Technology

Today's teachers have access to powerful technological tools-which not only make information and media instantly available but can also assist in creating and customizing educational content. This two-part series helps educators use blogs and podcasts to make learning more exciting and relevant while streamlining the teaching process. Both programs include strategies for increasing literacy, creativity, and social skills in students-and for improving the distribution of texts, audiovisual recordings, and organizational materials. 2-part series, 24 minutes each.

Blogs may be driving print journalists out of business, but they're doing wonders for the teaching profession. This program helps educators learn more about blogging and the best ways to integrate it into the classroom. Showing how blogs help communicate ideas and connect readers worldwide, the video focuses on the benefits of blogging for both teachers and students. Specific topics include blogging strategies for increasing student motivation, reading comprehension, writing skills, collaboration, and healthy social interaction. Viewers will also learn about blogging for course announcements, reading assignments, professional development networking, student journalism, and other purposes. (24 minutes)

As America's economy goes global and companies continue to adjust, what skills and education will tomorrow's workforce need in order to prosper in the marketplace of the future? This program profiles the Travis Communications Academy, Silicon Valley's Monta Vista High School, and the New Technology High School, the school that business built"-schools that stress the value of critical thinking and teamwork as the building blocks of success. Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce, and others also discuss issues such as the school-to-work movement and universal Internet access. (57 minutes)"

As the digital revolution sweeps across America, many young people are experiencing what has come to be known as the digital divide. The first hour of this program examines the push to wire America's schools, addressing crucial issues such as integration of technology into curriculums, budget trade-offs that leave low-tech subjects starving for scarce funds, and the need for ongoing hardware and software support. In the second hour, more experts, innovators, and students look into the question of community and home access to computers and the Internet. In addition, they explore the fundamental alienation felt by many girls and students of color in the computer arena, and stress the importance of fostering a climate of inclusion. (2 hours in two parts)

This critical four-part series examines the effects of technology in the classroom; how that technology is used; who has access to it, and who does not; and the price for being on the wrong side of the digital divide. Each program analyzes the issues and initiatives surrounding the nation's drive to provide all students with a high-tech education, from the viewpoint of teachers, government officials, industry executives, leaders in the fight for techno-equality, and-most important-the students themselves. 4-part series, 57 minutes each.

Distance learning just might be the perfect option for those who need to update their skills or pursue training for a new career but cannot attend classes full-time. This educational resource illustrates the variety of audio, video, and online opportunities available to those who want to acquire the knowledge needed to move ahead in today's ultra-competitive employment marketplace. Various academic programs are profiled. A Meridian Production. (22 minutes)

In this program, a literature teacher argues the benefits of on-line learning, while her department chairperson presents arguments against it. Methods used to conduct an effective on-line class" are demonstrated using state-of-the-art software. Criticism of distance learning includes its tendency to deny student/teacher connections and to inhibit student interaction. Students currently participating in on-line learning programs discuss how it has helped them achieve their educational goals. An Iowa farmer uses distance learning to get his college degree. Students at Cal State protest the cost of contracts with four computer firms hired to wire the school for the Internet. (57 minutes)"

The revolution in information and communication technology and its eager adoption by the Millennials has created significant teaching opportunities-and challenges-for instructors. This program aims both to inform and to inspire educators as it encourages them to make e-learning an integral part of the instructional mix. The evolution of youth communications in the 21st century; implications of multi-literacy, such as technology-enhanced lateral thinking; the educational potentials of computers, cell phones, and mp3 players both in and out of the classroom; and approaches to creating a top-down, school-wide culture of collaboration and learning are discussed. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (21 minutes)

As e-learning assumes a growing role in professional development, many teachers remain unsure about how to incorporate it. Meanwhile, students use technology in nearly every aspect of their lives and largely expect e-learning to be a part of their education. This program helps beginning and veteran teachers stay relevant in the area of instructional technology, providing practical, stress-free examples of successful e-learning. Viewers discover how laptops, handheld devices, interactive whiteboards, and cameras can be used in the classroom environment to enrich the student's experience and boost his or her academic development. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (25 minutes)

The Internet is bringing new possibilities to education. This program introduces the terms and techniques needed by students and teachers alike to use Internet technology with confidence. In addition, instructors share some of their creative lesson plans that incorporate the Internet as a means of collaborative communication through videoconferences, chat rooms, and e-mail; as a gateway to cyber-libraries; as a platform for virtual field trips; and as an instant online publishing tool for Web sites and intranets. Administrative issues such as Acceptable Use Policies, Netiquette, and content filtering are also addressed. (58 minutes)

In a world of information overload, information literacy has become a survival skill. But what exactly does information literacy mean? With a focus on the Internet, this video explains how to conduct solid online research by collecting information in an organized, efficient, and ethical way. Professor Maurita Holland of the University of Michigan School of Information provides expert commentary and guidance on a range of research activities, including evaluating the credibility of Web content, documenting online sources, and paraphrasing-not copying-the words of others. Additionally, a high school teacher and a graduate student demonstrate real-world examples to reinforce the challenges and rewards of online research. The consequences of plagiarism and shaky facts are emphasized. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Correlates to all applicable state and national standards. A Cambridge Educational Production. (21 minutes)

An increase in confidence and comfort level with high-tech teaching tools is the key to unlocking the full potential of educational media in the classroom. In this inspiring and informative two-part series, educators and media specialists with firsthand experience of the challenges and rewards of integrating media into the classroom share their in-depth knowledge. Watch these videos to gain insight into how you can use technology to improve your lessons, create a more constructivist learning atmosphere, increase student understanding and retention, and motivate your students to learn as never before. Want to workshop Integrating Media into the Classroom? A facilitator's workbook comes with purchase of the series, and each video is accompanied by its own viewable/printable viewing guide available online. Correlates to National Education Technology Standards for Teachers from the International Society of Technology Education. A Cambridge Educational Production. 2-part series, 30 minutes each.

Welcome to the multimedia learning environment! In this video, middle school, high school, and college media specialists and instructors invite viewers into the classroom to see for themselves how colleagues are tapping into the power of media to improve teaching and enhance learning. Drawing on their direct experience, they offer practical advice, tips, and examples to show how to use media to support instructional strategies, develop ideas on teaching, and engage students. Program segments include Why Use Media," "Choosing Media," "Preparing Media for the Classroom," "During and After," and "Case Studies"-footage of real educators who are really putting theory into practice. A viewable/printable viewing guide is available online. Correlates to National Education Technology Standards for Teachers from the International Society of Technology Education. A Cambridge Educational Production. (30 minutes)"

To be able to integrate as many of the multiple intelligences as possible into a single codified approach is extremely powerful and beneficial," says media theoretician Lou Fournier Marzeles. In this video, he and other recognized experts review the history of educational media and then clearly state the case for media as a powerful-and highly effective-classroom tool. "By using a lot of images in the classroom, are we really going to raise our test scores?" asks Dr. Lynell Burmark, author of Visual Literacy: Learn to See, See to Learn. "The answer to that is unequivocally Yes." Program segments include "History and Context," "Supporting Research," "Delivery Modes and Methods," "What Media Can Do for My Students," and "The Future of Media in the Classroom." A viewable/printable viewing guide is available online. Correlates to National Education Technology Standards for Teachers from the International Society of Technology Education. A Cambridge Educational Production. (28 minutes)"

The high-tech revolution is led by children, many of whom possess skills that baffle their parents. From chat rooms to Web pages to kid-created Internet companies, this video explores computer-assisted learning and the value of the virtual classroom." (22 minutes)"