HGSET545

Research paper on "recreational learning objects" in this case a math-based computer game, which was shown to increase motivation in Mexican high schoolers.

Study of engagement with informal learning in the workplace

The Obama administration is proposing a sweeping overhaul of President Bush's signature education law, No Child Left Behind, and will call for broad changes in how schools are judged to be succeeding or failing, as well as for the elimination of the law's 2014 deadline for bringing every American child to academic proficiency. Educators who have been briefed by administration officials said the proposals for changes in the main law governing the federal role in public schools would eliminate or rework many of the provisions that teachers' unions, associations of principals, school boards and other groups have found most objectionable. Yet the administration is not planning to abandon the law's commitments to closing the achievement gap between minority and white students and to encouraging teacher quality.

While mini articles such as this often leave out half the research - the concept of doodling being an enhancer rather than a distraction is interesting.  The main point is that doodling engages the brain just enough to keep students from spacing out.  

Social media and entertinment figures discuss how social media has changed the nature of consensus building, mass marketing and entertainment.

Personalized learning through tech is described as "Creating a customized playlist for learning." A NYC middle school serves as experiment in engaging students one on one.

Good article about individualized, online tutoring using digital devices.

What i found most interesting about this article was the idea that the popularity of Facebook games has caused a "technological step backward"

A new program will allow students to help their teachers better integrate technology in the classroom. As mentioned in the article, this will help students develop technology and critical thinking skills along with communication and service learning.

Site and conference at Simmons College 8:30am-12pm that looks to promote the understanding of how and why girls can become more engaged and involved in science and technology.

Avatar is taking a step in the direction of 3D movie experiences

there appears to be a link between internet usage and depression; i wonder if this study includes web-based games and social forums.

Children who cannot pick up context and facial cues from peers more likely to face social isolation. I wonder if social gaming environments using avatars as virtual selves help or hinder a child's ability to pick up such social cues.

Some major textbook publishers are adapting their textbooks and other resources for the iPad and other digital devices.

This article lists some free online resources 8th gradel students can use to learn about college and careers

This SOB used Facebook to explain his reasons for taking his son's and his own life. Make no mistake this guy has some serious issues. Still, it is noteworthy that Facebook and other social media outlets (youtube, flickr) have been used by the public and authorities to intervene and prosecute people that broadcast their criminal actions and intent. Think about it, George Orwell's vision of the future had the authorities constantly policing and monitoring citezens, but this has not been the case. Instead, we the people, ourselves are the ones monitoring each other via ubiquitous content creation and social media sharing.

There doesn't appear to be much here as far as quntitative data, but I think this arena is ripe for further educational research.

This week, PBS's Frontline aired a program looking at the impacts of digital media on the population as a whole. A large portion is dedicated to exploring how digital media impact engagement of young people in school and at home.

I watched part of it and would recommend it.

I would be interested to see why teens are looking at news online. My skeptical side wonders if teens are going online for news and political information as a result of assignments and homework and if these stats simply reflect their tendency to turn more and more to digital technologies, neglecting print sources.

Go fly a kite... Better yet, build one and then fly it for a grade.