Lucy Calkins, Teachers College, spoke at IRA last week--reasoned and wonderful. Here's the website whre she is gathering information on the NYS ELA exams from 2013.
Collection of websites based on their usage (e.g., communication). Recommended by Peter McDermott, President of the NYS Reading Association (2012-2013).
Livescribe (reviewed positively in NY Times 8-19-10) allows the writer to take notes that are translated to computer; can also record and play back. Lots of potential, though a bit pricey (around $200--probably will come down, if we are patient!).
I searching through our old posts and found this one. The pens have come down in price, I bought one last fall ($100). My principal also bought a dozen or so with multiple paper packs (an educator bundle). I am using them in the fourth grade tier 2 intervention group for fluency. The students use them to record their reading, then they can listen to them selves to determine expression, monitor their time, and answer comprehension questions (again listening if they need to). I use them in 6th grade for literature circles. The students initial when they talk, so I can go back and tap their initials and evaluate their questioning/discussion. Some of my teachers use them for running records to share with other teachers and parents too.
Pogue is someone to watch. I use many Google Apps and this might replace my use of Skype. Check it out. Internationally, I get 'bumped' from Skype easily, so I am curious about this Google application.
This ny Times article was shared with me by Connie Frazer, who is Director of Sage Online. Thanks, Connie!
NY Times Article on the value of technology in schools. Since digital literacy is critical for participation in 21st Century, I am not sure I buy their argument regarding the tie in to stagnant scores--assessments don't really do a good job of measuring digital literacy (thought Donald Leu and colleagues have certainly made strides in teh area). Nevertheless, a good piece to read.