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A company known for helping clients in the media and retail sectors digitize their publications has launched a version of its publishing platform for converting PDF-based books into interactive texts that can be accessed on multiple platforms for the education segment. YUDU Media has launched YUDU Education, which allows publishers to create course materials that can be optimized and delivered for Macs, Windows-based PCs, and Android and iPad tablets. The same technology can also simultaneously create an accessible edition of the same materials for users who use assistive technologies. Read more at http://thejournal.com/articles/2012/10/10/digital-conversion-service-publishes-accessible-multi-platform-textbooks.aspx?admgarea=News1#HUs7FcTbx8BE0aL9.99 

"Report: Video Games Can Sub for Outdoor Play Time"

"4 Features to Look for in a 21st Century LMS Two districts share their experiences of choosing a learning management system that does a lot more than help teachers post assignments."

It is no secret that students of today live in a multimedia world where they use video as their primary form of engagement and communication. Teachers and administrators are looking for ways to present information to students that will not only spark their interest, but also encourage them to explore a subject more thoroughly. Meaningful exploration usually means deeper understanding, which translates into higher student achievement, whether measured via standardized tests or an increased graduation rate. The advent of affordable 3D technology promises to bring into reality the dream of fully engaged students. Are you ready?

Guide to help educators get the most out of twitter.

Predications on 2013

"By 5:01 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon, Byron High School (MN) math teacher Troy Faulkner has already received five e-mails from his students: "Where's tomorrow's video lesson? We are waiting!" With their laptops, tablets, or smartphones--whatever is convenient--Faulkner's students are waiting to log on to Moodle and watch a YouTube video of him solving quadratic equations. In the classroom the next day, Faulkner will work with students as they demonstrate how well they understand the concepts laid out in the lecture the night before. "

"Which open source learning management systems are right for K-12? Which districts are using them? And what has the experience been compared with commercial alternatives? THE Journal offers this overview of both popular and emerging LMS options for K-12 technology decision makers."

"Camilla Gagliolo got the first inkling there could be some real use for iPads in the classroom when she tried them out initially with students who had learning disabilities. Today, the instructional technology coordinator with Arlington (VA) Public Schools said she thinks the iPad is emerging as a tool that can greatly enhance educational technology after what she believes has been a lull in the field's progress."

"5 New Apps to Enhance Reading, Writing, and ELA Instruction A monthly showcase of the latest mobile apps for educators and students. This month's roundup features spelling, reading, and annotation apps to assist with English Language Arts instruction. "

"Wyoming science teacher London Jenks not only allows mobile technologies in his classroom, but he's also learned how to maximize them as educational tools, tapping the devices for assessments, research, and even student scavenger hunts using QR codes."

"Web guru Anthony Luscre believes "if you're not teaching over your head, you're not doing an effective job." He applies this principle particularly when encouraging teachers to develop and implement apps in their classrooms. Just how far above one's head, however, depends on how involved a teacher wants to get. Incorporating apps into the classroom is a process that can take an hour or six months, depending on what instructors wish to achieve. "

We often read that there are 4 C's in a true 21st century education: critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation. The iPad is a success at engaging individual students in critical thinking and creativity, but how about collaboration? After all, tablets are consumer products, designed to be used by one person at a time, not by teams of students. It's up to teachers and instructional technologists to figure out how best to deploy them in the classroom in a way that supports project-based learning and fosters teamwork. We asked several teachers involved in iPad initiatives which apps they've had the most success with on the collaboration front. Here is what they told us.

iPads are a great tool to encourage continual sharing and collaboration in the classroom, says education technology consultant Sam Gliksman. Gliksman runs iPads for Education, a Ning network that has drawn several thousand educators and other people interested in exploring the use of iPads in schools. He has captured much of what he's gleaned from working with schools and teachers on their iPad programs in a new book, iPad in Education for Dummies. Recently, he shared with THE Journal his best advice on what to do before a rollout and how to help an iPad classroom run as smoothly as possible to let teachers focus on the learning, not the technology.

New research released today by the Pew Internet Project found that technology has made significant inroads among Advanced Placement and National Writing Project teachers. But it also revealed significant disparities in technology access between upper and lower income schools.

A Chicago elementary school has gone public with its pilot use of a tablet designed specifically for pre-school students. Hayt Elementary in Chicago has been using iStartSmart Mobile devices since October 2012. At least one pre-school teacher said he believes the use of the technology is an effective way to supplement what's going on in the classroom.

It's got a 3.8 inch screen with 4 gazillion pixels! WOW! Oh, but our Z6A chip... well, it blows the competition away! Yeah, yeah, but our wireless services get 16 megabits down and 8 megabits up; incomparable! That type of talk is sure to make a non-techie educator feel sleepy, feel intimidated, feel that technology has no place in his/her classroom.

At under $300 a device, Chromebooks are an attractive alternative to pricier laptops and tablets. Learn everything you need to know about deploying them from two districts who have taken the plunge.

The conventional wisdom in education is that any school reform--be it curriculum, instruction, assessment, or teacher professionalism--is most likely to take hold in schools that have strong leadership. The same holds true for technology. Any educator will tell you the most successful implementation of technology programs takes place in schools where the principal sees him or herself as a technology leader. 

"Here's how one program is engaging Web 2.0 skills to bridge cultures and classrooms - one project at a time. "