works to influence and track the state's water conservation implementation plan as part of the statewide water plan, which passed by the state legislature in 2008. Other recent Georgia Conservancy successes, to name only a few, include: launching the Coastal Georgia Land Conservation Initiative in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Association County Commissioners. The initiative will protect critical coastal lands and promote sustainable land use and development practices through comprehensive mapping, education and technical assistance assembling and facilitating a team of air quality, policy and health experts to revise guidelines on appropriate outdoor activity when air quality is poor securing $250,000 in state funds to assist schools with installing pollution control devices on metro-area school buses. and, in 2008, teaching more than 292 teachers in 18 environmental education workshop

"ALISON is a for-profit social enterprise based in Galway, Ireland. We are a resourceful and determined multi-national team of socially-aware technologists, educationalists and marketers who understand that today, we have the opportunity to make universal education free to access via the Web. Through ALISON, we believe we have a sustainable and scalable business model to make education free online. Our starting point is basic skills for the workplace, and for that, we provide a range of high-quality courses. We have a range of courses to be launched over the next few months. Since our launch in April 2007, we have developed relationships with some of the largest and most prestigious institutions involved in promoting education and learning. We believe ALISON can make a profound impact on people's lives and livelihoods around the world. We cannot however succeed in this on our own. To learn more about how you might be able to assist the ALISON mission, click here. We believe that the ALISON model of education can save governments and educational institutions billions of dollars every year if adopted. Read how ALISON can help you as an individual learner, a teacher or trainer, or as an organization. Across the world, billions of people do not have access to high-quality skills-based interactive learning. The reason for this is usually distance and cost. The Internet changes this dynamic, and now ALISON can provide an educational opportunity like none before. Cost and distance need not be a barrier to universal learning. Through your use and support of ALISON, we can break down these barriers to learning permanently!"

"The Georgia Cyber Academy uses the K¹² curriculum to offer Georgia students in grades K-8 an exceptional learning experience. With individualized learning approaches, the Georgia Cyber Academy and K¹² provide the tools kids need to succeed-in school and beyond. The Georgia Cyber Academy is one of the fastest-growing schools in Georgia, and here's why: Our experienced, highly qualified Georgia-certified teachers, who are available online and by phone. The exceptional, individualized K¹² curriculum, which covers both the core subject areas and electives. Based on decades of education research, this curriculum packages high-quality lessons with mastery-based assessments that ensure students achieve success at each and every level. The online planning and assessment tools, resources, and hands-on materials ranging from textbooks to microscopes, from rocks and dirt to beautifully illustrated classic children's stories, and much more. Our supportive school community, which organizes fun and informative monthly activities where GCA parents, students, and staff share their successes, helpful hints, and more. The high-quality, tuition-free public education that enables a learning experience that is individualized for each student."

"SafetyWorksUSA.com is one of the leading sellers of personal safety and self defense products in the USA! We are a North American distributor offering an endless variety of consumer and commercial top quality products such as the latest stun guns, surveillance and dummy cameras, tasers and much more! At SafetyWorksUSA.com, our focus is on developing long-term relationships with our customers and clients and we work hard to serve you with integrity and high quality service and support. We are continuously partnering with new manufacturers and suppliers to bring you the best products available on the market today. We take great pride in our products and company and believe we offer the best solutions, saving you time and money."

"The 3DVIA mission is empower anyone, at any skill level, to create and publish professional quality, lifelike 3D applications and experiences. We do this by providing an integrated suite of 3D software and 3D authoring tools, a large marketplace of 3D models and 3D content and a growing community of 3D professionals all in one place here at 3DVIA.com."

"Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) is a partnership among participating automotive manufacturers, participating dealerships, and select secondary automotive programs. It's designed to encourage young people to consider satisfying careers in retail automotive service, and prepare them for entry-level career positions or advanced studies in automotive technology. Through its dealership and school partners, AYES strives to enhance the public image of dealerships and dealership careers, build local partnerships between dealerships and high quality schools, and foster positive working environments in dealerships. Dealerships today are in competition for qualified employees, not only among themselves, but also among restaurants, mass marketers, other retail outlets and other professions. Dealerships need to reach out to young people and their parents to explain the challenge and rewards of pursuing a retail automotive career. AYES is helping in this effort by providing "how to" ideas and support materials on conducting dealership tours for educators and youngsters, offering "job shadowing" opportunities, and taking part in "career days" and "career fairs" at local schools."

"We are a community dedicated to quality mathematics instruction at the adult level. We support each other, we encourage collaboration and leadership, and we influence policy and practice in adult math instruction."

"Excerpt from the Covenant with Black America Without question, education is the key to progress and prosperity in the United States today. Whether fair or not, educational opportunity and academic achievement are directly tied to the social divisions associated with race, ethnicity, gender, first language, and social class. The level and quality of educational attainment either open the doors to opportunity or close them. Education starts at home, in neighborhoods, and in communities. Reading to children, creating time and space for homework, and demonstrating-through words and deeds-that education is important are the key first building blocks for high educational achievement. While schools are responsible for what children are taught, reinforcement at home is essential. As members of the black community, we must take responsibility for educating all our children-whether ours by birth or otherwise-to uplift our people as a whole. - excerpt from Edmund W. Gordon's essay in the Covenant with Black America"

"PolicyLink is a national research and action institute advancing economic and social equity by Lifting Up What Works.® Founded in 1999, PolicyLink connects the work of people on the ground to the creation of sustainable communities of opportunity that allow everyone to participate and prosper. Such communities offer access to quality jobs, affordable housing, good schools, transportation, and the benefits of healthy food and physical activity. Guided by the belief that those closest to the nation's challenges are central to finding solutions, PolicyLink relies on the wisdom, voice, and experience of local residents and organizations. Lifting Up What Works is our way of focusing attention on how people are working successfully to use local, state, and federal policy to create conditions that benefit everyone, especially people in low-income communities and communities of color. We share our findings and analysis through our publications, website and online tools, convenings, national summits, and in briefings with national and local policymakers. Our work is grounded in the conviction that equity-just, fair, and green inclusion-must drive all policy decisions."

"We are a global community of educators who value innovative uses of information & communication technology that improve learning outcomes. By joining the Partners In Learning Network, you can: Create or join communities and discussions; Find lesson plans and activities, as well as share your own resources; Access free tools and learning programmes for your classroom and school; Collaborate with like-minded colleagues, improve education in your own classroom and community, and ultimately help improve the quality of education globally"

"Support, Technology, and Professional Development for Online Learning: The SUNY Learning Network is a partnership with SUNY Campuses to provide support in the areas of pedagogy, technology, student and faculty support and marketing services. With award-winning support from the SUNY Learning Network, SUNY campuses have been empowered to offer thousands of online courses in scores of degree programs to tens of thousands of students. SLN-supported courses redefine online learning. They integrate today's students into learning environments that provide intensive interaction, individual attention, high standards, and enhanced learning outcomes. The SUNY Learning Network (SLN) was established to increase access to SUNY's academic programs and maintain consistently high-quality online pedagogy. SLN supports the full range of online learning, from courses that use the Web to enhance in-class teaching, through courses and full degree programs available completely online. You can read more about how SLN evolved on the SLN History page."

"In your work as educators, you provide knowledge and guidance to our nation's young people and support the well-being of our culture and our democracy. All of us in public broadcasting have tremendous respect for your commitment. Public television's primary mission is to inform and inspire the American public with multi-platform content of unparalleled educational quality. PBS is dedicated to providing you, your students and their families with resources that transform teaching and learning. Through our local stations' outreach, our program producers, and our online efforts like PBS Teachers, we will sustain and enhance the role that teachers play in our children's lives."

"In2Books was created in 1997 to enhance the intellectually stimulating work available to students in low-income neighborhoods. A basic tenet of In2Books is that all children are capable of deep learning. Children cannot fully develop their learning potential without challenging learning experiences. In2Books promotes ambitious literacy learning in grades 2-5 by having students engage in authentic reading and writing experiences with adult pen pals. The pen pal experience is complemented by the classroom study of genre and genre-related literacy. From its inception, In2Books has focused especially on under-resourced neighborhood where many students come from low-income, culturally diverse backgrounds. The thought-provoking In2Books curriculum includes carefully-chosen, high quality diverse books and research-proven teaching strategies. The strategies are aligned to grade-level literacy standards and science, social studies, and language arts instruction."