ISTE+News

April Digital Storytelling Raffle Prize Winners Announced!
Date: May 14, 2009

Math + Rap To = Fun, Motivating, Engaging & Meaningful Learning Experiences submitted by Matt Hildahl Winner of the 16 GB iPod Touch media type="custom" key="3812815" Old Skool vs. New Skool submitted by Terri Burnham Winner of the Flip Video Ultra Video camera media type="custom" key="3812825" Detective Ashlee and the Missing Classmates submitted by Janice Habersham Winner of the ISTE Book Visual Arts Units for All Levels media type="custom" key="3812839"

Featured video created by Middle School Students with Peggy Sheehy:
 * No Future Left Behind**

media type="custom" key="3812787"

Next month, your video could be featured as one of our prize winners! Submit your entry by Friday, May 29th and you'll be entered into this month's drawing for fabulous prizes. Learn more below. Tell your story and win a trip to NECC 2010 in Denver! Help us celebrate our 30th Anniversary by submitting your video that tells a story of student/educational transformation through technology. All eligible submissions will be featured on ISTE’s new video portal, www.istevision.org, and we’ll feature our favorites on ISTE Connects, the ISTE Ning, and on our homepage. In addition, all videos will be shown on dedicated ISTE Vision kiosks throughout the convention center at NECC 2009 in Washington, D.C., and the grand prize winner, who will win a trip to NECC 2010 in Denver, will be selected by the live audience at the Member Welcome and Conference Overview on Sunday afternoon. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your work and win amazing prizes! Get started today: Visit www.iste.org/digital-stories/ for complete contest details. Submit your digital story to ISTE Vision. (And check out what others have submitted!) To qualify for the contest, make sure your video is under 5 minutes in length. Be sure you own all rights to all material in your video, including music, images, script, and rights to include all persons, places, or organizations depicted.

ISTE Update: New Board, NECC Updates, Author Podcasts
Date: May 13, 2009
 * (Note: Full articles can be read online at on the [|ISTE website)]**

Online voting for the 2009-2011 ISTE board of directors closed April 15, and the results are now final. ISTE members elected six new board members and re-elected two.
 * ISTE Announces 2009-2011 Board of Directors**

Congratulations to Janet Williams and the Project Reel team at Horizon Elementary School in Kent, Washington, for winning the ISTE and HP Technology for Teaching program's best practices contest. The prize is a paid trip for one teacher to NECC 2009 in Washington, D.C.
 * Elementary School Wins Trip to NECC for Video Project**

ISTE and three other education organizations expressed "great disappointment" in the Obama Administration's proposed cut to the EETT program for FY10—from $269 million down to $100 million. ISTE urged Congress to reject this cut and increase investment in this critical program. Read the statement. ISTE Directs Global Forum Program in Dubai ISTE directed the program for the 2009 Global Forum on Technology and Innovation in Education held in Dubai, April 15-18, 2009. ISTE CEO, Don Knezek, and other ISTE staff and faculty were featured in this forum for digital-age learning and deliberation. Learn more about this event.
 * ISTE Statement on U.S. President's Budget**

The ISTE Classroom Observation Tool (ICOT) now comes with a free web tutorial. ICOT is a free application that helps educators and researchers record classroom observations on a laptop or tablet computer, generate reports, and archive data. The tutorial walks you through the steps of downloading the free software, conducting observations, and setting up data for analysis. It also includes tips on data recording and training with a group to make the best use of the ICOT for program evaluation and professional development.
 * New—Free Web Tutorial on ISTE's Classroom Observation Tool**

The tutorial, created as part of ISTE’s popular webinar program, is available here. The ICOT software and use guidelines are available here.

Ways to Connect
**Submit Tips to Ning, Get Published in L&L?** Do you have any short tips or tricks for using technology in your classroom? Maybe you have a unique application for a website or technology tool. Post your tips on the L&L group page of the ISTE Community Ning and check back regularly to see what other teachers are suggesting. We’ll publish some of the tips along with submitters’ names in L&L’s Learning Connections section.

ISTE’s blog and social media hub, ISTE Connects, is your gateway to all things NECC and ed tech. Popular posts this past month include the funniest ed tech photo contest, iTouch and iPhone apps for education, and a story about the power of personal learning networks—“Send a Newbie to NECC.” Learn more.
 * ISTE's Blog**

We just launched a Young Educator Network on the ISTE Ning. Designed primarily for ISTE members who are in their 20s and 30s, this network will give us a channel for learning more about how to better serve young educators and provide networking opportunities. Join today!
 * NEW! Young Educators Network Group on ISTE Ning**

February 26, 2009 Dear Members,

There’s no doubt we live in turbulent times, and no certainty what tomorrow will bring. But in this incredible moment of crisis and opportunity I want to share

my deep gratitude for your energy and commitment as we face rapidly changing circumstances at the local, national, and international levels my assurance that ISTE stands with you, ready to provide innovative and pragmatic support and services for digital age education professionals my hope that you’ll stay with us, engaged in the great goal of improving opportunities for all learners. Over the past few months, ISTE has been closely engaged with the new U.S. administration, responding to their queries and, with our partner organizations, offering documentation and advice as new ed tech policies evolve from proposal to legislation. Most importantly, we’ve heard from you throughout this process. You’ve joined advisory committees, sharing your time and expertise. You’ve written letters, provided testimony, volunteered at events, and helped build the case for school modernization. Thank you for your contributions!

Like the rest of you, ISTE is carefully watching the bottom line these days. But we’re also investing, intentionally and strategically, in the future we hope to see. Just a few highlights below:

We opened new channels for member networking and community interaction just this month, with www.isteconnects.org and www.iste.org/30. And our ISTE Community and NECC Nings are lively meeting places. For more information, please visit www.iste.org/member-networking/. We’re hosting several more forums this spring on the next generation of technology leadership standards for administrators; our three-year NETS refresh project has gathered input from thousands of you spread across all 50 U.S. states and dozens of countries. Read the draft and share your feedback at www.iste.org/nets-refresh/.

ISTE and NECC celebrate their 30th anniversary this year, and we’re looking forward to an exciting conference in Washington D.C., June 28-July 1. We hope you can join us in D.C. for inspirational keynotes, hands-on sessions, Hill visits and special events at the Library of Congress. If you can’t join us in person, we’re planning new online conference components. Stay tuned! We’re a diverse organization working worldwide to increase access and opportunity for all learners. But you, the individual members, are at the heart of all we do. Your knowledge and skill, your passion and commitment make all the difference. Respectfully,

Don Knezek, CEO The International Society for Technology in Education



Join us as ISTE looks back on 30 amazing years of change and innovation in Ed Tech—and more importantly, as we look forward to the years ahead. It is with excitement each year that we plan the next conference and then watch as the seeds planted at NECC begin to grow and take root throughout the year. ISTE members, friends and colleagues in education, are the catalysts who take the knowledge and creativity from all who converge at NECC back to your classrooms, libraries, offices or labs, and continue to build on the energy that is the NECC conference. Come to the United States capitol, June 28—July 1, 2009, to soak up the city and meet colleagues from around the world as we share our continued vision for the future of Ed Tech.

Please join us at NECC 2009. The Call for Participation opens in early September, 2008; registration begins early October, and housing information will be available in early November. Leslie S. Conery, PhD ISTE Deputy CEO NECC Conference Chair

Registration Information: http://center.uoregon.edu/ISTE/NECC2009/registration/

Click on the NECC Ning image above to join the network and participate in all of the conversations leading up to, during and after NECC 2009.
January 28, 2009 =Education and Business Groups Applaud Funding for Technology-Rich Classrooms in Economic Recovery Legislation= $1 Billion is Critical Down-Payment toward President Obama’s Vision that All Students have a 21st Century Learning Environment Prominent education and business associations today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate for targeting one billion dollars in the economic recovery legislation directly to modernizing classroom instruction through the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program. The four groups said the funding is an important step toward providing the benefits of a 21st century learning environment to all students. The four associations are the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), International Society for Technology Education (ISTE), Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) and State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA). "Emphasizing 21st century technology-rich classrooms in the Economic Recovery Package will work to both stimulate the economy and to accelerate the transformation of teaching and learning for many of our students and teachers," said Mary Ann Wolf, Executive Director of SETDA. "This is a critical step to deliver on President Obama’s promise of a 21st century education for all students. We must make investments today to ensure their success tomorrow." "We're encouraged to see education technology included in both versions of the legislation," said Don Knezek, CEO of ISTE. "Setting aside $1 billion to modernize teaching and learning helps preserve and generate jobs now and improves opportunities for the future. But we must do more to reach our neediest students." "We applaud House and Senate leaders for working with the Administration to include classroom technology enhancements as a key feature of the recovery legislation," said Ken Wasch, President of SIIA. "The $1 billion funding level is an encouraging step toward ensuring all our digital-native students are prepared for the 21st century economy and maintaining our nation’s global competitiveness." "This funding is a good first step to help to bring our classrooms into the 21st century and drive economic growth, but Congress needs to invest more to make a real difference," said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. "We applaud President Obama’s vision, and we need the resources to make it a reality." According to CoSN, ISTE, SETDA and SIIA, which combined represent more than 100,000 educators and hundreds of high-tech employers, a spending infusion on education technology will both provide U.S. students with the 21st century skills they need to succeed in the future and generate jobs in the education, education services and technology sectors. The groups estimate that a total investment of $9.9 billion is necessary to ensure that all Title I schools have effective, technology-rich classrooms. About CoSN, ISTE, SETDA and SIIA: The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) is the country’s premier voice in education technology leadership, serving K-12 technology leaders who through their strategic use of technology, improve teaching and learning. For further information, visit [|www.cosn.org]. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Home of NETS and NECC, ISTE represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide. [|www.iste.org] The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) is the principal association for state directors of technology and their staff members providing professional development and leadership around the effective use to technology in education to enhance competitiveness in the global workforce. For more information, visit [|www.setda.org]. The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 500 leading software and information companies. SIIA and our member companies have long collaborated with educators, policymakers and their stakeholders to improve education through the use of innovative learning technologies. Visit [|www.siia.net].

[|First Draft of NETS for Administrators Ready for Comment]
12 Jan 2009 ISTE just released the draft of the NETS for Administrators 2009. This draft is the result of input from hundreds of educators from across the US and 14 countries who participated in NETS Refresh Forums or who weighed in using the NETS A Refresh survey. We encourage you to help us strengthen this draft as we prepare to publish the final standards in June. Please take a few minutes to download the draft and send us your thoughts and revisions: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=gIHlvv2SrdOi4XYX0AxqSQ_3d_3d

The survey includes more than 30 questions and only allows one response per participant. If you would like, download the [|Draft NETS•A (2009)] and come back to the survey, which includes big framework questions and your thoughts about specific standards and indicators, when you have time. Educators from across the US and around the world gave us feedback this fall that resulted in this draft. We are eager to hear your thoughts on how to improve this draft. Thank you. ISTE NETS Refresh Leadership Team

= = = = = = = = = = = = == =ISTE's Technology in Practice Webinar Series= http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ProfessionalDevelopment/WebinarSeries/20082009Webinars/Webinar_Series.htm

To help schools make the most of their professional development dollars, we encourage purchasers to gather colleagues together for the presentation, set up a projector, and share the webinar experience with one another—all for the cost of a single connection. In addition, you will receive a link to the archived recording, as well as valuable resources, shortly after the webinar concludes. Except where noted, all ISTE webinars take place at 1:00 PM Pacific/2:00 PM Mountain/3:00 PM Central/4:00 PM Eastern. For more information regarding the ISTE Technology in Practice webinar series, please visit our [|Frequently Asked Questions page].
 * //Technology in Practice//**, ISTE’s continuing Webinar Series, will feature thirty-one highly engaging Webinars over the course of 2008-2009. Each Webinar will feature a Web 2.0 tool or innovative technology of wide appeal to ISTE members and non-members alike. Each session will be at least 60 minutes in length, with 45 minutes of presenter content. The balance of the session will feature interactive elements such as audience Q&A and polls, and previews of upcoming ISTE Webinar events. The theme of the series, //Technology in Practice//, will highlight practical tools and strategies to help educators most effectively improve the educational experience and capture value from new and existing technology investments.

NEW for 2008-2009!
ISTE is pleased to offer members a Season Pass, which will grant you access to every ISTE webinar for the year, as well as the archives.


 * We are very excited to announce that AzTEA has purchased a Season Pass to these webinars and you are welcome to join us for any of these sessions. The first few webinars have been held in Phoenix in the Madison District Office Technology Lab. Other webinars will be held at different locations around the state as other chapters express interest in hosting them. If you are interested in receiving email announcements about the location of these webinars, please contact Priscilla Lundberg at [|plundberg@cox.net].**

ANNOUNCING: A new benefit for ISTE Members!!
The inaugural digital issue of **Learning & Leading with Technology (L&L)** While L&L (and its predecessors) have been print magazines for more than 30 years, this is the first issue formatted to be read and searchable onscreen. Benefits to you include:

1. Vibrant content in a dynamic medium—much more lively than a static PDF 2. Immediate access to L&L as a member; access as soon as an issue is available, and no waiting for a copy when you join or renew. 3. Easier searches; a new built-in search tool is more robust and intuitive than before—making it easier for you to find articles, authors, topics, and related content. 4. Continued publication of L&L in print; many readers like the portability, and readability of a printed publication. The printed version of L&L is still included as a member benefit; so you can enjoy the best of both reading and research methods. In this issue, you may be especially interested in our cover story called Web 2.0 Today’s Technology, Tomorrow’s Learning, which examines how game and social networking provide new ways of communicating and are redefining literacy. Educators from the Education Arcade at MIT share how these technologies affect learning, why teachers should explore their potential, and provide strategies for adapting these technologies to your classroom.


 * Look for e-mails from ISTE whenever a new digital issue of Learning & Leading with Technology is ready to view.**



The Opening Keynote and Reception will be on Sunday, June 29, 2008 and the last session on Wednesday, July 2, 2008. Exhibits will be open Monday, June 30 - Wednesday, July 2.

NECC 2008 Registration
http://center.uoregon.edu/ISTE/NECC2008/registration/

Super Early-Bird Through March 31 -- $205 Early-Bird Through May 1 -- $225 Pre-Reg/Onsite After May 1 -- $255
 * Current ISTE Member***

Super Early-Bird Through March 31 -- $285 Early-Bird Through May 1 -- $305 Pre-Reg/Onsite After May 1 -- $355
 * General Public (Non-Member) includes ISTE Membership**


 * Your membership must be valid through June 29, 2008, to qualify for the ISTE member rate.

Having trouble keeping up with all of the new developments and networks and information related to NECC 2008?
http://www.pageflakes.com/pgeorge/23233340 It includes photos, Ning links, wikispace links, del.icio.us bookmarks, blog posts, EduBloggerCon information, NECC Unplugged information, and a place to post messages. Check it out! If you join PageFlakes you can even create your own personal page to add to the information you want to track.
 * Here's a great site to help you have a fighting chance! It's a compilation of all kinds of information sources, modified from a site created by Mrs. Durff.**

=2008 SIGTE Research Award Winners Announced (Our very own AzTEA members) =

I’m very pleased to announce the **winners of the 2008 SIGTE Research Award--Teresa Foulger, Mia Kim Williams, and Keith Wetzel ( Arizona State University)**. Please join us for their paper presentation at the SIGTE Research Award Paper Session on Wednesday, July 2nd, 10:30 am–11:30 am in the Grand Hyatt Crockett A/B Room.

=Congratulations Teresa, Mia, and Keith!=


 * Paper Title: Innovative Technologies, Small Groups, and a Wiki: A 21st Century Preservice Experience Founded on Collaboration**

New technology tools available at the university level have made it possible to create learning environments that capitalize on the kinds teaching practices that support augmented conversations, sophisticated communication, and collaboration; yet, existing teaching models lag in their ability to take advantage of these possibilities. Three instructors of an educational technology course for preservice teachers wanted to explore the effects of a new project, the Innovations Mini-Teach, that allowed students to learn about many new and evolving technologies and their application to PreK-12 education by organizing themselves in ways that relied upon their collaborative abilities and a technology tool, the class Innovations Wiki. Student focus groups at the end of the semester sought to uncover the value of collaboration in students’ abilities to learn new technologies, the obstacles to collaboration, and how collaborative skills may affect use of innovations in students’ future teaching. Findings indicated this new approach to learning about innovative technologies was supported by small group collaboration, and that the class wiki supported whole class collaboration during the semester with the additional potential to provide students with opportunities to share after the semester ended. Most important, many students changed their views about themselves as learners of technology.
 * Abstract:**

Looking forward to seeing you at NECC! Arlene President, ISTE-SIGTE Arlene C. Borthwick, Ph.D. Dept. Chair, Integrated Studies in Teaching, Technology, & Inquiry aborthwick@nl.edu

Dear NECC Attendee, Tiered sponsors provide ISTE with invaluable funding that makes it possible to provide educators at all levels with a memorable and quality conference experience.

We hope that you will take advantage of the additional special offerings these sponsors are making available to you and that their contribution enriches your NECC 2008 experience!


 * Thinkfinity: Booth #5140**
 * Meet the Stars at NECC!**

Come listen and learn from Harvard's Chris Dede and National Geographic's Danny Edelson on, Monday, June 30, 2008 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm in rooms 204A & 204B when they discuss learning through multiple devices. Free lunch to the first 150 attendees.

You won't want to miss CBS's Without a Trace star Eric Close and award-winning author Peter Reynolds on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at 12:30 pm, rooms 204A & 204B for a creative look at education technology starring Thinkfinity.org. Free lunch to the first 150 attendees.

Visit us at Booth #5140 at NECC.

For a complete calendar of Thinkfinity events visit: http://www.thinkfinity.org/necc.aspx

SMART at NECC
 * SMART Technologies: Booth #8145**

Visit SMART at NECC to discover how you can create more extraordinary moments in the classroom. Come to Booth #8145 and learn how our comprehensive education solutions enhance teaching and learning.

Discover SMART's comprehensive offering - products, resources, services and programs. Participate in SMART's t-shirt contest to win SMART products. Attend our presentations by education experts. Meet other SMART educators who will share their best practices with technology. From practical tips for classroom teachers to planning advice for technology implementers, SMART has something for everyone.

Come see SMART at NECC and you'll discover the difference our solutions will make in your classrooms!

http://necc.smarttech.com

The Countdown Ends… Monday. June 30th. Noon. Booth #9104. Be there for prizes and fun.
 * Promethean: Booth #9104**

Promethean is proud to be a Platinum sponsor of ISTE/NECC 2008. We invite you to experience the Activclassroom at Booth #9104. Prizes will be awarded daily.

Activboard + 2. One Powerful Source of Inspiration We are pleased to announce our enhanced Activboard +2 and Activboard +2 Fixed classroom solutions. Both options come equipped with our PRM-10 short throw projector, speakers, and well as our award-winning lesson development software.

Activexpression. Giving students a voice. Activexpression gives students a voice by allowing them to respond to lessons by texting words, phrases, symbols, and numbers.

Promethean Learning. Be a Super Teacher. With Promethean Learning, educators can now work their way through a series of online courses which adapt to fit their busy schedules, and allow for group interaction and sharing of best practice with fellow users.

Don’t miss our CEO Spotlights!
Mike Horan, Director of Instructional Technology, Sarasota County Schools**
 * Monday, 11:00 am - noon, room 204**
 * Sarasota’s NeXt General Learning Plan with Promethean Activboards

Sherwin Collette, Chief Technology Officer, Montgomery County Public Schools**
 * Tuesday, 11:00 am - noon, room 204**
 * Integrating Interactive Technologies to Transform Instruction and Nurture Critical Thinkers

http://www.prometheanworld.com

See you in San Antonio! Leslie S. Conery, PhD, NECC 2008 Conference Chair Donella Evoniuk, NECC Conference Director

=New CITE (Contemporary Issues in Teacher Education) issue is online and available at http://www.citejournal.org/vol8/iss2/maintoc.cfm=

= = =ISTE SIGTE - Free Book on Problem Solving in the Information Age=

Dave Moursund shared the information below regarding a new free publication. You may contact Dave at moursund@uorgeon.edu.

Moursund, D.G. (October, 2007). **Introduction to Problem Solving in the Information Age.** Eugene, OR: Information Age Education.

This free, short (99 pages) book is intended primarily for preservice and inservice teachers of K-12 students, and the teachers of these teachers. In this book, the term problem solving includes posing and solving problems, posing and accomplishing tasks, posing and answering questions, and posing and making decisions.

Problem solving is an integral component of every academic discipline. Humans solve problems using their physical and mental capabilities, and tools that they have developed. The Information Age has brought us a wide range of computer-based tools that are powerful aids to problem solving. Now, more than ever, it is important to stress problem solving and higher-order critical thinking throughout our educational system.

The PDF version of the book is here: http://i-a-e.org/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,118/

The MS Word version of the book is here: http://i-a-e.org/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,119/

Other free computer-in-education books by Dave Moursund are available at: http://i-a-e.org/component/option,com_docman/Itemid,33/

ISTE Announces 2008 Outstanding Teacher and Leader Awards
April 30, 2008 Washington, D.C. --- The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE(r)) has named Carol Anne McGuire, vision specialist with Orange Unified School District in Orange, Calif., and Thea Jones, office of instructional technology supervisor for Baltimore County Public Schools in Timonium, Md., 2008 Outstanding Teacher and 2008 Outstanding Leader, respectively.

These awards recognize and honor individuals who have demonstrably improved education through the use of technology. Candidates for the awards are nominated by ISTE Affiliates, a network of more than 75 professional associations representing more than 100,000 educators worldwide. Nominations are reviewed by an eight-person team of education and technology professionals from around the world; the review team is appointed by ISTE's Affiliate Membership Committee.

McGuire was nominated by ISTE's California affiliate (CUE, Computer Using Educators) for her dedication to creating educational resources that aid blind and visually impaired students with the core curriculum. McGuire has been recognized for her work internationally in Israel, Japan and Russia. She is also well-known for her "Rock our World" project that uses technology to help students collaborate across geographical boundaries on songs, movies, and stories.

Jones was nominated by ISTE's Maryland affiliate (MICCA, Maryland Instructional Computers Coordinators Association) for her efforts to ensure that all students are provided with the best technology-rich educational experiences possible. Jones' work includes developing tools that measure student, teacher and administrator technology literacy. She currently serves on many committees, including the Maryland Instructional Technology Advisory Council and the Maryland Professional Development Advisory Council.

McGuire and Jones will be honored at this year's National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), to be held in San Antonio, Texas, June 29 through July 2, 2008. Both will receive $1,000 toward travel for NECC, as well as commemorative plaques and complimentary ISTE memberships.

About ISTE The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the trusted source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy, and leadership for innovation. A nonprofit membership association, ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching, learning, and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET), and the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), ISTE represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide. We support our members with information, networking opportunities, and guidance as they face the challenge of transforming education.

Visit www.iste.org or call (800) 336-5191 to learn more about ISTE and its new initiatives -- including the next generation of NETS for Students, Teachers, and Administrators.

Announcing ISTE's new podcasting series, //ISTE Casts//.
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Membership/Podcasts/Podcasts.htm This series will explore issues relating to emerging trends and effective uses of educational technology, and will highlight expert perspectives and suggestions. If you have suggestions for topics you'd like to see covered or feedback about current offerings, please send an email to podcasting@iste.org. Fri, 4 April 2008 [|**JCTE Author Perspectives Episode 3: Kevin Oliver**] This podcast is with Kevin Oliver about his article published in the JCTE [|Issue 24 Number 3] entitled, "A Comparison of Web-based Concept Mapping Tasks for alternative Assessment in Distance Teacher Education."

= = =ISTE Webinars=

ISTE'S INNOVATIVE EDUCATORS' EXPRESS WEBINAR SERIES
Tuesday, January 22, 2008 -- 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) Make Your Mark, and See Where it Takes You… -- Peter H. Reynolds

Tuesday, February 13, 2008 -- 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) School-wide Technology Integration -- Bret Gensburg

March 25, 2008 -- 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) School 2.0: Technology and the Future of School -- Tim Magner

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 -- 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) Online Harassment: How to Stay Safe Online -- Doug Fodeman & Marje Monroe

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 -- 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) Online Tools for K–5 Literacy -- Gail Lovely

Wednesday, June 11, 2008 -- 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) Finding Successful Solutions for Technology Staff Development -- Joan Gore & Janet Corder

ISTE'S TECHNOLOGY IN PRACTICE WEBINAR SERIES
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 -- 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) Learner 2.0: The MySpace Generation -- Chris O'Neal

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 -- 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) Get a MUVE On: Teaching and Learning with Second Life -- Kathy Schrock

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 -- 1:00PM Pacific (4:00PM Eastern) Google Tools for School Administrators -- Ryan Imbriale

See the full webinar line-up at **www.iste.org/webinars/** Reserve a conference room and have the whole team participate. Register now at **www.iste.org/webinars**

AT&T Launches $1.5 Million Competitive Grant Program
Grant to Help Nonprofits Extend Education with Wireless Technology. Grant proposals are due October 19th http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=24354. (Thanks – WEMTA – for this info)

PS - Find this and other “Hot News” items on the **ISTE Affiliates Wiki** http://affiliates.iste.wikispaces.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 18, 2007
 * Subject: New ISTE Student Standards Published, Focus on Creativity, Innovation**

PUBLISHED BY INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION (ISTE)**
 * CREATIVITY, INNOVATION TOP NEW STUDENT STANDARDS

(Washington, D.C.)- The second edition of National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS*S), published this month by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), places new emphasis on creativity, innovation and critical thinking in the classroom. While the first edition, published in 1998, emphasized embracing and mastering technology tools, the updated standards reflect a need for big-picture thinking in an educational arena that is increasingly driven by assessments and accountability.

"We've shifted emphasis from learning how to use technology to how to use technology to learn," notes ISTE CEO Don Knezek. "In 1998, it was enough to define what students needed to know about and be able to do with technology. In today's test-driven climate, educators are seeking specific skills to help students innovate, think critically and work collaboratively to help ensure their success in a digital world."

Knezek's observation is supported by extraordinary demand for the new standards from state departments of education and school districts in the U.S. and internationally. To date, ISTE has heard from more than 150 U.S states and districts and nearly a dozen countries requesting permission to use the revised standards for a wide variety of purposes, including state and district technology plans; training for teachers, administrators, and faculty; and publication through books, coursepacks, web sites, and conference presentation.

The groundbreaking first edition of NETS*S defines what students need to know about and be able to do with technology. Used in every U.S. state and in many other countries, the standards are credited with significantly influencing expectations for students and their use of technology. NETS*S resulted from nearly three years of development engaging a broad range of stakeholders.

An essential resource for anyone involved in PK-12 education, "National Educational Technology Standards for Students, Second Edition" focuses more on skills and expertise and less on technology tools. The revised standards address the following:
 * Creativity and innovation
 * Communication and collaboration
 * Research and information fluency
 * Critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making
 * Digital citizenship
 * Technology operations and concepts.

The full-color booklet includes these features:
 * The full text of the revised NETS*S
 * Essential conditions for success
 * Student profiles and examples
 * Real-world scenarios.

"National Educational Technology Standards for Students, Second Edition" is available online for $11.65 for ISTE members and $12.95 for nonmembers. More information about the booklet is available at > www.iste.org/bookstore/nesbo2. The NETS*S Refresh Project has been made possible by the generous support of sponsors Adobe, Apple, Intel Education and Pearson Education, and additional funding from Microsoft, Promethean and SMART Technologies.

More information about the National Educational Technology Standards is available at www.iste.org/nets. CONTACT: Marlene Nesary, ISTE, (541) 302-3789 Pat Walsh, The Ulum Group, (541) 434-7021

ISTE Update: Book Sale, New Webinar Series, and more
Check out the latest information from ISTE

ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in education.