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Blended Learning, which combines online distance learning and traditional classroom education for K-12 discussed in this article, has potential, but needs help to reach its "full potential".  My favorite quote in the article is: " 'There is a significant risk that the existing education system will co-opt online learning as it blends it into its current flawed model-and just as is the case now, too few students will receive an excellent education,' the report states."

substantive new report out from the Knight Foundation that is worth attention: Connected Citizens: The Power, Peril and Potential of Networks.  The report notes: *It's important to listen to and consult the crowd in our work *We should create environments where connections can naturally form, including between people with different perspectives *It's good practice to support collective action so grassroots efforts can grow So how can nonprofits embrace these practices? 

This report indicates what trends dominate older users of social media. The main argument here is whether or not using social media to interact with NPO volunteeers and clients is worthwhile. The research indicates that it is a worthwhile endeavor. The important thing to bear in mind as far as older users are concerned, is making organizational web sites extremely accessible and user-friendly.

I think to a certain extent it is important to incorporate new social media into npo's its a easier way to reach out to volunteers and clients, its mostly about how you as a supervisor manage the usage from your employees.

BiddingForGoods an e-commerce connects nonprofit auctions through online, raises million of dollars.

Had no idea that this website was top e-commerce for charitable giving.

A new report out from the Nonprofit Technology Network and M+R Strategic Services concludes that NP's have a lot of work to do when it comes to making a presence on social media sites. The 2011 'eNonprofit Benchmarks Study" found that NP's had only around 110 Facebook fans and 19 Twitter followers for every e-mail subscriber. Small organizations will need to be apart of social networking in the near future and there looks to be great potential for growth. Working with a small-consulting firm, I found that utilizing social media is a quick and easy way to inform clients on up-to-date news and activities.

This website reports on the University of Michigan's efforts to use information technology to completely revamp it's systems, and change how they do things at their hospital.

Organization who can validate  501(c)3 status of nonprofits.

Key security issues still need to be addressed as IT is integrated into the nation's electricity infrastructure, according to a recent report released by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). date: article e-published on January 17, 2011 by the News Staff of Government Technology.

A promising report on a potential reduction in spam traffic. I'm very under impressed on any supposed actions to reduce spam so far. My opinion is that email boxes are exactly backwards because every company believes it is an imperative function. No, I believe every email should require a pre-authorization which big business will fight to the end.... This strikes me as politically motivated

This site has a wealth of data on how NPO's use, or fail to use, technology.

Technology is essential to marketing, as this report makes clear...

Technology is essential to marketing, as this report makes clear...

Survey tools automatically collect and tally responses in "real time," which means you can watch the results come in as they're being submitted. Results are often organized and presented graphically using charts and tables. Most tools will even produce reports based on the survey results. You can share the results with members of your staff, and even with survey respondents. post date:  Feb. 1, 2011

Reports expenditures of the $787 billion dollars of the Recovery Act funds. Citizens can use to identify fraud, waste, and abuse of those funds.  Zip code map to find how funds being used in your area. Social Media feeds of all types.

The Kentucky Office Of Homeland Security (KOHS) has released an iPhone app that allows users to be "the eyes and ears" of Kentucky in hopes to prevent domestic terror attacks. The app allows users to submit information on suspects who act strangely, ask questions about building security, or other such things. The app also allows users to submit information anonymously.

 News Release by Tiffany Brown, Public Affairs Section, Lansing: Recent news coverage prompted by a press release issued by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has brought speculation and caused inaccurate information to be reported about data extraction devices (DEDs) owned by the Michigan State Police (MSP). The MSP only uses the DEDs if a search warrant is obtained or if the person possessing the mobile device gives consent. The department*s internal directive is that the DEDs only be used by MSP specialty teams on criminal cases, such as crimes against children. The DEDs are not being used to extract citizens' personal information during routine traffic stops. The implication by the ACLU that the MSP uses these devices "quietly to bypass Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches" is untrue, and this divisive tactic unjustly harms police and community relations.

Interesting for all Americans

This is worth reviewing for those of you interested in communications.

This report from a Californian NPO resource company indictes some of the problem hindering board efficacy. Of note: Half of questioned board members are uncomfortable soliciting donations for their NPO. Can online giving help?

A continuing trend in giving in Nonprofit