Atomic Learning

Our blog is moving!

2010-06-08T12:27:00.002-05:00

To allow more flexibility, we're moving our blogs to our website. Please find us at http://blogs.atomiclearning.com.

Don't forget to update your bookmarks and subscribe to our news feed.

Thank you.

Introducing a new assistive tech blog: IntegrATe, by Gayl Bowser

2010-05-25T08:41:00.000-05:00

Gayl Bowser, former coordinator of the Oregon Project of Assistive Technology and co-author of Education Tech Points, is widely known in education circles for her insightful writing and unstoppable enthusiasm. Please join us in welcoming her to the world of blogging!

Just like a garden needs different care from a gardener depending on the time of the year, students and educators need different supports for assistive technology use as they move through the school year. With each new school season comes change—changes in our students, changes in what they are learning, and changes in our own AT services . Just as we cannot simply plant a seed and expect to immediately see a plant, we cannot give a student assistive technology and expect to see immediate success.

Visit IntegrATe

Webinar Alert: Effective Strategies for Creating an Assistive Tech Professional Development Plan

2010-05-24T09:54:00.001-05:00

Atomic Learning invites you to join us as we welcome Gayl Bowser for a FREE webinar on creating an Assistive Technology Professional Development plan. Gayl will discuss flexible and practical professional development assessment and planning strategies that include a variety of training approaches including the use of online tutorials.

Thursday, June 10, 2010 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT

Register here

Higher Education Customers - How Do You Use Atomic Learning?

2010-05-18T12:26:00.003-05:00

Greetings once again from the higher education team here at Atomic Learning! We have been putting our heads together to try to bring you the latest and greatest ideas on how you can use Atomic Learning on your campus.

1. As a help desk extension - is your help desk only open limited hours? Is your help desk staff sometimes overloaded, especially when upgrading applications like Microsoft Office? With a site license you can direct your users to Atomic Learning for tutorials on how to perform specific functions when your help desk is not available, or during busy times of the year!

2. Faculty Training - some faculty and staff members in your organization are great at keeping up on technology and integrating it into the classroom. Others are overwhelmed while budget cuts keep them running from class to class. Atomic Learning a great tool to keep your faculty updated on technology they use everyday - whether it's a tutorial on how to add a course link in your LMS, or how to schedule an appointment on their Outlook calendars!

3. Online Learning - many students who utilize online learning instruction are non-traditional student. These users have usually been out of the learning environment for some time, and are unfamiliar with new technology, as well as how instructors are using technology in their classes. Referring them to Atomic Learning for basic technology instruction is a great way for them to get up to par on technology in the online classroom.

4. Teaching Technology to Students - piggy-backing on the online learning idea, we have also found that the technology learning curve for students in the same class varies widely. Some students come from great technology backgrounds, while others haven't brushed up on their tech skills in years. Our product can assist where that gap exists. Students who need more training can go online and learn at their own pace to make sure they are up-to-date on technology applications.

5. In the traditional classroom - many colleges and universities offer technology classes such as a core applications class. Atomic Learning is a great resource as an instructional tool in these classes. If you have individual accounts, the instructor can actually assign training to students as an assignment. If you have one of our enhances packages, your students can upload projects and assignments into Atomic Learning, and the instructor can view and comment on the uploaded information.

6. Specialized Institutions - Are you an institution which specializes in a certain field? In many cases we find that these types of colleges need to offer courses on very specific subjects, and just don't have the time to include technology training as well. Atomic Learning is a great tool to take over that technology training, so instructors can focus on the subject at hand.

7. Colleges of Education - with the recent push in the K12 industry to produce quality teachers who are familiar with 21st Century Skills, Atomic Learning can help teach those initiatives to college of ed students. We have many tutorials, projects and workshops which focus in 21st Century Skills, and how to incorporate them into classroom instruction.How do you use Atomic Learning? We’re always looking for input from our customers on how they use Atomic Learning so we can all learn from each other! Please feel free to take the ideas presented here and incorporate them into your instruction, and give me a call (866-259-6890, ext. 288) if I can assist with implementing any of them for your college or university!

Mary Groth
Higher Education Account Manager

We're growing! 2 more new positions open

2010-05-11T15:57:00.015-05:00

Please consider applying for the following positions. Send applications to hr@atomiclearning.com.

Higher Education Sales Executive
Reports to:   Director of Domestic Sales
Department: Sales
Location: Remote Home Office

Job Summary:
The Higher Ed Sales Executive is responsible for the mid to large account sales and sales related activity for the Domestic Sales Team. This position requires knowledge of solution-based selling, higher education organizations and a strong understanding of the education sales cycle. This person will need to assist in the development of account strategies which include account profiles, demand/lead generation and detailed action plans. This person must work in coordination with the Director of Sales to maximize sales revenues and customer satisfaction/retention.

Essential Functions:
•   Achieve or overachieve assigned annual revenue targets. Execute and deliver at or above plan every month/quarter/year.
•   Effectively triage in-bound sales leads for sales potential and produce/provide proposals in a timely and accurate manner.
•   Collect and retrieve leads from sales conferences.
•   Perform product demonstrations in person and over the web.
•   Effectively manage the pipeline of opportunities to ensure that sales goals can be met.
•   Understand and communicate the pricing model for Atomic Learning.
•   Assist with sales conference logistics, travel, demo generation, tracking and etc.
•   Assist with any marketing and sales initiatives.
•   Update Salesforce.com CRM database on a daily basis.
•   Demonstrate operational excellence by delivering all requested sales reports, forecasts, budget information, and any other requested information in timely and accurate manner.
•   Other duties as the business demands.

Requirements
•   Higher education sales experience.
•   Experience with a consultative selling approach.
•   Bachelor’s degree preferred.
•   Successful sales track record with a “hunter” mentality.
•   Territory planning/management experience.
•   Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with quotas and goals.
•   Possess a strong customer service background.
•   Possess strong analytical/problem solving skills.
•   Self-motivated, dynamic, results oriented individual.
•   Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
•   Be highly motivated and organized.
•   Customer-focused.
•   Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
•   Ability to perform under pressure.
•   Outstanding time management skill and the ability to set priorities.
•   Excellent computer/technology skills.
•   Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%.

Inside Sales (Corporate)
Reports to:    VP of Sales
Department: Sales
Location: In-office Little Falls HQ
Schedule: M-F 8am-5pm

Job Summary:
The Inside Sales Representative is responsible for sales and sales related activity for Atomic Learning’s corporate division, Atomic Training. This position requires knowledge of solution-based selling within a B2B environment. This person must act as the liaison between Atomic Learning and businesses as well as be the main contact person for these accounts. This person will need to assist in the development of account strategies which include: account profiles, demand/lead generation and detailed action plans. This person must also be a point of contact for the organization for our Independent Sales Representatives.

Essential Functions:
•    Achieve assigned annual revenue targets. Execute and deliver at or above plan every month/quarter/year.
•    Embrace a consultative sales approach in dealing with customers and potential customers.
•    Effectively triage in-bound sales leads for sales potential and produce/provide proposals in a timely and accurate manner.
•    Understand and communicate the pricing model for Atomic Learning
•    Perform webinars to showcase and/or train customers and potential customers on our products.
•    Act as the front-line call person for Atomic Training.
•    Act as a point of contact for the organization for Independent Sales Representatives selling Atomic Training.
•    Assist with any marketing and sales initiatives
•    Demonstrate operational excellence by delivering all requested sales reports, forecasts, budget information, and any other requested information in timely and accurate manner
•    Other duties as the business demands
Qualifications, Skill, and Abilities:
•    1+ years of successful B2B sales experience (inside or outside) preferred
•    Possess a strong customer service background
•    High school diploma; post-secondary schooling preferred
•    Have proven track record as self-starter and be self-motivated
•    Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
•    Be highly motivated and organized
•    Customer-focused
•    Strong analytical and problem solving skills
•    Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment with quotas and goals
•    Outstanding time management skills and the ability to set priorities
•    Excellent computer/technology skills

Financial Literacy and Professional Development

2010-05-11T11:51:00.005-05:00

A recent column by Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist at the Washington Post, caught my eye. "We are Flunking Personal Finance" looks at a recent study by the University of Wisconsin at Madison entitled Teachers' Background & Capacity to Teach Personal Finance. The study indicates that less than 20% of K12 teachers feel they were “very competent” in the six areas of financial literacy focused on in the study. Those areas included:

Income and careers
Planning and money management
Credit and debt
Financial responsibility and decision making
Saving and investing Risk management and insurance

From the column:

This study reinforces the need to incorporate personal money management topics into educational opportunities for teachers, whether in undergraduate or graduate curricula for students studying to become teachers, or as postgraduate or in-service courses or workshops," says Ted Beck, president and chief executive of NEFE. "We have an opportunity to dramatically affect the quality of K-12 financial education by providing teachers with the subject matter expertise they need throughout their careers."

Increasingly, states are pushing economic education. The number of states that require students to take a personal finance course, or instruction as part of an economics class, increased to 13 in 2009 from seven in 2007, according to the Council for Economic Education. Although states are setting up financial education guidelines, an overwhelming majority of teachers who participated in the NEFE survey said they didn't feel qualified to offer instruction at the level of the standard set by their states, the researchers said.

Recent economic events have made it clear that financial literacy is vital to both the global economy and as a factor for personal success. How can these important life-lessons be incorporated into the classroom without professional development for the teachers who are expected to help the students?

Open Position Alert: Front-End Web Developer and Implementation Specialist

2010-05-11T10:04:00.004-05:00

Please consider applying for the following position. Send applications to hr@atomiclearning.com.

Reports to: Technical Project Manager
Department: IT and Data Security
Location: In-Office; 10am-7pm M-F; Hours may vary to accommodate roll outs.

Job Summary:
The Front-end Web Developer and Implementation Specialist will work cross-functionally with other departments in developing improved functionality on our websites through scripting techniques and promoting new and/or changed code to our production web servers. This person will collaborate with teammates to come up with new ideas and solutions for our websites as well as execute and implement site maintenance work. The position will also be responsible for rolling development code to our production web and database servers with accuracy for our web developers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
•    Produce clean, error-free code for public-facing website, web applications, or widgets.
•    Meet or exceed deadlines.
•    Work directly with Marketing to develop enhanced functionality to our websites using currently widely acceptable coding techniques.
•    Take the layouts and images developed by Marketing and implement them correctly on our websites using HTML, CSS, and the necessary scripting tools needed to create the necessary effect.
•    Develop and maintain web style guides for our websites and web-based products.
•    Accurately move developed front-end code through to the production servers and check for completeness, usability, and cross-browser compatibility.
•    Create static HTML pages as needed for demos or part of site navigation.
•    Serve as resident “expert” for all CSS, JavaScript, Flash, XHTML, and other Web 2.0 questions and issues.
•    Perform the necessary steps to roll out code developed by web developers by defect, project, feature, or task during the day as well as the evening for code requiring database restarts. Training will be provided and rollout schedule will be coordinated between the ITADS, Product, and Marketing.
•    Assist the Quality Assurance department and may be assigned to assist with software quality assurance for larger projects.
•    Work flexible hours to accommodate roll outs.
•    Other duties as the business demands.

Desired Qualifications, Skill, and Abilities:
•    HS Diploma and 3-4 years of Front-End development experience.
•    Possess knowledge of each browser's quirks and have the ability to create websites that appear and work well on equipment ranging from Mac computers to Windows-based PCs to mobile devices.
•    Feel comfortable working with various individuals and groups including external creative agencies, internal creative teams, marketing, development, and UI.
•    Ability to hand-code semantic, efficient, standards-compliant XHTML, JavaScript, and CSS and to test across multiple browsers and platforms.
•    Ability to effectively use JavaScript frameworks like YUI libraries.
•    Expert fluency in W3C compliant HTML/XHTML/CSS.
•    Knowledge of accessibility guidelines (and when to work around them).
•    Proficiency with JavaScript toolkits such as Prototype, ExtJS, and Scriptaculous.
•    Experience building AJAX applications.
•    Understanding of optimization techniques and best practices
•    Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills including presentation skills.
•    Strong interpersonal skills (listening, tact, diplomacy, good judgment).
•    Demonstrated ability to effectively organize, plan, research, estimate, analyze and prioritize individual work assignments and team assignments.
•    Experience with SVN and the code merging process.
•    Experience with software rollout procedures and command-line prompts for restarting servers.
•    Experience with interactive design and development software including Flash/Action Script, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Other design tools are a plus.
•    Experience with Section 508 Compliance is a plus.
•    Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate roll outs.

Join the Campaign! Tweet and Blog for Ed Tech May 12

2010-05-07T14:34:00.002-05:00

Funding for Classroom Technology is in jeopardy! Join ISTE members and education technology advocates from across the country for a day of blogging and tweeting in support of 21^st century learning.

President Obama’s budget provides no funding for education technology. The Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program, which was funded at $100 million in 2010, is rolled into a the new program “Effective Teaching and Learning for a Complete Education.”
Without funds specifically set aside to pay for education technology the administration’s messaging about the importance of technology for classroom teaching and learning rings hollow. If education technology is so important, why has the proposed 2011 budget eliminated funding for the only dedicated ed tech funding program?

Although the President has recommended to eliminate funding for EETT, Congress does not have to agree with this recommendation. ISTE is urging congress to fund education technology at at $500 million for next year. To get this issue on congress’ agenda we need to tell policymakers that we are not going to take the loss of EETT quietly.

On Wednesday, May 12 we are going to flood the Web with messages in support of funding for education technology. We’ll provide some Twitter messages to get you started, but we’re asking for a major effort from all the ed tech bloggers, tweeters, Facebookers and Ning-regulars out there to write in support of dedicated federal funding for education technology.

Keep watching ISTE Connects for information on how you can help secure $500 million for ed tech in 2011. Together we can make our voices heard!

http://www.isteconnects.org/2010/05/06/join-the-campaign-tweet-and-blog-for-ed-tech-may-12/

"I Remember", by Intel

2010-05-05T11:24:00.000-05:00

Most of those things don't seem very long ago, do they? Are you keeping up?

New Content Alert: Safari 4, Word 2010, iPhoto '09, PixWriter 3, Read:OutLoud 6, more

2010-05-04T08:59:00.009-05:00

New and expanded tutorial series
Safari 4
As stated by Apple®: "It’s a browser. It’s a platform. It’s an open invitation to innovate. Safari® continuously redefines the browser, providing the most enjoyable way to experience the Internet."

View 2 free tutorials

Word 2010
Microsoft® Word 2010 offers the best of all worlds: enhanced features to create professional-quality documents, easier ways to work together with people and almost-anywhere access to your files. Use this introductory level tutorial series to watch, listen, and learn the basics of how to create high-quality documents that you can be proud of.

View 2 free tutorials

PixWriter 3
PixWriter™ is a talking picture and word processing program designed for beginning and struggling readers and writers. The program combines print, pictures, and speech allowing users to compose written documents even if knowledge of sound-symbol relationships, spelling, and alphabet skills have not been mastered. Teachers can quickly create a customized word bank that includes symbols for students to use for writing.

View 2 free tutorials

Read:OutLoud 6
Read:OutLoud® is a text to speech software program with built in supports for reading comprehension. Version 6 of Read:OutLoud has made it easier to read and navigate every type of file and Web content. There is improved PDF support and NIMAS files don’t require any conversion. In version 6, an outline is automatically formed when students highlight text, simplifying the outline process. Read:OutLoud 6 will instantly open books from Bookshare’s Web site without unpacking.

View 2 free tutorials

Tech Integration Projects
Podcast Creation - GarageBand '09
Take poetry to a new level! Users will use an audio application to produce a podcast of themselves narrating a piece of poetry. They will locate or create a music track to accompany their poem, and also import images they have found to add a visual component to the podcast. Finally, they will export their podcast so that it can be shared with others on the Web or as a standalone presentation.

Preview the project here

Podcast Creation - Windows Movie Maker 2.6
Similar to the GarageBand project above, this version is for Windows users.

Preview the project here

Creating a Photo Book - iPhoto '09
For this project we will be using multimedia software to create a photo book. We’ll begin by importing digital images into a photo editing application and organizing the photos in an album. We’ll choose a theme for the photo book and create the book pages. Images will be added to the book, resized or cropped, and positioned for best effect on the pages. We’ll add and format text for titles and image descriptions. Photo books can be used for simply sharing photos, but can also tell a story about an important event or experience, or provide a way to share information gained through research. Our Wildflowers photo book might be part of a botany or biology presentation. This project can be easily adapted to suit any subject area, just by choosing appropriate images and other content for documenting a specified topic.

Preview the project here

Workshops
Adapting a 21st Century Skills Project to the Classroom
Atomic Learning’s 21st century skills projects provide professional development opportunities and authentic assessment of 21st century skills for teachers. What's more, they are designed to empower educators to infuse 21st century skills into the classroom.

Brad Flickinger, teacher and education futurist, shares his experience in adapting an Atomic Learning 21st century skills project into a classroom. This workshop highlights Brad’s insight, as well as the ease of modifying and adapting a project for classroom integration, and the astonishing results he and his students achieved through the engaging What’s for Breakfast project.

Preview the workshop here

Atomic Learning and Don Johnston: Assistive Tech Online Training Collection

2010-05-03T08:33:00.002-05:00

You already have some great assistive technology tools. Many of them have had a huge impact on your students.  But, are your teachers making the most of them?

Don Johnston teamed up with Atomic Learning to solve this problem. We came up with an exclusive bundle of online trainings—some of which you won’t find anywhere else. Subscribers will get unlimited whole-district access to thousands of online tutorials for all of your top assistive technology software and devices.

Find out more

Open Position Alert: Online Training Content Developer

2010-04-30T15:44:00.004-05:00

Atomic Learning is one of the most supportive, satisfying and fun companies a person could work for. Please consider applying for the following position. Send applications to hr@atomiclearning.com.

Job Title: Online Training Content Developer (curriculum emphasis)
Reports to: Content Development Manager
Department: Product/Content
Start Date: June 1, 2010
Location: Your Home Office (within the U.S.)

Job Summary:
The Online Training Content Developer (curriculum emphasis) is responsible for creating tutorials on how to use a variety of software applications and for creating curriculum integration units that involve the use of technology, as well as 21st Century Skills concepts.

This position requires the ability to learn the Atomic Learning method of tutorial creation, knowledge of how curriculum in K-12 education is organized and delivered, and experience with K-12 professional development planning and implementation. This person must understand the work environment of teachers and administrators and be adept at tailoring educational experiences that are appealing and meet the needs of educators and students.

This person must have the ability to research best practices in integrating technology into K-12 curriculum areas and create/adapt Atomic Learning content to effectively augment those practices. Additionally, this position is required to continuously learn how to use new software applications and develop organized and effective tutorials for the marketplace. While the emphasis will primarily be technology integration training for K-12, the person may use their expertise to create similar training for other training markets. This person will work in coordination with the Content Development Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1) Learn to use software applications as assigned
2) Create effective tutorials series on assigned software
3) Research and design curriculum pieces
4) Help evaluate possible new production and delivery methods
5) Work in coordination with the Content Development Manager to develop a one-year production schedule (broken down into quarterly deliverable windows).
6) Ability to work on multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
7) Other duties as the business demands

Qualifications, Skill, and Abilities:
1) Education background and knowledge of software commonly found in schools
2) Ability to quickly grasp how software works and how it can be applied in an
educational setting
3) Passion for exploring and understanding practical integration of technology
into career and life skills
4) Strong desire to continue to learn
5) Ability to work independently and as part of a team
6) Ability to scope, organize and deliver on required timelines.
7) Strong analytical/problem solving skills
8) Demonstrated ability to create quality tutorials using the Atomic Learning
method

Social media in schools: The Meltdown

2010-04-29T11:30:00.005-05:00

Social media addiction. Crackdowns on abuse. Passion for progress. Differing opinions have come to a head this week between those who would retain or recover pre-information-age social qualities and those who believe online social tools are an inevitability to be harnessed and prepared for. As with most things in life, education would seem to be the solution.

First, there's clear evidence that parents are largey unaware of the activities of even middle-school students. Many deny that their children participate in social media. Many simply don't know how pervasive social media are in their childrens' lives, both at home and at school. Before progress can be made with the students themselves, parents need to understand the reality of this modern age. They need to become involved and foster responsibility and safe behavior.

Next, the schools. There's still a harsh divide between classrooms that embrace technology as a learning tool and those that consider it a nuisance. Consistency must be attained with regard to expectation and enforcement. Not every classroom should directly utilize web-enabled devices, but the policy must be in place and understood.

Finally, the students themselves need training. They know how to use the technology, at least superficially, but they often don't have the mental maturity to make the right decisions. Bullying, inappropriate language or photos, and other abuse are sustaining and can be damaging to both mental health and reputation. What's online stays online for a long, long time. Children can't usually appreciate the permanence of their actions.

How this will all play out isn't entirely clear. What is clear is that we must all educate ourselves and be aware of what the children in our care are up to. The challenge is nothing new. Only the details are.

I welcome your comments.

Update: CNN did a story on Principal Orsini. Watch the video here.

Back by popular demand: Training & Staff Development for 21st Century Teaching at Lincoln Public Schools (Just Enough, Just in Time, Just for Me)

2010-04-29T09:52:00.000-05:00

The first run of this webinar went very well and provided such valuable information that we've decided to do it again.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 | 12 pm PST / 3 pm EST

Click here to register for this FREE event

In order for students to have 21st century skills to succeed and compete in today's global workplace, districts first need to develop those skills in their teachers. How do you build a professional development program that creates a solid understanding of the skills and develop the ability to integrate them into the classroom?

Join us as a panel from Lincoln Public Schools shares best practices and collaboration between departments to create a successful training and staff development program to help their teachers – and students – succeed with 21st century learning.

Read about the presenters

Higher Ed Webinar Recap - Virtual Training Success at Philadelphia University

2010-04-20T10:42:00.009-05:00

Greetings from the higher ed team! Pia Roper from Philadelphia University recently presented a webinar on Philadelphia University's use of Atomic Learning. The webinar provided some great insights on how Atomic Learning can be utilized campus-wide. You may view the archive here.

Some of the key points of Roper's presentation included:

USE
Philadelphia University uses Atomic Learning as an extension of their helpdesk, creating a 24/7 presence for users. Round-the-clock access ensures that support is available during off-hours, and for international users in the distance ed programs. They also use Atomic Learning to train the helpdesk staff, so they are better able to assist users who call in for help.

Moving beyond the help desk, Roper provides a variety of examples, from faculty training to student instruction. The webinar is a must-see for anyone looking to make the most of their existing subscription or seeking a cross-campus solution.

PROMOTION
As Pia stated during her presentation, Atomic Learning usage rates are highly dependent on active promotion of it as a valuable campus resource. Philadelphia University strives to make sure their faculty, staff and students are aware of the resources available to them, and bring Atomic Learning to the forefront of their user self-service portals, webpage and LMS.

Philadelphia University also offers informational handouts in new hire and new student orientation packets, makes presentations at faculty meetings, and hosts a variety of Atomic Learning training sessions.

In the webinar, Roper highlights how her team was challenged to train nearly 1000 individuals on Office 2007. The team hosted learning sessions in a lab environment where the users were invited to view Atomic Learning tutorials, and as questions arose the helpdesk staff was available for 1-on-1 training and assistance.

FACULTY PERCEPTION
Webinar attendees offered some additional insight into implementing a solution campus wide. One of the most interesting comments during the Q&A session of the presentation was an inquiry into whether faculty at PU were at all threatened by the use of Atomic Learning in the classroom. According to Pia, most faculty are very happy to incorporate Atomic Learning into their classrooms as it allows the instructor to focus on the content of the class instead of teaching the technology needed to complete an assignment.

ACCESS OPTIONS
Some attendees asked for clarification on access options. Philadelphia University currently utilizes IP access and will be incorporating LDAP in the near future. As a whole, Atomic Learning hopes to have LDAP more widely available for most users by the end of 2010. It is important to note we also have a number of additional access options. Depending on your license and the product purchased, a campus account can be set up with shared logins, or individual accounts. For shared logins we can provide a generic/shared username(s) and password(s), IP addressing, and portal string authentication. For individual accounts we can use our user-submission form, CAS and the portal string option as well.

If you have any questions about the items presented in the webinar, or would simply like additional information on Atomic Learning, please feel free to contact me at mgroth@atomiclearning.com.

Thanks!

Mary Groth
Higher Education Account Manager

Innovation is easy to find if you know where to look

2010-04-20T08:54:00.005-05:00

This came through my inbox late yesterday and seemed too valuable to not share.

LinkedIn Groups

Group: Innovative Learning & Education Innovators
Subject: Links to Help Learning & Education Innovators Think: Innovation Newsletter, Calendar of Innovation Workshops, Events & Certification Opportunities

Our Learning & Education Innovators group on Linkedin already has over 3,500 members! The discussions and posts have been very interesting. Many members asked for a calendar of innovation events, a newsletter, info on innovation workshops and tools and suggestions for innovation resources. Therefore, I am providing the following convenient links to several useful websites. Feel welcome to visit the useful links below to innovative websites, groups, pages and resources on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube.

-- LEARNING OPPORTUNITES for Innovators - SUBSCRIBE to our Innovation NEWSLETTER:
http://bit.ly/SubscribeToNewsletter

LEARN about new Innovation Training WORKSHOPS & TRAINER CERTIFICATIONS:
http://bit.ly/InnovationTrainingWorkshops

Experience the Award-Winning Accelerated Innovation Workshop at the Thinkubator in Chicago:
http://bit.ly/AcceleratedInnovationTraining

-- CALENDAR of INNOVATION OPPORTUNITIES - View CALENDAR of over 100 Innovation Events, Workshops, Webinars & Conferences:
http://bit.ly/CalendarInnovation

-- INNOVATION TOOLS for Innovators -- LEARN about the new KnowBrainer Tool:
http://bit.ly/KnowBrainerTool
Check Out the Innovation Tool of the Month Club:
http://bit.ly/InnovationToolofMonthClub

-- LINKEDIN GROUPS for Innovators - Discover 20 other Innovation GROUPS you can join:
http://bit.ly/LinkedinGroups

-- PAGES on FACEBOOK – Click to Join the Following Facebook Page Links for Innovators:
http://www.facebook.com/SolutionPeople
http://www.facebook.com/TheSolutionman
http://www.facebook.com/InnovationPeople
http://www.facebook.com/VeryInnovativePeople
http://www.facebook.com/innovationidol
http://www.facebook.com/InnovatorsDigest
http://www.facebook.com/InnovationToolofTheMonthClub
http://www.facebook.com/InnovationTrainingWorkshops
http://www.facebook.com/KnowBrainer
http://www.facebook.com/theillumination
http://www.facebook.com/thinkubators
http://www.facebook.com/thinkathons

-- GROUPS on FACEBOOK – Click to Join the Following Facebook Group Links for Innovators:
Linkedin Innovators GROUP: http://bit.ly/5zwrHs
Innovation People GROUP: http://bit.ly/7l5qdX
Innovation Idols GROUP: http://bit.ly/5WyWks
VIP: Very Innovative People GROUP: http://bit.ly/6t4mEI
Thinkathon Brainstormers GROUP: http://bit.ly/6lug5v

-- Innovators on TWITTER – Click on the Following Twitter Links for Innovators:
http://twitter.com/Solutionman or @Solutionman
http://twitter.com/SolutionPeople or @SolutionPeople
http://twitter.com/KnowBrainerTips or @KnowBrainerTips
http://www.twitter.com/LinkedinPeople or @LinkedinPeople
http://www.twitter.com/Thinkubators or @Thinkubators
http://www.twitter.com/Thinkathons or @Thinkathons
http://www.twitter.com/InnovationIdol or @InnovationIdol
http://www.twitter.com/VIPinnovators or @VIPinnovators

-- VIDEOS for Innovators on YOUTUBE – Click on the Following YouTube Channels for Innovators:
http://www.youtube.com/Solutionman
http://www.youtube.com/SolutionPeople
http://www.youtube.com/InnovatorsDigest
http://www.youtube.com/InnovationIdol
http://www.youtube.com/InnovationTraining
http://www.youtube.com/VeryInnovativePeople
http://www.youtube.com/GeraldHaman
http://www.youtube.com/InnovationPeople
http://www.youtube.com/Thinkathons
http://www.youtube.com/InnovationWebinars
http://www.youtube.com/InnovationToolClub
http://www.youtube.com/Questionate
http://www.youtube.com/Thinkubators
http://www.youtube.com/KnowBrainerTools
http://www.youtube.com/KnowBrainerApps
Posted By Gerald "Solutionman" Haman

Earn Graduate Continuing Education Credit with Atomic Learning

2010-04-20T07:41:00.007-05:00

Are you eager to learn new ways of reaching students with modern techniques using new technology, but often find yourself lacking time or clear direction? Are you working on maintaining your teaching license and perhaps working on a lane change? Do you find yourself wishing you had more opportunities to leverage your subscription to Atomic Learning? If so, a new collaboration between Atomic Learning and IT4Educators just might be your solution.

This arrangement provides online continuing education courses that are created and conducted by experienced teachers. Each standards-based course incorporates training from Atomic Learning for teachers seeking continuing education credits for license renewal and professional development. These 1-, 2-, and 3-credit courses cover the most innovative technology tools available - from Twitter to blogs and Moodle® to SMART™ Notebook. Instructors guide the courses through online interactions and feedback, though each course is independent-study and self-paced, allowing you to effectively learn new techniques for technology and classroom integration on your own schedule. You can select from three different accredited universities to earn your graduate college credit.

If you have a subscription to Atomic Learning and are ready to enroll in a course for college credit, view course options and get started at atomiclearning.it4educators.com. Founded by a technology educator, IT4Educators leverages many years of experience to produce robust courses on technology in education.

Planetfesto: Help create a virtual ribbon around the Earth

2010-04-16T12:50:00.013-05:00

Planetfesto.org is an environmental education and action movement created on 2/14/2007. The goal is for individuals worldwide to create a virtual ribbon of 6" pieces--long enough to circle the earth. (nearly 263,000,000 pieces required). Each "piece" of the ribbon is made up of a photograph or drawing representing why the person loves the earth, a brief statement of why they love it, and a pledge of individual action. The ribbon creates an evolving, collaborative manifesto of love and action.

Planetfesto is unusual in environmental movements as it is takes a higher view on the problem--that what is needed is a new era in our relationship with the planet. On the site, there is a quote by Wendell Berry: "What we do not love, we will not save."

Jody Ouradnik has created a video introducing you to the Planetfesto project. It also walks through adding your own ribbon segment.

planetfesto.org
wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetfesto
youtube.com/atomiclearning

New Content Alert: Higher Ed Creation and Collaboration Tools

2010-04-16T08:28:00.010-05:00

Projects
Collaborating to Build a Slideshow Presentation – Google Docs Project

Users will be using online tools to collaborate on a presentation. Our example is about climate change and global warming, but the project can be easily adapted for any subject area. Viewers will learn how to work in a shared word processing document to collect information, and then divide up the work for creating an online slide presentation they can share on the Internet.

Creating a Photo Book – Photoshop Elements 8

For this project we will be using multimedia software to create a photo book. We’ll begin by importing digital images into a photo editing application and organizing the photos in an album. We’ll choose a theme for the photo book and create the book pages. Images will be added to the book, resized or cropped, and positioned for best effect on the pages. We’ll add and format text for titles and image descriptions....

Video Creation – Photoshop Elements 8 & Premiere Elements 8

For this project, users will create a video of images and sound that evoke a specific emotion for them. They will begin by collecting images that reflect their chosen emotion and use tools in Photoshop Elements to prepare the photos for use in their video. In Premiere Elements, they will choose a sound file and import the images they worked on in PSE. The images will be arranged on the timeline, and transitions can be added to the presentation....

Creating a Resumé – Word 2007

For this project, users will create a resumé in a word processing program following guidelines for a general purpose resumé. Viewers can follow along with the tutorial movies, using the example information provided in the downloadable resource packet for this lesson, to create a finished product similar to the example project demonstrated in the tutorials. Or, users may create a resumé using their own personal information.

Building a Bibliography – Word 2007

For this Tech Integration Project, users will be learning how to create a Works Cited page, following the MLA Style Guide (7th edition). The final word processing document depicts references for multiple sources, including books, journals, newspapers, and Web sites. The document that is created by following along with the tutorial movies can be used for future reference when users are required to create citations for other projects.

Workshops
Creating an Effective Presentation using PowerPoint

Learn how to create an effective presentation using Microsoft® PowerPoint® 2003. This workshop includes great tips on text, graphics, color, and sound. In addition, you'll learn how to work with lists, animation, and transitions, as well as how to make your presentation Web-ready!

PC Maintenance & Security

It's a well-known fact that PC's are wonderful tools. They can be fun, educational, a way to communicate, and much more. But in order to keep them running properly and to protect the valuable data we store on them, we need to follow some simple precautions. This workshop takes an in-depth look at some cost-effective ways to keep your internet-connected PC running smoothly!

iPads in the classroom?

2010-04-15T10:03:00.003-05:00

I admit that I've been skeptical about the usefulness of the iPad to those of us who like to create content and share information as well as take it in. Sure, it's been billed as a game-changer, but it's also been described as a consumption-only device, not having much ability to store files or spread them around. Many a blog post and Twitter tweet express concern about Apple's tight control over usability and content.

At least one school is working around those concerns to bring relatively inexpensive (yet highly engaging) devices into their classrooms.

The iPad was announced many weeks before its release, so we know many of the features and even several of the applications that would be available. We also worked closely with Apple. We developed a staff development program with Apple. Teachers in this project will receive 5 days of staff development from Apple.

The iPads can be used [to create] wikis, blogs, keynote presentations. We can do much with on-line research. (Libraries in small schools have virtually disappeared.) We have found many cool applications to enhance the curriculum in our classes. (Try the programs Star Walk or The Elements. Cool music programs that allow students to record music, electronic books, drawing applications, Numbers offers much flexibility for spreadsheets.)

It's clear that committed, innovative educators are making the most of their dwindling dollars. When Apple and third party application vendors realize the impact they'll have on teaching (and they probably already have), this really could be a game-changer.

We haven't had the resources to enhance out technology program for many years. I don't believe there is a "perfect" solution for technology in any district. For some it may be SMART Boards, for others laptops, others netbooks. For GFW, it will be iPads. It's not the device. It's how the teachers will use their device to improve instruction. I hope it can work in our district.

Transparent technology, understanding, and innovation

2010-04-13T14:52:00.003-05:00

There's a debate ongoing over whether technology in schools should really be invisible. One blogger argues that technology should never be a hurdle to leap before learning, and one says it's critical to understand how technology works to alter our living environments.

I'm not sure either perspective is quite right. For every learning scenario, there will be a limit to how much effort we can (or should) make to understand the technology at hand. It would create an infinite comprehension loop if we were to try and evaluate every learning tool we use.

For example, I've seen interactive whiteboards (IWBs) in use by talented math teachers, instantly drawing graphs and calculating formulas far more quickly and clearly than was previously possible. They bring to life concepts and approaches to learning that I couldn't have imagined in my schooling. There's no doubt in my mind that they enhance learning of the subject at hand.

In the math classroom, during a math lesson, the IWB shouldn't be noticed. It should be invisible in order for the math lesson to be as effective as possible. On the other hand, science classrooms should be brimming with opportunity for students to learn the details of IWB design, manufacture, and function.

Rather than thinking of technology as a monolithic "thing in schools", it should be evaluated in isolated scenarios, with the prime learning objective of the moment kept firmly in front of our minds.

At times, we need to employ tools that have functions only others understand in order to efficiently share information and ideas. At other times, we need to understand them ourselves in order to innovate and create to our potential. Neither is inherently an incorrect solution.

April is National Poetry Month... How about a poetry podcast?

2010-04-13T09:54:00.001-05:00

April is National Poetry Month. We've just updated one of our Technology Integration Projects which uses Garage Band '09, and it does a nice job of bringing poetry to any classroom:

Take poetry to a new level! Users will use an audio application to produce a podcast of themselves narrating a piece of poetry. They will create a music track to accompany their poem, and also add images they have found to illustrate their poem. They may elect to use an image capture utility on their computer to create their images. Finally, they will export their podcast for an MP3 player.

View the project here

New Content Alert: Higher Ed Projects and Workshops with Google Docs and more

2010-04-05T09:33:00.002-05:00

We've released a batch of new Technology Integration Projects and Workshops with our colleges of education customers in mind. They're also useful to K12 educators looking for more advanced content.

Technology Integration Projects
Collaborating to Build a Slideshow Presentation – Google Docs

Creating a Photo Book – Photoshop Elements 8 (PC)

Video Creation – Photoshop Elements 8 & Premiere Elements 8 (PC)

Creating a Resumé – Word 2007 (PC)

Building a Bibliography – Word 2007 (PC)

Workshops
Creating an Effective Presentation using PowerPoint

PC Maintenance & Security

FREE WEBINAR: Virtual Training Success at Philadelphia University

2010-04-01T08:20:00.002-05:00

Register now!

Limited by budgetary constraints and without a formal training department, Philadelphia University’s Office of Information Resources (OIR) used online tutorials and assessment tools to train and develop faculty and staff.

Learn how Philadelphia University’s OIR department successfully used Atomic Learning as a development resource to:

Migrate faculty and staff from Office 2003 to Office 2007
Create a virtual training presence on campus
Provide a training solution for not only faculty and staff, but to help desk team members as well

Learn how you can successfully integrate this virtual training solution on your campus.

Bring questions for our presenters. An interactive Q&A session will follow the live presentation.

Date: 04/15/10
Time: 11am PT/12pm MT/1pm CT/2pm ET
Duration: 1 hour

Register here

FREE FOR EDUCATORS: Digital Learning Environments

2010-03-31T07:17:00.017-05:00

HP & Intel's Digital Learning Event Series 2010 - Practical Strategies for Digital Learning Environments

Register today!

HP, Intel, and their partners have joined forces with Tech & Learning to bring you the new 2010 HP & Intel Digital Learning Event Series.

These unique interactive forums are one-day events held throughout the United States. Each Digital Learning Event is an immersive experience that provides K-12 decision-makers with state-of-the-art technology solutions delivered in hands-on learning environments.

TEACHING AND LEARNING TRACK
In this track, sessions are hosted in Math, Science, Language Arts and Professional Development. This unique classroom environment lets you be a student for the day and experience compelling standards-based learning moments through seamless technology and curriculum integration!

TECHNOLOGY TRACK
IT decision-makers are encouraged to attend this track to learn more about cloud computing solutions, wired and wireless networking, and asset and data security for district infrastructures. There will be an elective time slot for you to attend one of the Teaching and Learning sessions.

At these Digital Learning Events, you will learn how technology-rich environments enrich students' learning experiences, change the way teachers engage their classes, and help you build sustainable technology programs.

Find out more about these events:

Boston: Thursday, 4/8/10 ~ Washington, D.C.: Wednesday, 4/14/10 ~ Indianapolis: Tuesday, 4/20/10 ~ Denver: Thursday, 4/29/10 Minneapolis: Wednesday, 5/5/10 ~ Raleigh-Durham: Tuesday, 5/11/10

Are we hearing the voices of students?

2010-03-23T10:59:00.014-05:00

As our world has changed, so has education. Through the years there have been several different stages in education, always adapting to the latest technology and theories of the time. Today another change is on the horizon.

There are many views on the changes that need to take place to meet the needs of 21st century learners. Experts advise on various levels of education, recommending changes to the system which may revolutionize education. Politicians try to facilitate that change. Educators, from special education teachers to university professors, are on the front line trying to facilitate the change. Administrators hold the task of trying to balance the needs of everyone.

In these conversations we rarely hear from those who are affected the most: the students. It is their future, their education, and their needs which need to be met. It’s important to listen to their voices as we try to prepare the next generation for their futures.

Take a minute to listen to some of those voices.

Dan Brown’s video is a link to a treasure trove of 21st century students and how they view education. The comments and video responses show what young adults think of education and give their vision on how it can be changed to meet their needs. I highly recommend Dan’s follow-up video as well.

There is a conversation happening about what students need from education. Are we listening?

New Content Alert: InDesign CS4, Easiteach, Office 2010, OpenOffice, IE8, Diigo 4, Co:Writer 6

2010-03-22T12:49:00.011-05:00

InDesign CS4 - Advanced
Adobe^® InDesign^® CS4 offers a sophisticated environment for design and publishing that offers many features. Take your page designing abilities to the next level with this advanced series.

View 2 free tutorials for PC, Mac

Easiteach Spreadsheet & Database Toolbars (PC)
Explore the tools found on the Easiteach^® Spreadsheet and Database toolbars to collect, analyze and display information. Learn how to perform calculations and create charts and graphs which can be incorporated into your engaging, interactive Easibook lessons.

View 2 free tutorials

Office 2010 - What's New? (PC)
Take a look at many of the new features in Microsoft® Office Suite 2010. In this series, you'll learn about the major changes to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint® as well as the user interface. Other procedures for using Microsoft Office 2010 remain essentially unchanged from the previous version.

View 2 free tutorials

OpenOffice.org 3.1 Writer - Intermediate OpenOffice.org^™ 3.1 is a free open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. This intermediate-level tutorial series will bring you to the next level of mastering the word processing application of the suite, Writer.

View 2 free tutorials

Internet Explorer 8
Version 8 of Microsoft's^® popular Web browser, Internet Explorer^®, allows users to browse with more confidence. This tutorial series will show you how to take full advantage of its many valuable features for a better Web browsing experience.

View 2 free tutorials

Diigo 4
Instead of just bookmarking, Diigo™ allows users to add persistent highlights, text and sticky notes to specific parts of Web pages. Diigo users can keep their bookmarks and annotations private, share them publicly, or create a group to collaborate in a team. Learn all about these and other features in version 4 of Diigo.

View 2 free tutorials

Co:Writer 6
Co:Writer^® 6 is a word prediction software program that helps students translate ideas into writing. Version 6 has been upgraded with a simple single window interface, the ability to speak any text on the computer screen, and enhanced speech options, word bank, and personal dictionary. Version 6 has also made signing into Co:Writer optional so you can begin writing immediately.

View 2 free tutorials

Atomic Learning Website - Administrative Features
The administrative features of Atomic Learning are easy to use, however you may still have some questions about specific functions within the system. This tutorial series covers the functions available for users with administrative level access.

View the entire series free

Feds release new national ed-tech plan

2010-03-08T12:58:00.002-06:00

Although funding concerns remain, the National Ed-Tech Plan is a promising start, ed-tech advocates say.
The new National Education Technology Plan, released March 5, sets an ambitious agenda for using technology to transform teaching and learning, ed-tech advocates say–and a call to action that is long overdue.

The plan, called “Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology,” calls for engaging and empowering learning experiences for all students; standards and assessments that measure key 21st-century skills and expertise; a shift to a model of “connected teaching,” in which teams of interconnected educators replace solo classroom practitioners; always-on connectivity that is available to students and teachers both inside and outside of school; and a rethinking of basic assumptions, such as seat time, that limit schools’ ability to innovate.

Free 21st Century Teaching Webinar (Just Enough, Just in Time, Just for Me)

2010-03-06T15:33:00.005-06:00

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 | 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST

Click here to register for this FREE event

In order for students to have 21st century skills to succeed and compete in today's global workplace, districts first need to develop those skills in their teachers. How do you build a professional development program that creates a solid understanding of the skills and develop the ability to integrate them into the classroom?

Join us as a panel from Lincoln Public Schools shares best practices and collaboration between departments to create a successful training and staff development program to help their teachers – and students – succeed with 21st century learning.

Read about the presenters

A good report on what teachers are doing to modernize classrooms

2010-03-04T10:05:00.003-06:00

Newly relaunched YouTube channel now online

2010-02-26T15:34:00.003-06:00

We've recently wrested our proper YouTube channel from the grubby hands of a spam squatter. In case anyone else is dealing with this same issue, Google has finally created a mechanism by which rightful owners can reclaim their channels.

We've uploaded many free tutorials already, along with a great video of a professional development day put on by our own Jody Ouradnik at Hopkins school district in southeastern Minnesota.

We'll be adding new tutorials and other videos often, so stop by and be sure to subscribe!

http://www.youtube.com/user/atomiclearning

Great feedback from our customers

2010-02-19T12:06:00.003-06:00

We regularly receive phone calls and notes letting us know how educators appreciate our product and service. Here's a recent comment from an administrator in Connecticut:

I have to say, I am REALLY impressed with the materials here. I am new in this position after having taught English for my whole career at the college level. I can't say enough good stuff about these materials!!!

Beth Lynne Ritter-Guth
Educational Communication and Technology Facilitator
The Hotchkiss School, Connecticut

Thank you very much, Beth.

And as much as we like these comments, we appreciate constructive criticism just as much. As a customer-driven company, we're always looking to meet the needs of you on the front lines of education. Please don't hesitate to tell us what you think through whatever channel you like.

cs@atomiclearning.com

New Content Alert: Assistive Tech Apps

2010-02-15T14:57:00.003-06:00

Easiteach^® Studio is a powerful and flexible whole-class-teaching software product, which provides a wide range of cross-curricular teaching tools for both primary and secondary schools. This tutorial series will teach you all you need to know about the features that come with the RM Easiteach Starter package.

View two free tutorials on Easiteach Studio

Co:Writer^® 6 is a word prediction software program that helps students translate ideas into writing. Version 6 has been upgraded with a simple single window interface, the ability to speak any text on the computer screen, and enhanced speech options, word bank, and personal dictionary. Version 6 has also made signing into Co:Writer optional so you can begin writing immediately.

View 12 free tutorials on Co:Writer 6

Read:OutLoud^® is a text to speech software program with built in supports for reading comprehension. Version 6 of Read:OutLoud has made it easier to read and navigate every type of file and Web content. There is improved PDF support and NIMAS files don’t require any conversion. In version 6, an outline is automatically formed when students highlight text, simplifying the outline process. Read:OutLoud 6 will instantly open books from Bookshare’s Web site without unpacking.

View 12 free tutorials on Read:OutLoud

Free Training Opportunity – ISTE Webinar

2010-02-10T10:30:00.003-06:00

With the phrase “21st century skills” popping up all over the place, it is impossible not to notice that 21st century skills is a hot topic in education. What seems to be the consensus now is that even though it is clear that these skills are important, many schools are still struggling to create 21st century-ready students. To help, Atomic Learning and ISTE have partnered to lead a discussion on 21st century skills professional development strategies.

Professional Development Strategies to Create 21st Century Teachers
February 16, 2010
1 PM Pacific/4 PM Eastern

Why professional development? It’s simple really. 21st century-ready students start with 21st century-ready teachers. This webinar will discuss strategies and resources districts can use to address 21st century professional development and the integration of crucial 21st century skills in the classroom.

Hope you can join us!

Update: Here are the resources mentioned in the webinar.

(Thanks to Jennifer, guest contributor)

Technology for technology's sake

2010-02-09T10:15:00.002-06:00

One of the themes that I regularly encounter in my social media wandering is that technology should never be employed simply to be "high tech". Doing so misses the whole point, which is to engage students and enable them to learn in new ways and collaborate on a higher level. Putting a whiteboard on the wall or a laptop in a student's hands accomplishes virtually nothing without proper technique.

Here's a funny representation of tech for tech's sake. Believe it or not, some classrooms aren't far from this scenario.

Atomic Learning is dedicated to helping you put the technology you choose to employ to good use. Find out about some of our technology integration resources here.

Free ebook from Atomic Learning: Integrate Assistive Technology in General Education

2010-02-05T10:06:00.000-06:00

Assistive technology can betremendously beneficial to all educators, not just those in specialed environments. Atomic Learning is committed to integratingassistive technology into the classroom, and we offer this guide inthe spirit of that mission.

Click here toview this ebook.

New Content Alert: Adobe Premiere Elements 8 and Photoshop Elements 8

2010-02-04T16:11:00.002-06:00

With Adobe^® Premiere^® Elements 8 software, making incredible movies is easier than ever. Enhance your stories with professional style. Share virtually anywhere. And easily manage and protect all your video clips and photos.

View two free videos on Premiere Elements 8

Adobe^® Photoshop^® Elements 8 software combines power and simplicity so you can make your photos look extraordinary, share your life stories in unique print creations and web experiences, and easily manage and protect all your photos and video clips.

View two free videos on Photoshop Elements 8

Digital Workshop from PBS - 21st Century Schools: Learning in the Digital Age

2010-02-02T08:21:00.001-06:00

This project by PBS and the MacArthur and Park Foundations aligns well with recent posts on digital learning. It starts this evening.

More and more educators are tapping into the power of digital media and technology for teaching and learning. The variety of information resources available online is simply staggering. Explore how teachers and students are using the power of social media to promote students' active engagement, critical thinking and literacy skills.
New Forms of Learning. It doesn't need to happen in school. Because it's visual, interactive and social, learning can happen anywhere with digital media as people collaborate and share about a wide range of topics and issues that matter to them.
Technology and School Improvement. Technology may transform schools by promoting student engagement and creativity. But critics fear that too much focus on technology takes attention away from what's really needed to improve schools: capable, well-trained teachers; student-centered learning methods; and smaller class sizes.
Hope, Hype and Reality. Are today's learners really different from previous generations? Compelling images of students using digital technology are impressive, but the research evidence on the impact of technology on learning is more mixed. And it's sometimes hard to separate the scholarship from the marketing hype, given the deep investment of technology companies in promoting the idea of technology's transformative potential.

Get the entire project
Watch the full show
Visit the digital_nation - life on the virtual frontier homepage

New Feature Alert: Boolean Search

2010-02-01T13:38:00.010-06:00

Our new platform launched a few months back, and we've been working feverishly to add even more new features. Last week we introduced the ability to use Boolean search terms, such as AND, NOT and OR, and the plus (+) and minus (-) symbols.

From the Find an Answer to a Tech Question pod on our home page (when logged in), you may use these terms and symbols to refine your search.

Use plus (+) or minus (-) to force inclusion or exclusion of a particular word or phrase (in quotes), as in dog cat -mouse
Use AND, NOT, and OR to specify the logic of your query
Group terms with parentheses, as in "double spaced" AND (page OR paragraph)
Boolean terms are case-insensitive (may be upper- or lowercase)
OR is generally implied and not necessary

We're always striving to make your Atomic Learning experience easier and more productive. If you'd like to make a suggestion, please contact us.

HP and Intel's Digital Learning Environment — Las Vegas, NV, 2/25/10

2010-02-01T10:33:00.005-06:00

Atomic Learning is a partner in this series of interactive events. Join us February 25 in Vegas!

Thursday, February 25, 2010Loews Lake Las Vegas
101 Montelago Boulevard
Henderson, NV 89011

HP, Intel, and our partners have joined forces with Tech & Learning to bring you the new 2010 HP & IntelDigital Learning Event Series.

These unique, interactive forums are one-day events held throughout the United States. Each DigitalLearning Event is an immersive experience that provides K-12 decision-makers with state-of-the-arttechnology solutions delivered in hands-on learning environments.

For the Teaching and Learning Track, sessions are hosted in Math, Science, Language Arts andProfessional Development. This unique classroom environment lets you be a student for the day andexperience compelling standards-based learning moments through seamless technology and curriculumintegration!

For the Technology Track, IT decision-makers are encouraged to attend to learn more about cloudcomputing solutions, wired and wireless networking, and asset and data security for district infrastructures.There will be an elective time slot for you to attend one of the Teaching and Learning sessions.

At these Digital Learning Events, you will learn how technology-rich environments enrich students’ learningexperiences, change the way teachers engage their classes, and help you build sustainable technology programs.

AGENDA
8:30 am – 9:00 am Registration and Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:45 am Welcome and Keynote
9:50 am – 10:40 am Concurrent sessions
10:45 am – 11:35 am Concurrent sessions
11:40 am – 12:30 pm Lunch and Networking
12:40 pm – 1:30 pm Concurrent sessions
1:35 pm – 2:25 pm Concurrent sessions
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm Wrap-up and Drawing

By attending the entire event, you will be eligible to enter a drawing for an HP Laptop and other exciting teaching and learning tools from our partners!

Register today at: www.guide2digitallearning.com/events/

Grant Writing News

2010-01-29T08:17:00.003-06:00

Lately the news is a bleak overview of the global economy. While there glimmers of hope, most educators are feeling the pinch of shrinking budgets and a list of wants. Federal grants can be intimidating to apply for; the request for proposal (RFP) is often a long and complicated document. One solution which tends to offer more flexibility is applying for grants through private foundations.

Traditionally, private foundations appropriate 25% of their grants to education-related initiatives. A recent article in eSchool News referred to the continued efforts of grant-giving to education despite the economic climate.

Some grant-giving entities have made changes to their programs and now
offer fewer awards or have decreased the amount of each individual award—an
adjustment that Chris Taylor, author of Granted! A Teacher’s Guide to Writing
and Winning Classroom Grants, said is common.

“Some grant-giving entities are continuing to offer grants, but the
amount available to be awarded has been reduced. I believe this situation is
making a greater demand on grant seekers to step up their grant-writing skills
while at the same time be willing to reduce their expectations concerning the
amount of funding they might be able to receive,” Taylor said.

If you are interested in grant writing, check out Atomic Learning’s eBook Grant Writing: Tips and Tricks. The eBook provides help on all aspects of grant writing from finding the appropriate grant to the grant writing process. If you need any help, please be sure to ask!

More on teaching with iPods: Preserving tradition and culture

2010-01-28T09:20:00.002-06:00

In a recent post I mentioned how the public often reacts strongly to the idea of new technology being used in the classroom. Perhaps one mistake we make is to not reassure them that good ol' fashioned teaching is still taking place, and that these new tools are only augmenting the traditional education they're afraid of losing.

One school in Minnesota is doing it very well:

A charter school on the White Earth Indian Reservation is using traditional culture and language to get kids and parents excited about education.

The aging brick school building sits across the road from a small housing development in Naytahwaush, a remote reservation village of about 500.

For generations, this school was part of the Mahnomen school district. School officials from 20 miles away made decisions about the classes and the kids.

Now, it's a charter school designed around community, culture and language. The school Web site hosts video language tutorials produced by third-graders.

It seems that the dedicated folks running the Naytahwaush Community Charter School in a remote northern Minnesota village are on the front line of teaching, just as they are down in St. Paul:

Kent Estey runs the media center, a small room crammed with computer equipment. He said the language videos are one way to connect the school with the community.

"So we have students actually teaching their parents and reminding their grandparents of the Ojibwe language that is lost," Estey said. "Technology is a wonderful tool."

The students also publish their own books and they just started a weekly podcast.

Charter School Co-Director Don Nordlund said creating projects the rest of the community can use and enjoy gets kids excited about school.

"How do you hook somebody to be interested in learning? Culture is a vehicle we can use for kids to learn," Nordlund said. "We have some projects we put on iPods. They take them home and the grandparents and parents are excited about that. And when they get excited about it the kids come back and want to do more and it just feeds itself."

Technology and tradition are not mutually exclusive. In reality, the former can greatly augment the preservation of the latter. As we like to say at Atomic Learning, embracing technology empowers us.

Read the entire story at Minnesota Public Radio. Contact us to find out how to empower your teachers, students, and their community.

Teacher, 100, gets degree a day before dying

2010-01-27T20:01:00.010-06:00

CONCORD, N.H. – It was Harriet Richardson Ames' dream to earn her bachelor's degree in education. She finally reached that milestone, nearly three weeks after achieving another: her 100th birthday.

On Saturday, the day after receiving her diploma at her bedside, the retired schoolteacher died, pleased that she had accomplished her goal, her daughter said. Ames had been in hospice care.

"She had what I call a 'bucket list,' and that was the last thing on it," Marjorie Carpenter said Tuesday.

Read the full article at Yahoo.com

Teaching the public to look ahead

2010-01-27T10:56:00.050-06:00

Anyone who has attempted to pass a public funding referendum for education knows how difficult it can be to convince John and Jane Q. Public of the merits of certain types of teaching. We're facing a revolution in teaching methodology, largely due to emerging communications and collaboration tools. But it's a tough sell.

An article posted last month on the Twin Cities Pioneer Press website has generated over 150 comments, the majority of which are critical and even hostile toward those teaching with iPods. The story takes place at Somerset Elementary, where math, spelling and other topics are taught interactively using the devices:

For fourth-grader Gabe Rivera, running vocabulary drills and solving mathematical problems on his classroom iPod Touch is a fun way to learn, in part because it's "something that is more newer than paper."

...

Rivera's teacher, Jean Stai, had to impose little discipline as her kids lost themselves in Word Salad, a vocabulary program, TanZen, a geometry app, and States and Capitols, among others.

Her biggest challenge appeared to be prying the kids from one app so they'd switch to another. The students were handed sheets with short, personalized lists of apps each had to try.

"They're so engaged," Stai said. "Suddenly, it's not so horrifying to study your facts tables. It is like a game. What would be tedious with paper and pencil is no longer so with bright colors and things moving around."

For those of us interested in cutting-edge education, this is an inspiring story. For others, it plays into misconceptions of wasteful spending, dwindling attention spans, and the causes of outsourcing. Difficult economic times have resulted in passionate opinion and political polarity even on the most necessary of social programs, such as education.

The challenge is apparently one of popularizing new ways of teaching. How do we convince the public that their money is well spent on, and their children well-educated by new types of teaching tools? History shows that change is slow, especially on a global scale. Still, one can't help but be motivated by this type of success even as we're disheartened by the public response.

We'll need to keep moving, one step at a time. What's your next step?

(Thanks to Julie for the article tip)

Read more on teaching with iPods

Cyberbullying: Lowering thresholds of tolerance

2010-01-26T08:56:00.005-06:00

After a decade or more online, many of us have become jaded or indifferent to the hostility people sometimes show toward each other in the relative anonymity of the web. If we stray outside social internet communities that are rooted in our physical ones, we find people we're likely to never meet, and they often don't show us the same respect or decency that they would face-to-face. Eventually we may reach a plateau of tolerance that's much higher than it should be, especially when children are involved.

Schools around the world are struggling to keep up with social challenges in fully digitized youth. They're chasing the kids who are sprinting ahead into the cyber-abyss, sometimes encountering situations they're not prepared to handle. Sometimes they're actually the cause of shame and depression, or worse, in other kids.

One YouTube channel expresses this concern well. A child doesn't need to build a website or send an email to induce mental anguish in another child, or even in an adult. An offhand comment in any of a million places can do it.

Atomic Learning offers a number of 21st Century Skills Projects addressing digital citizenship. Our project entitled "Cyberbully? No Way, Not Me" tackles this very challenge. It includes a guide and the resources necessary to hold an interactive conversation with students about the harm caused by insensitive remarks online, and how to deal with them when they're encountered.

21st century concept training and professional development are what Atomic Learning does best. Let us know if you'd like a free demonstration of what we offer.

Get the Grant!

2010-01-17T13:56:00.006-06:00

One of my largest tasks as a researcher at Atomic Learning is keeping up to date on education funding. Regardless of the state or type of school, the problem is always the same: lack of funding! This carries through from elementary schools to universities. One solution to the woes of funding cuts is competitive grant writing. There seem to be an endless supply of grants for educators, but completing a proposal is a scary process. Grant writing is a lot of work and a bit of an intimidating process.

Last week, Inside Higher Ed posted the blog “You Can Get the Grant” by Mary W. Walters.

Motivational gurus encouraging us in the use of positive self-talk have
become so commonplace that their entreaties can begin to sound ridiculous: from
curing our own diseases to making ourselves millionaires before we’re 40 to
climbing Mount Everest, they insist that if we only set our minds to it, we can
make our every dream come true.

While the attainment of grandiose objectives may appear to many of us
to be beyond the power of self-inflicted brain-washing, there is a nugget of
truth in all the hype. A positive attitude can most certainly contribute to the
achievement of smaller goals — such as writing a funding application.

If you are considering pulling together a grant proposal, I highly recommend the article by Ms. Walters. Another resource is the Atomic Learning eBook Grant Writing Tips and Tricks. If you are writing a grant for Atomic Learning products, please know we are always here to help you. Our sales team understands the funding struggles facing each organization and will be more than happy to help guide you in the process.

Acer's School Library Technology Makeover Contest

2010-01-15T16:35:00.002-06:00

Via eSchool News:

Acer and Intel are accepting nominations for Acer’s School Library Technology Makeover Contest, which will award 10 new Acer Aspire Timeline notebook computers, valued at nearly $10,000, and two all-in-one desktop computers to a deserving school library.

https://usspringpromo.acer.com/Campaign/SchoolLibraryMakeover/index.htm?LS=Intel

I Need My Teachers to Learn

2010-01-15T08:30:00.002-06:00

This speaks for itself. I'll let it.

Bring Back National (or International) Thrift Week?

2010-01-14T09:50:00.014-06:00

National Thrift Week had a 50-year run in our history before being dispensed with in the 1960s. It began on Jan. 17, 1916—the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, the “American Apostle of Thrift”—and soon spread to more than 300 communities. Everyone from the YMCA to the Jewish Welfare Board to the National Education Association sponsored the event. Indeed, educators, partnering with financial institutions and businesses, played a key role in promoting thrift during the week.

David Lapp, in a commentary for Education Week, proposes that we revive this product of the very early 20th century because of its relevance to our difficult current economic times. It seems that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Economic prosperity doesn't guarantee the future, and certain values that used to help protect us from fiscal disaster seem to have been lost, especially in the young.

But how could anyone become so excited about a mundane idea like thrift? Doesn’t thrift mean pinching pennies? Thrift leaders of that era were quick to point out that thrift is not synonymous with miserliness. They believed it was just the opposite. After all, they pointed out, the root of the word “thrift” is “thrive.” How is the thrifty person the thriving person?

Many of us as young as thirty-something may have absorbed thriftiness from our parents or grandparents, who lived through harder times than this. Parts of the U.S. suffered economically even in the 80's, and plenty of us pinched pennies with white knuckles to get by.

What about today's kids, the children of the 90's and the "oughts"? Do they feel that subconscious urge to prepare, or has it been simply too easy? History shows that our memories are short when it comes to the negative. Second-hand memories vaporize even more quickly. Perhaps regular revisitation of the tenets of thrift are called for today. Lapp offers some ideas:

• Devote a student assembly to teaching thrift. Just as in the heyday of National Thrift Week, schools could partner with bank and credit-union leaders to teach students about savings, budgeting, and wise spending.

• Hold a thrift essay contest. Teachers could encourage students to research the life of Franklin as an example of how a thrifty person lives. Schools could also partner with their local chamber of commerce to award the winners savings bonds.

• Start a “green thrift team” that works on recycling and conservation projects. Schools could partner with public officials to meet local needs.

Atomic Learning offers a number of free financial literacy tools that may be useful as part of National Thrift Week, and for the classroom in general. Let's work together to put our kids' future back in their hands and minds, rather than simply trusting fate.

Brad Flickinger to present at FETC

2010-01-12T09:46:00.010-06:00

Brad Flickinger, educational futurist, will be presenting on Teaching with Netbooks Friday, 15 January at 12:30 courtesy of Atomic Learning. Brad's always popular, and this is a great topic.

Netbooks are going to change everything...When you get a complete set of netbooks for every student in your classroom your method of teaching will change forever. Imagine for a moment being a teacher in a one-to-one classroom where you stand at the front of the room and look down at your students in their desks with their netbooks open and ready to be instructed. What do you do?

The complete FETC presentation itinerary

About Brad Flickinger

2010 Sylvia Charp Award nominations in progress

2010-01-12T08:30:00.009-06:00

As a social networker for Atomic Learning, I often come into contact with the most progressive, technologically literate, and enthusiastic educators and tech coordinators. I'd be thrilled to see one of them win this award for district-wide technology implementation.

Nominations end 15 March, 2010.

T.H.E. Journal and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) are pleased to announce the 7th annual award program honoring Dr. Sylvia Charp and her groundbreaking contributions and extended service to the education technology community.

T.H.E. Journal and ISTE will identify and recognize a school district that has shown effectiveness and innovation in the application of technology district-wide.

The award has two focuses:
District-wide implementation: Ensuring equity and appropriate technology use for ALL students in the district.
Innovation: Progress in education, as in all endeavors of our society, depends on new ideas.
Submit your nomination now! Click here.

St. Cloud teacher earns Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

2010-01-11T11:00:00.002-06:00

Atomic Learning would like to congratulate Kari (Dombrovski) Dresow, a second grade teacher at Talahi and an Atomic Learning subscriber through St. Cloud ISD 742, for receiving this award.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to the best pre-college-level science and math teachers from across the country. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process done at the state level. Each year the award alternates, going either to science and math teachers in grades K through 6 (as it is this year) or to those teaching in grades 7 through 12.

Winners of the Presidential Teaching Award receive $10,000 awards from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion. They also receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for a White House awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events, including visits with members of Congress and science agency leaders.

Congratulations to our customers and all teachers who were honored with this award in 2009.

Read more at Whitehouse.gov

Read an article at SCTimes.com

2010 MLK Day Technology Challenge

2010-01-11T08:27:00.001-06:00

We are calling on educators and web professionals to join our new effort – the 2010 MLK Day Technology Challenge. The idea is simple: to connect schools with technology needs to IT and web professionals, developers, graphic designers and new media professionals who are willing to volunteer their skills for good, take on these technology projects and give back to a school in need.

What a great idea in this time of financial crisis for schools in many nations. There's a location feature down the page for those interested.

Read more

New Content Alert: Inspiration 9

2010-01-05T12:08:00.001-06:00

For visual mapping, outlining, writing and making presentations, Inspiration^® 9 is the ultimate thinking and learning tool. Brainstorm ideas, structure your thoughts and visually communicate concepts to strengthen understanding with the Diagram and Map Views. To take notes, organize information, and structure writing for plans, papers and reports use the integrated Outline View. And, with Inspiration’s Presentation Manager, transform your work into polished presentations that communicate ideas clearly and demonstrate understanding and knowledge.

View two free tutorials here

Twitter headlines for the new year

2010-01-04T12:32:00.004-06:00

Happy new year to all our readers, customers, and educators everywhere. To kick off 2010, here are some interesting looking Tweets from today. New to Twitter? Be our guest with these two free tutorials.

chollingsworth

RT @rmbyrne: Free Technology for Teachers: 3 Ways, Other Than Skype, to Bring Experts Into Class http://ff.im/-dLprT

NMHS_Principal

Does Socratic teaching fit into 21st-century schools? http://bit.ly/6p6K7e

ujdmc

Report Shows Teachers Not Adequately Prepared for Education Reform http://bit.ly/8vV3Fk

timbuckteeth

The future is the Web: http://bit.ly/81E9GF

dpeter

From Google Reader: My Top 20 Education Quotes from 2009 http://bit.ly/7KBeEz

From Google Reader: Opportunities For Becoming A Digitally Literate Teacher In 2010 http://bit.ly/6GHkUS

min_d_j

Hehe RT @WillyB: GraphJam pokes at teachers' fear of the Wikipedia: http://bit.ly/5FJ3U8

chollingsworth

RT @NMHS_Principal: A school districts commitment to learning in the 21st century http://bit.ly/4n677D

New Content Alert: OpenOffice.org 3.1

2009-12-22T08:50:00.002-06:00

We've released a big batch of new tutorials this week, starting with a series on OpenOffice, the free, open-source productivity alternative.

OpenOffice.org 3.1 Writer - Intro (PC)
http://www.atomiclearning.com/k12/en/oow31_intro

OpenOffice.org 3.1 Calc - Intro (PC)
http://www.atomiclearning.com/k12/en/ooc31_intro

OpenOffice.org 3.1 Impress - Intro (PC)
http://www.atomiclearning.com/k12/en/ooi31pc_intro

Watch our What's New page in coming days for all our new product releases, including tutorials on Moodle, Comic Life, Windows 7 and more.

New Feature Alert: Assignment notifications

2009-12-21T11:52:00.003-06:00

We're excited to announce another new feature of our redesigned network. If an administrator has provided valid email addresses for his/her individual users at the time of account setup, those users will soon start receiving an email notification indicating they have been assigned training or an assessment.

Each night the Atomic Learning system will check for new assignments that have been created. In addition, it will check the dates of existing assignments to find those which are coming due soon or are overdue. If a new assignment has been created, all users will receive an email notification. Those users who have an assignment due within 7 days will receive a notification as well. If an assignment becomes overdue, the user will receive a notification on the day following the due date.

Users will not receive multiple emails of the same type. If more than one assignment is created, or coming due or overdue, the user will still only receive one email for each scenario on any given day, for a maximum of three. The subject line will indicate the type of notification.

All users will have the option in My Profile & Settings to turn on or off the “Receive Email Updates” feature. By default it is set to “Yes”. However, to ensure that all users continue to receive notifications, administrators may contact Customer Service to request that users not have the option to change the notifications feature. After CS makes the change, the option will no longer be visible to users in their My Profile & Settings area. Or, if you would rather not have the notification feature at all, please contact Customer Service. We’d be glad to turn off this feature for your account.

We hope you find value in the much requested feature! Thank you to those of you who share your suggestions and feedback!

(Thanks to Jacki)

Cyberbullying legislation in 19 states

2009-12-11T15:59:00.001-06:00

Nineteen states have enacted legislation to prevent cyberbullying. Each state has different requirements as to how the policies are implemented; some have introduced new laws where as others have modified previous laws to include various pieces of electronic equipment.

Summaries of state laws regarding cyberbullying are available here. Regardless of the specific legislation enacted, teaching students to treat their peers with respect is something that any school district can embrace.

(Thanks to AtomicKristi)

Career Opportunity Alert: Assistive Technology Sales Manager

2009-12-10T15:29:00.007-06:00

Assistive technology plays a tremendous role in leveling the playing field for many students whose disabilities need not be hindrances to learning. If you're passionate about learning and have a background in sales and some knowledge of assistive tech, drop us a line!

The Assistive Technology Sales Manager is responsible for Assistive Technology account sales and sales related activity for the Domestic Sales Team. This position requires knowledge of solution-based selling, education organizations and a strong understanding of the education sales cycle. This person must act as the liaison and be the main contact person between Atomic Learning and defined accounts.

He or she will need to assist in the development of account strategies (in conjunction with the Territory Sales Manager) which include; account profiles, demand/lead generation and detailed action plans. This person must work in coordination with the Regional Sales Managers to maximize sales revenues and customer satisfaction/retention. The Assistive Technology Sales Manager will perform other duties as the business demands. Travel is required with this position.

Essential Functions:

Achieve or overachieve assigned annual revenue targets. Execute and deliver at or above plan every quarter.
Effectively triage in-bound sales leads for sales potential and produce/provide proposals in a timely and accurate manner.
Collaborate with territory managers.
Collect and retrieve leads from sales conferences.
Understand and communicate the pricing model for Atomic Learning.
Be able to direct in-bound calls to the appropriate sales level.
Assist with sales conference logistics, travel, demo generation, tracking and etc.
Assist with any marketing and sales initiatives.
Demonstrate operational excellence by delivering all requested sales reports, forecasts, budget information, and any other requested information in timely and accurate manner.
Possess strong analytical/problem solving skills.
Will cover the United States and Canada.

Requirements:

Educational sales experience (inside or outside)
Experience in Assistive Technology is preferred.
High school diploma required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Have proven track record as self-starter and must be self-motivated and organized
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Customer-focused.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
Ability to perform under pressure.
Outstanding time management skill and the ability to set priorities.
Excellent computer/technology skills.
The ability to travel as the job requires.

Atomic Learning, Inc. offers a competitive compensation package including health benefits, incentive programs, and a 401K employee retirement plan.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and full resume to Human Resources via one of the following methods by December 15:

E-mail:	hr@AtomicLearning.com
Mail:	Human Resources Atomic Learning, Inc. 15088 22nd Avenue NE Little Falls, MN 56345
Fax:	612-234-4469

Atomic Learning, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

If Only...

2009-12-09T12:05:00.004-06:00

As I write this I am in seat 54D on the flight home. We are about to cross the International Date Line and get our lost day back;* we have traveled about 2600 miles since take-off and only have 5700 miles (about 9 hours) remaining. :-)

It's easy to complain that we have to be on a plane for 14 hours, in somewhat cramped conditions, (The person in 53D is reclined, so the monitor on my laptop is only about 70% open and to type I have to press my elbows against my seat back so my fingers don't overshoot the keys), with food that we may not make at home. There are some inconveniences, to be sure. There are only a dozen bathrooms on board for about 500 passengers, there are only 2 meal choices, and though I asked for Pepsi with a lemon they only had Coke and a lime.

It's easy to say “... if only...”, but let's break that down a bit:

If only the flight were shorter... I went half way around the world, and back, in 3 days!.

If only I could open my laptop farther... I am 32,000 feet in the air, working on a computer, which I put in a satchel and carry around on my back.

If only there were more bathrooms... not so different from any sport or concert arena down on terra firma (and far more private)

If only there were more meal choices... our choices are both hot, nutritious, and served while we are traveling 645 miles per hour

They only have Coke... well... that's true :-)

I'm sure every industry/occupation/market has their own if only statements and, like stereotypes, there are elements of truth to them... It would be nice to not be on a plane for 14 hours. I don’t like to wait to go to the bathroom. I would have liked more choices for dinner. But instead of looking at things from our comfort zone and falling back on if only statements, what if we put on different lenses and look at the marvels?

If only my students were as interested in my content as they are in Facebooking, Tweeting, or Texting….

I marvel at the level of sophistication my students show in using contemporary tools and how much they know. How can I harness that interest and connect it to Algebra?

If only kids would sit still for a few minutes and focus on what I’m trying to teach them…

I marvel at the amount of energy these kids have and wonder, what would it take to get them so enthused about Science?

If only they would go home after school and do their homework instead of just hanging around the coffee shop talking with their friends.

I marvel at how important relationships are to my students’ relationships. How can I bring collaboration into my Literature class?

Next time you are discouraged with what’s happening in your classroom, your school building, or community, allow yourself the if only, but don’t stop there. Put on the different lens and see if you can find the marvel.

Now, if only Julie would stop talking to me I could get some rest…

* Our flight to Australia left LAX on Saturday night and landed in Brisbane on Monday morning, after only flying for 14 hours. Julie's birthday was supposed to be on Sunday but we jettisoned that day in the Pacific when we crossed the International Date Line. Did Julie actually get a year younger?

When learning is done well, the technology becomes transparent

2009-12-08T15:25:00.005-06:00

Today was our last day in Australia, and we are exhausted. Our feet and legs are tired from walking, and our brains are tired from taking in and processing so much information. I believe we have served Atomic Learning well on this trip, giving lots of people in lots of schools lots ideas for how to utilize the features of our site and bring 21st century concepts into the classroom. I know that the people we have met with have also served AL, providing us with important feedback and knowledge about the educational systems within their country.

We spent the morning at CEO Sydney*, a wonderful facility and an organization with lofty goals and every intention of meeting them. Over morning tea (which means coffee and snacks, either “sweet” or “savory”), they shared with us their iLearn program and some of the projects teachers are developing and students are diving into.

Built on philosophies and ideas similar to ISTE’s 21st Century Concepts, the iLearn program is a PD program available to all teachers in the diocese. Teachers work with partners to develop a class unit rich in big-picture concepts like Collaboration, Global Citizenship, and Creativity. During all stages of their work (from brainstorming through student assessment) they reflect on their work and their learning. In the spring of the year, projects are showcased and shared with all participants. The Best Of projects are used as examples for the next year’s group. Helen, birth-mother of the project, indicated that the quality of the projects continues to improve as people see what their colleagues are doing, and that teachers who complete the project are loathe to return to their former teaching methods (and are not allowed to by their students!). (We found it interesting that in the first few years projects done by elementary teachers were far superior to those done by secondary colleagues. This could be a blog entry on it’s own…speculation is that K-5 teachers are more used to collaborating and cross-disciplinary learning… what do you think?)

Did you notice that nowhere in this discussion of iLearn is “technology” or “technology integration” mentioned? The reason for this is that the projects aren’t about technology. The projects are about getting kids to work in the big-picture concepts and learn deeply about themselves and their world; the belief is that this can’t be done in today’s world without technology. Technology is so ingrained in our lives and the lives of our students we do a disservice by talking about it in an isolated manner, as though it's a separate add-on or something we don’t have to use but it would be cool if we did. The idea is that we cannot effectively teach students today without using today’s technology, but the momentum generated by focusing on what’s important will drive us to learn and use the appropriate tools. (How can we expect kids to effectively Communicate and Collaborate in school the way people do in “the real world” when we don’t use “real world” tools? Will students really grasp Digital Citizenship when they don’t have to make any decisions because our policies have already made them? Can students be truly Creative and Innovative when we tell them what product they need to create and what it needs to look like?)

I think the greatest power of the iLearn model is in its modeling. Teachers are taught within big concepts and take that with them to their classroom. They understand the importance of reflection in learning because they have experienced it, and they in turn expect it of their students. They gained valuable insights by collaborating with their peers in other geographical regions through a wiki and are keen to have their students experience the same richness. They have discovered the value of social networking and are open to their students using these tools in their learning.

CEO Sydney truly embodies the belief of Atomic Learning: If we want 21st Century students we must start with the teacher.

*CEO stands for Catholic Education Office and is the governing body of Catholic schools within a diocese. There are many CEO’s in Australia, including CEO Brisbane, where we started our trip. Some are now referred to as CSOs, Catholic Schools Office.

It's about simple respect, really

2009-12-07T16:07:00.008-06:00

Hello from Sydney! We spent today as tourists, (so far we have only been “travelers”), riding a bus to Featherdale Wildlife Park and The Blue Mountains. Featherdale started as a koala refuge and now is home to probably 50 different Australian critters—fins, feathers, flippers and fur all included. It was a delight to kneel next to (and pet!) a “free range” kangaroo relaxing in the sun and have a photo shoot with a snacking koala, (or his buddy in a eucalyptus-induced stupor!) Those non-bears are so adorable, and just watching a kangaroo move is a good lesson in physics. We loved the little penguins, and I think the wombat is probably the cutest thing on 4 legs.

What was most fascinating, however, was the behavior of some of the other guests at the park. We were “nudged” out of line by impatient adults and then waited through juvenile antics and various exhibits. Worse, though, were the folks who showed no respect for the animals. An eating wombat was pestered incessantly, first by folks putting their flash camera within inches of its face and then leaning over the rail of the enclosure trying to pet it. Later, a group of people took turns dancing with a kangaroo who was obviously not interested. As the roo got more and more agitated they tried harder and harder to be successful and get their photo, paying no regard to the animal and concerned only with satisfying our wants and needs.

In a way it reminded us of a conversation we had earlier in our trip with one of our new friends about the common treatment of the indigenous people in each of our countries. In Australia there is no lack of an Aboriginal presence. You can find a didgeridoo or boomerang within blocks of anywhere you happen to be, and Aboriginal art abounds, both in authentic shops and on trinkets and clothes. Clearly there is pride in the history and uniqueness of these people.

Yet we are told that the majority of those incarcerated are of Aboriginal decent, and more than 40% of the students at a reform school in the Sydney area are indigenous, and the alcoholism rate among the Aboriginal people is higher than the national average. More than once we saw an Aboriginal man in face paint and authentic dress, playing a didge with a blanket or basket at his feet, collecting coins from passerbys. While it was very cool to see and hear this exhibition, I was also saddened, thinking that somehow the display reduced the heritage of these people to street vendors pandering to curious foreigners. Looking historically, it appears as if we are not so different from the guests dancing with the kangaroo, seemingly oblivious to those around us, concerned only with satisfying our wants and needs.

Regarding the similar state of the American Indian in the states, years ago a friend remarked, “I'm tired of the complaining. There was a war and we won. They need to get over it.” I believe this is a common, if not always articulated thought, both in states and here in Australia (and perhaps other places across the globe?), but I don't accept it. Are we willing to disregard cultures different from our own because we haven't figured out how to honor multiple traditions within the same time zone? Are we so sure our way is the best way that we can't make room for diversity and perhaps even learn from each other? I don't believe the 21^st Century concept of global awareness is limited to people living in countries other than our own. As we are called to teach the importance of global awareness and respect, we need to start at home.

How can we do this in our schools and classes? Do you have ideas for lessons or projects that honor indigenous people within our community or nation? We'd love to hear from you.

Australia: Not upside-down, but certainly forward

2009-12-04T08:48:00.012-06:00

When I was a kid growing up in the midwest, I was sure the people in Australia had a constant head rush, what with all that blood flowing to their brains from being upside down all the time

As I grew up, I still didn't understand how neither of us were upside down but blindly accepted my teacher's explanation and focused my down under attention on kangaroos, koalas (not koala bears), and around that time, Crocodile Dundee. Australia had always been a romantic, faraway, and exotic place, (a visit to which has been on my bucket list for years), but, I'm embarrassed to say, somewhat removed from my global understanding and perspective. Until now.

Julie Rayhorn (International Account Manager) and I are fortunate to spend some time here working with some of AL's Australian customers and have been learning every day. We were surprised to hear of schools that encourage their students to bring their cell phones to class and use them as learning devices, and that both private and state schools receive government funding to initiate 1:1 realities (through the Digital Education Revolution, after 4 years every year 9 through 12 student in Australia will have their own laptop). In addition, the sheer number of computers available to teachers and students is impressive.

It is interesting to see how schools are structured and governed - state schools (what we call "public" in the States), private schools organized under a large umbrella (there are 130 Catholic schools in the Brisbane diocese, with centralized staffing, service, and governance), and independent private schools (all of which receive some level of government support) - as well as the physical school building, which doesn't look anything like what we see in Minnesota. :)

The people we are working with are delightful and keen (I'm picking up some Aussie lingo!) to learn about Atomic Learning's new platform and features. For most participants, this has been their last week of school before summer break, yet we have met with more than 50 people from 30 different schools.

As we've learned about their system and culture and shared with them about ours, it is clear that we are not so different from each other. Their accent is a bit more obvious than ours :) and the coffee is a lot stronger, but we are equally committed to quality learning for teachers and students, desirous of finding effective methods of reaching all students, and passionate about 21st Century concepts and bringing them full-force into the classroom.

Since Australia recognizes the weekend like we do in the States, we will be forced to do a bit of sight-seeing for a few days but look forward to meeting with more teachers and school administrators on Monday. Then it's back across the Pacific on Tuesday to return to the friends and family who have been picking up the slack while we have been away. Our thanks to you for that - you have come up often in our conversations.

If a trip to Australia isn't on your bucket list, add it. Whether you visit for work or personal reasons, you will not be disappointed by the landscape, people or culture. G'day.

Save $50 at FETC 2010 in Orlando compliments of Atomic Learning, booth #946

2009-12-03T08:42:00.000-06:00

We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to participate in FETC 2010 – the most comprehensive ed-tech learning event in the U.S. — at a significant discount! FETC 2010 is the content-rich conference that brings education leaders and technology experts together to exchange techniques and strategies for administrative, teaching and learning success.

With more than 200 Concurrent Sessions, 70-plus workshops—and an exhibit hall of 400-plus solution providers displaying and demonstrating the latest products and services—it’s
the most comprehensive event of its kind, and an invaluable resource for educational innovation in your school and district.

Take $50 off full conference registration, or visit the conference hall FREE!

Download the $50 Attendee Coupon here.

The double-edged sword of competency assessment

2009-11-23T11:01:00.001-06:00

Educators face an uphill battle when attempting to embrace 21st century teaching models. Regardless of the technical accommodations in a particular classroom, the instructor tasked with using those tools must be trained to apply them effectively. They must be equipped to create and adapt lesson plans to impact student learning.

How do educators avoid a negative-feedback loop, whereby a deficiency in training is only discovered once a piece of technology or an emerging concept is encountered? Often, the answer is pre-assessment of technology literacy. By determining the best areas in which an individual could focus training time and energy, professional development is made more efficient. Overall technical effectiveness is increased.

This sounds reasonable enough until we consider the human element. People don't always want to be told where they need help, or that they don't adequately understand something. The twin cutting edges of technical assessment are that it identifies training gaps and allows for more effective learning, and that it can lead to people feeling embarrassed or demeaned upon finding the initial results less than satisfactory. The ideal solution is to prepare those taking an assessment for the tremendous potential of the tool, and to avoid creating feelings of inadequacy.

Any assessment worth taking will indicate a threshold of knowledge--a starting point from which improvement can be made and measured. A rubric which indicates high initial knowledge for a group is essentially useless, as it doesn't reveal shortcomings or suggest direction in training, and it will be incapable of indicating progress made. It must, by its very nature, allow for maximum expected improvement in knowledge and competency. For this reason, initial average results must be low.

It is therefore paramount that individuals understand the purpose and intent of technical assessment. Administrators must explain that low initial scores are expected and not abnormal or a reason for embarrassment. The assessment itself must be presented as a facilitator of learning, not a judge of intelligence or competence. Most educators, being individuals who value education highly, will embrace this approach if given proper understanding of intent.

Atomic Learning has created a technical literacy assessment for teachers with the sole intention of facilitating professional development in an efficient manner. It is based directly on ISTE NETS-T 2008 standards, and as such many individuals will achieve lower initial scores than they would like. However, as training is undertaken over the course of a school year, re-assessment scores often climb rapidly, resulting in a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. Without the intentional difficulty inherent in the rubric, this would not be possible.

It's important to understand the goals of an assessment rubric before using it. Only then can learning commence with confidence and direction.

Atomic Learning subscribers who wish to take advantage of the 21st Century Skills Teacher Assessment should contact their technology administrator for access.

The Forgotten 21st Century Skill

2009-11-23T08:07:00.009-06:00

This morning I presented the topic, "Becoming 21st Century Ready" to a group of teachers and administrators from international schools around the world. We started the presentation by discussing what everyone thought of when they heard the term "21st century skills." To my delight, this group developed a list that was directly in line with the skills that Atomic Learning promotes. "The ability to research," "living a balanced life," "the ability to use technology," and "the ability to communicate" were just a few of the skills shouted from the group.

But as we went on to discuss the topic more, Mrs. K from the audience brought up an interesting point. She said, "I think we have forgotten an invaluable skill that we, as teachers, need to develop in our students.
This is the skill of being open-minded and accepting of differences." "Different is normal," shouted another gentleman from the group. Coincidentally, this was also a common theme in the morning’s keynote speech by Wade Davis.

Mrs. K. brings up a good point, and I agree with the fact that being open-minded is becoming increasingly critical as many cultures around the world work and live together. Being closed-minded will increase conflict and ultimately cause failure, not success. But I don’t believe all is lost. When we look at the 21st century skills that Atomic Learning promotes, being open-minded can be infused in several of them. Let’s start with global awareness. As we develop the skill of being globally aware in our students, it should not only be about understanding the happenings in the world, but it should also be about the cultural reasons and background for these happenings. Next, let’s think about digital citizenship. Encouraging students to be more accepting of differences should help in reducing cyberbullying. Finally, let’s think about communication and collaboration. As students learn how to effectively communicate and collaborate with team members of different backgrounds and cultures, we teach them that they need to be open-minded if they hope to function as a productive team.

So here's my challenge to all teachers out there. As you continue to learn of new ways you can incorporate the development of 21st century skills into your curriculum, remember to inject the idea of being open-minded. Only then can we ensure that this 21st century skill is not forgotten.

Project Red educational technology survey

2009-11-17T11:12:00.000-06:00

Technology use in schools is gaining momentum. To fuel this growth, educators need data. With your help, we can present the real-world picture of 'what works' to others to help them avoid pitfalls and be successful.You understand the power of technology to transform. We need your help so everyone else will.

Go to survey

An intriguing, frustrating conundrum

2009-11-16T15:24:00.007-06:00

This morning I was repeatedly reminded of a dilemma professionals in many fields encounter. On one hand, an employee is expected to keep up with the latest technological tools available to them and relevant to their job. On the other, they may already feel overwhelmed with what's on their to-do lists.

Take teachers, for example. There's a transformation occurring in schools around the world right now. It's being driven by technology--or rather the use of it by kids. Children come to class natively fluent in social media, entertainment, and information channels. They don't know a world without it. And the teachers are being asked to catch up, and then get a step ahead of them.

But they're also asked to be all things to all students... professors, behavioral counselors, resource managers, specialists for the challenged and the gifted, even substitutes for absent parents. You name it, it's on a teacher's plate. And now we expect them to learn to use tools that didn't exist two or five years ago, and that change almost every year. To some, that request crosses a line and they simply refuse. To others it means days stretched even longer and paces quickened even more.

"I only want people who already know how to do their jobs."

As Scott McLeod asks on his blog, Dangerously Irrelevant, "When will we, as educational systems, redefine the job descriptions and expectations of educators to include their regular and effective incorporation of relevant digital technologies?"

There are only so many hours in a day, and teachers will always be responsible for the fundamentals--grading papers, creating lesson plans, and making contact with the people they're dealing with. How do we change the way teaching and technology come together?

"And if I were the only teacher slodging through a miserable November, I’d chalk this whole strand of digital misery up to sleep deprivation."

Bill Ferriter expresses his frustration with the slow pace of change in education, while his commenters share exasperation over the mounting expectation of self-taught technical prowess. With the weight of a tenuous economy and an uncertain global marketplace, what and how we teach today's students is paramount.

There are tools available, and the know-how is there. It's a matter of finding the right combination and sticking with it. Atomic Learning provides how-to videos on a plethora of software and hardware. But we also provide a phenomenal professional development solution that integrates extremely well with many established systems. It's fast and easy and unobtrusive. And it can ease the burden on teachers and administrators.

Start with the teacher assessment. It's a fantastic way to set a benchmark, and to find out quickly where progress could be made. Teachers can then define their own curricula. At the end of the quarter or year, reassessment easily gauges progress. Good teachers become great ones by embracing those gap areas.

21st century skills concept training brings home the meaning of the buzzwords and collaboration tools that we hear about so often. Find yourself in the know on themes and frameworks from ISTE, UNESCO and more. Fully understand what's expected of a 21st century teacher, and figure out how to achieve that end.

Workshops develop essential communications skills, enabling collaboration on a global scale. Suddenly, the thought of doing a class project with students from Bangladesh doesn't sound so intimidating. Setting up blogs, wikis, and collaborative environments for class becomes fun and tremendously beneficial.

Technology integration projects help create out-of-the-box lesson plans and curriculum supplements. There's no need to reinvent the wheel. Just take these fantastic lessons and customize them to your needs. There are hundreds to choose from.

When the pressure of modern expectations in legacy institutions becomes a hindrance to quality education, it's time to act. Call Atomic Learning now to request a custom quote, or to hear more about how we can help. If you have a technology problem, we may well have a solution.

sales@atomiclearning.com
(866) 259-6890
+1 320-632-5064

Updated Content Alert: Projects and Workshops for the UK

2009-11-16T15:16:00.000-06:00

All 21st CS projects are now UK localized along with the Web Resources Workshop. The UK versions can be accessed by changing the language preference to English (United Kingdom) in the My Profile & Settings area atop any AL Web page.

21st CS Projects – Revoiced
Comic Science
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_comicscience_pc

Cyberbully? No Way, Not Me
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_cyberbully

Internet Safety & Networking
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_safetynetwork

Myth & Lore We Share
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_mythlore_mac

Water Works! (Mac)
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_water_mac

Water Works! (PC)
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_water_pc

What's for Breakfast? (Mac)
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_wbreak_mac

What's for Breakfast? (PC)
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_wbreak_mac

Wiki Math Mindmaps (Both)
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_mathmindmaps

21st Workshops – Revoiced
Web Resources Workshop – Search, Evaluate & Use
www.atomiclearning.com/uk/en_GB/21st_webwkshp

Recent website enhancements and new features

2009-11-13T14:53:00.003-06:00

The following website updates and enhancements are now live on Atomic Learning:

To make product selection and purchasing simpler, we've created a new Subscription Options page. Start here to compare products and request a quote.
For customers who have purchased the custom training package, site administrators can build a custom training series to which custom content can be added.
Users within your organization can access their custom training from within the Atomic Learning system, through the standard search and browse, or in the My Training area if it has been assigned, recommended, or set as a favorite.
The custom training feature has recently been updated to allow for individual items to be hidden or deleted. In addition, an entire custom training series can now be deleted.
Several enhancements have been made to the assigned training feature as well. Administrators with the appropriate privileges can easily modify training assignments. The assignment name, due date, and list of users who have been assigned training can be changed. Tutorials and other training items can now be added or removed from previously saved assignments.

Three new how-to videos are available for administrators working with custom training.

21st Century PD and Tech Integration Custom Package
Tech Skills Support Package
Assistive Technology Collection
Compare packages

It's time! Vote for your favorite AL mascot design now.

2009-11-13T08:33:00.004-06:00

The designs are in for our contest to help create the new AL mascot. Thank you very much to those who participated. We've chosen the finalists, and they're on display here.

Please take a moment to vote for your favorite design. Voting is open now, and closes at 11:59 pm CDT on November 23. The design with the most votes will win a netbook!

Which AL design is your favorite?

Follow us on Twitter for new post notification

2009-11-10T10:58:00.007-06:00

To receive notification of new blog posts wherever you are, follow @atomic_learning! You'll get our blog headlines automatically, including new product releases, company information, and industry news.

http://twitter.com/atomic_learning

An Assistive Technology Partnership at ATIA 2009

2009-11-10T10:23:00.002-06:00

Atomic Learning's Amanda Peters was joined by Beth Thomlinson of Freedom Scientific for a seminar at this year's ATIA conference in Chicago. Freedom Scientific offers "technology-based products that provide equal access to information and computing for those with vision impairments or learning disabilities."

Atomic Learning offers tutorials on these products as part of our award-winning Assistive Technology Collection.

Happy 40th, Sesame Street!

2009-11-10T08:39:00.001-06:00

For millions around the world, one gang of friends commemorates childhood: The Sesame Street bunch. Here's a shot of some of them posing for a recent Google promotion. I guess you can't escape fame, even if you're a muppet.

Click image for a larger version. Here are more from this series.

Assistive Technology Collection earns Tech&Learning Award of Excellence

2009-11-09T10:56:00.016-06:00

Tech & Learning magazine today named 65 education technology products as winners in its prestigious 27-year-old recognition program. Honored software, hardware, network, and web products include innovative applications that break new ground as well as those that added significant enhancements to proven education tools. A panel of more than 30 educators, who tested more than 100 entries across the country, chose the winners.

"This year’s awards have grown to include new hardware and network categories", says Kevin Hogan, Editorial Director for NewBay Media’s Tech & Learning Group. "Our judges, which include stalwarts such as our resident expert Joe Huber and the staff of Philadelphia’s Science Leadership Academy, put dozens of entries through their paces. To come out with their seal of approval is a testament to the product."

Atomic Learning's Assistive Technology Collection includes short, show-and-tell video tutorials that empower educators to use and apply assistive technology. The foci of these tutorials are:

Special education software
Assistive technology devices
Software accessibility training tutorials

Examples of tutorials include Boardmaker 6, JAWS 9, Overboard, WordQ, SpeakQ, Co:Writer, Inspiration, Kidspiration, as well as accessibility features in Leopard, Windows XP and Vista.

We must change: Hope for 21st century education

2009-11-07T16:14:00.001-06:00

Education ranks below coal mining in the use of technology

2009-11-06T16:05:00.003-06:00

Training available on SMART Notebook 10, ActivStudio and ActivPrimary

2009-11-06T15:20:00.001-06:00

Get SMART. Get ACTIV.

You have the technology. Now what?

Technology is reaching farther into the classroom every day and with tools like SMART Notebook, ActivPrimary and ActivStudio it should be easy—but that’s not always the case.

Did you know that you may have a training resource available for all of these technology applications 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Through a subscription to Atomic Learning's online technology training and support you have access to easy-to-understand tutorial movies on SMART Notebook 10, ActivPrimary, ActivStudio and more.

SMART Notebook 10
PC: www.AtomicLearning.com/smrt_nb10pc
Mac: www.AtomicLearning.com/smrt_nb10mac

ACTIVprimary 3
PC: www.AtomicLearning.com/activprimary3
Mac: www.AtomicLearning.com/activprimary3mac

ACTIVprimary 2
PC: www.AtomicLearning.com/activprimary_2_pc
Mac: www.AtomicLearning.com/activprimary_2_mac

ACTIVstudio 3 Professional
PC: www.AtomicLearning.com/activstudio3
Mac: www.AtomicLearning.com/activstudio3mac

ACTIVstudio 2 Professional
PC: www.AtomicLearning.com/activstudio2_intro
Mac: www.AtomicLearning.com/activstudio2_intro_mac

Interested in finding training on another application? Atomic Learning provides access to over 40,000 tutorials on over 120 applications for all teachers, staff, students and school families in those organizations with subscriptions. If you need help logging in, or would like more information on Atomic Learning, please contact your school or district’s Technology Coordinator.

New Content Alert: Picasa

2009-11-06T10:45:00.002-06:00

Picasa^™ is a software download from Google^™ that helps you organize, edit, and share your photos. It's free, and easy to use.

View two free tutorials

Updated Content Alert: delicious

2009-11-06T10:21:00.002-06:00

Del.icio.us is a social bookmarking Web site. The primary use of del.icio.us is to store your bookmarks online, which allows you to access the same bookmarks from any computer and add bookmarks from anywhere, too. You can keep links to your favorite articles, blogs, music, reviews, recipes, and more. You'll enjoy sharing your favorites with friends, family, and the del.icio.us community!

View two free tutorials

New Content Alert: Adobe CS4

2009-11-03T10:13:00.003-06:00

This week we're releasing a bunch of great new content on Adobe's products.

Illustrator CS4 - Advanced
Adobe^® Illustrator^® CS4 software is a comprehensive vector graphics environment with new transparency in gradients and multiple artboards that invite you to explore more efficient ways to design. Take your knowledge of Illustrator CS4 to the next level with this advanced series.

Two free tutorials for Mac users

Flash CS4 Professional - Advanced
Adobe^® Flash^® CS4 Professional software is an advanced authoring environment for creating rich, interactive content for digital, Web, and mobile platforms. Dig in deeper with this advanced level tutorial series!

Two free tutorials for Windows users

After Effects CS4
With Adobe^® After Effects^® CS4 software, you can create compelling motion graphics and blockbuster visual effects with flexible tools that help save you time and deliver unparalleled creative power.

Two free tutorials for Windows users

Photoshop CS4
Adobe^® Photoshop^® CS4 offers unrivaled editing and compositing power, a more intuitive user experience, and significant productivity enhancements. You'll enjoy learning how to use the more advanced features of this application in this tutorial series.

Two free tutorials for Mac users
Two free tutorials for Windows users

New Content Alert: Netvibes

2009-11-02T13:08:00.002-06:00

Netvibes^® lets individuals assemble their favorite widgets, websites, blogs, email accounts, social networks, search engines, instant messengers, photos, videos, podcasts, and everything else they enjoy on the web - all in one place.

View two free tutorials

New Content Alert: Twitter

2009-11-02T13:02:00.002-06:00

Twitter^™ is a free micro-blogging service enabling its users to send and receive messages known as "tweets" - text-based posts of up to 140 characters. This tutorial series demonstrates how to connect with others on this increasingly popular social networking site.

View two free tutorial videos

AL Halloween Costume Contest 2009

2009-10-30T14:51:00.006-05:00

Official contest winners:

1st Place (group): The sales team as "The Bald Pauls"
1st Place (individual): Shari as "Mrs. Potts"
2nd Place: Melinda as a pirate

Which costume is your favorite?

AL Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest 2009

2009-10-30T14:50:00.006-05:00

Official contest winners:

First Place: #1 by Jennifer
Second Place: #9 by Melinda
Third Place: #4 by (who else?) Paul

Thanks to these other participants: Jody, Beth, Julie R, Sammy Jo, Shari, Shaun, and Lisa

Which jack o' lantern is your favorite?

Upcoming Conferences

2009-10-29T08:51:00.010-05:00

We hope to see you at these upcoming conferences:

MassCUE	October 28-29
ATIA Chicago (booth 419)	October 29-31
EDUCAUSE	November 3-6
ESC-2/TCEA Area 2	November 3
GAETC	November 4-6
ECIS	November 18-22
NYSCATE	November 22-24
TIES	December 12-15

Free FETC exhibit hall passes, compliments of Atomic Learning (booth #946)

2009-10-26T14:15:00.001-05:00

We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to participate in FETC 2010 – the most comprehensive ed-tech learning event in the U.S. — free! FETC 2010 is the content-rich conference that brings education leaders and technology experts together to exchange techniques and strategies for administrative, teaching and learning success.

With more than 200 Concurrent Sessions, 70-plus workshops—and an exhibit hall of 400-plus solution providers displaying and demonstrating the latest products and services—it’s the most comprehensive event of its kind, and an invaluable resource for educational innovation in your school and district!

Meet with more than 400 technology solution-providers in the Exhibit Hall & Technology Marketplace at FETC 2010 for FREE ($50 Value). This exclusive, non-transferable offer lets you participate as an Exhibit Hall Attendee Only--courtesy of Atomic Learning.

Check out the complete FETC Exhibit List and Floor Plan at http://www.fetc.org. You must enter priority code FL5010 to receive your FREE Exhibit Hall Pass Worth $50! Register today using your VIP priority code at: http://www.fetc.org/Registration.aspx

Student Take on 21st Century Education (via Tech&Learning)

2009-10-26T13:24:00.000-05:00

Ryan Bretag writes:

...the concept of teaching and learning in the 21st Century should focus on students as pre-professionals. To do this, the classroom needed to focus on inquiry and problem-base learning, real world experiences, research opportunities, and field work. As well, the experiences should engage them with challenges that force student application, creativity, and critical thinking.

In fact, the idea of students engaging as professionals in training was a definite theme of this discussion as they discussed hands-on field experience that engaged them in first hand exposure.

The 2009 Speak Up Survey (via EdNetNews.com)

2009-10-23T15:36:00.004-05:00

“Each year more schools sign up to be part of Speak Up because it offers them – their students, parents and staff – a way to express their opinions about the future of learning, local and national policies, how teaching could be improved and more,” said Julie Evans, CEO of Project Tomorrow, the survey’s facilitator and a national leader in empowering students to have a voice in improving education in the 21st century.

“The information is invaluable to the schools who participate, and the elected leaders at all levels who use Speak Up data as a way to gauge opinions on a range of educational issues,” added Evans.

The 2009 online survey – open now through December 18th for all K-12 students, parents, teachers, pre-service teachers and administrators at
http://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/ – offers the largest collection of authentic, unfiltered input on education and technology from those ‘on the ground’ in the schools.

For the first time, the survey will ask students about their interest in teaching careers and will include pre-service teachers to get a sense of how the next generation of teachers may differ (or reflect) the opinions of current educators.

Blogging –The New Model for Building Collaboration in the Classroom

2009-10-23T08:33:00.006-05:00

For students around the nation, blogs have become far more than the latest technology buzzword. For many, blogging can be a key method of communication on a social level. While many students already blog in their free time, incorporating blogging technology into the classroom can have many benefits through the use of a medium that already interests students and makes learning more interactive and engaging.

With the knowledge and interest that students have in blogging, it can be an effective tool to use in the classroom to engage students outside of the classroom setting. For example, blogs can be a great avenue for continuing class discussions or posing questions for students to consider before coming to class. This gives quieter students the opportunity to participate without feeling the pressure of speaking in front of a group. Students will also find this medium helpful as they will have more time to formulate their thoughts and to reflect on other students’ comments and questions.

Another use for blogs in the classroom is for peer review – a method that many teachers use for essays and projects. A blog can be a convenient and interesting way for students to review others’ work. Students can post an essay, for example, and their peers will be able to read it and post comments. It also makes the peer review process easier for teachers to grade, as they can see who commented and the content of their remarks.

When used with younger students, class blogs can be an effective tool to introduce students to the increasingly important world of Web 2.0. Teaching students the educational and practical value it has can be accomplished by using it in a fun manner such as pen pals via the web and many other activities.

Blogs can also be used to keep parents involved in their child’s education by keeping them abreast of class happenings and activities. A special thread for parents could be created or they could be given some rights on the class blog.

Perhaps most importantly, class blogs are a great way to build a sense of unity and community within the classroom. Within this online forum, student’s profiles and class goals can be shared. This allows students an opportunity to learn about and from each other. With this unity creates an open class culture that fosters learning and promotes an environment in which students feel comfortable sharing their ideas.

The process of incorporating blogs into the classroom can sometimes be an intimidating prospect to teachers. To help educators develop ways to incorporate blogging into their classrooms, Atomic Learning has created a Blogging Workshop. The workshop covers topics ranging from setting up a blog and managing blog comments to keeping your blog confidential.

Download this article as a .pdf

Free passes to Closing the Gap in Minneapolis (Saturday, 10/17)

2009-10-13T12:10:00.002-05:00

Print your access pass for Closing the Gap, the assistive technology conference this week in Minneapolis. You can get into the exhibit hall at no cost from 9-2 on Saturday.

http://www.closingthegap.com/media/pdfs/ctg_exhibit_pass.pdf

Job Security No More......(by Jen Wagner at Tech & Learning)

2009-10-13T10:40:00.001-05:00

When I first started being a Tech Director (former job) I felt great pride in being the guru of tech knowledge and unfortunately, I also did my best to keep that knowledge just beyond the reach of the staff. You might call it a lot of things….but in actuality it was a lot of conceit with a bit of job security.

Now, jump forward 10 years (perhaps 10 years of wisdom, 10 years of maturing) and my major focus is to eliminate my position at work.

You see – for many many (too many) years …I was the holder of all tech wisdom. (100% mostly for my gratification and my ego). The false sense of pride of being the “techie know it all” not only alienated and limited my staff but also was selfish to myself and the burden I placed upon myself…because of my unwillingness to share the information.

So now I am consciously striving to put myself out of a job.

Some good news in a bad economy: Stimulus aided teachers, laborers

2009-10-12T15:46:00.002-05:00

MSNBC.com:

But based on preliminary information obtained by The Associated Press from a handful of states, teachers appear to have benefited most from early spending. That’s because the stimulus sent billions of dollars to help stabilize state budgets, sparing what officials said would have teacher layoffs.

In California, the stimulus was credited with saving or creating 62,000 jobs in public schools and state universities. Utah reported saving about 2,600 teaching jobs. In both states, education jobs represented about two-thirds of the total stimulus job number. Missouri reported more than 8,500 school jobs, Minnesota more than 5,900. In Michigan, where officials said 19,500 jobs have been saved or created, three out of four were in education.

The Search Is on for Canada’s Most Tech Savvy Educators -- Over $50,000 in Prizes!

2009-10-12T11:32:00.003-05:00

From EdNetNews.com:

Mississauga, Ontario: Wednesday, October 7, 2009: The MindShare Learning Report—Canada’s, Leading, Learning & Technology eMagazine and title sponsor Microsoft Canada Co., are set to officially launch the Microsoft - MindShare Learning Report™ 21st Century Digital Classroom Challenge.

In its second year running, this event aims to inspire teachers, along with their students from across Canada to share their successful classroom practices using technology. Teachers from publicly funded schools can qualify to win one of three technology prize packs valued at over $15,000 for their school.

Atomic Learning and Assistive Technology

2009-10-12T10:11:00.005-05:00

Atomic Learning has developed a fantastic resource for those wishing to implement assistive technology in their classrooms. Assistive technology can be tremendously beneficial to all educators, not just those in special ed environments.

We offer an entire library of assistive tech tutorials as a companion to any Atomic Learning subscription, or as a stand-alone resource. It's an inexpensive asset that can really have an impact with individual students.

Atomic Learning will be present at several upcoming assistive technology conferences. Please stop by to discuss your particular needs and get a custom price quote. You may be surprised how affordably you'll be able to add this collection.

We’ll be at Closing the Gap in Bloomington, Minnesota, October 14-17. Find us at booth number 107. We're hosting a hands on computer lab session on Thursday the 15th from 3:30-4:30, called “An A.T. Training Solution for All”.

We’ll also be at ATIA in Chicago, October 29-31, booth 419. We will be presenting a hands-on session Friday the 30th entitled “An A.T. Training Solution for All” from 9:15-10:15, and a two-hour session entitled “Atomic Learning and WYNN Provide Universal Design for Learning” from 1:15-3:15.

Call us today at (866) 259-6890 (U.S.) or +1 320-632-5064 ext 180 (international).

Popular 21st Century Webinar Still Available

2009-10-09T14:51:00.004-05:00

Nearly 500 people from the education community joined us for our recent webinar with Brad Flickinger. He did a fantastic job (as always).

Please feel free to view the archived version here.

Atomic Learning at South Carolina EdTech 2009

2009-10-06T11:11:00.001-05:00

We look forward to meeting you at the South Carolina EdTech 2009 conference next week! Please stop by Atomic Learning at booth 416 to learn more about how we can help support you in building 21st century-ready students and teachers.

Atomic Learning is dedicated to providing educational resources that allow teachers, students and learners of all ages to embrace technology. An integral part of your professional development program, Atomic Learning empowers educators with the training and resources needed to create 21st century-ready students.

What’s New?
Our 21st Century Professional Development and Technology Integration Collection offers the training and features that will help you meet your professional development and technology integration goals through:

Professional development workshops, assessment, and portfolios
Prescribed training paths for 21st century skills professional development
Library of 50,000 technology training tutorials on commonly used software apps
Technology integration projects for the classroom
Administrative-level reports to assess student and teacher progress

Watch a brief overview of Atomic Learning

See you at booth 416!

A World Teachers' Day Tribute

2009-10-05T15:01:00.006-05:00

In honor of World Teachers' Day, I thought I'd relate my recollection of the most memorable teacher of my youth. A few stand out, but this one is my favorite, at least in distant hindsight.

I attended junior high school in Bozeman, Montana in the mid 1980's. During that time, I had the same teacher for English and some sort of mythology class. I have one distinct memory of that my experience teacher, as well as a general recall of the mood of her class. I remember that she was a grandmotherly personality (well, from a twelve-year-old's perspective), but a very boisterous one. She was outgoing and engaging, but without being intimidating. She would have had to be to teach sentence diagramming and punctuation to adolescents, I suppose. She was clearly very intelligent.

She had lovely red hair, which somehow made her even more interesting. She often wore dark green clothing to coordinate with it. I looked forward to her class, which is to say that I didn't dread sitting through it like some others.

One afternoon, in the middle of a lesson on vocabulary, someone apparently mis-emphasized a syllable in a word we were discussing. She cheerfully mentioned that the student had placed the vocal accent on the wrong syllable. However, to make her point, she pronounced the words ak-SENT and sil-AHH-buhl. The effect was almost one of sophistication, as though she were emulating the haughty speech of an aristocrat. That misinterpretation would prove to be my undoing.

In a burst of juvenile intellectual enthusiasm I completely missed the intentional irony, and promptly consulted my school-issued dictionary. Sure enough, "syllable" is pronounced SIL-uh-buhl. I knew it! I had discovered of a foible in this language guru. Pointing it out would surely earn me rapport.

I proudly and somewhat brashly raised my hand. When called upon, I pointed out her mistake, fully expecting appreciative acclaim for my perceptiveness. Naturally, she burst into gleeful guffaws. When her mirth subsided she explained to a very confused boy that she had used that line for years, and never before had anyone actually looked it up.

It took me several moments more to understand the meaning of what had just occurred. It wouldn't be the last time I inserted my foot in my mouth.

That teacher, and I wish I could recall her name, made an impression on me. Her exuberant stories of Greek and Roman gods, and her conspicuous love of reading and writing quietly conveyed their potential significance to our young lives. I don't believe I took it very deeply to heart at the time, but the message stuck in the back of my mind. Decades later I would return to those subjects and countless others with renewed scholarship, thanks to her and others like her.

Good teachers arouse interest, passion, and latent ability in children that others in their small worlds may not. They open eyes and minds, and in doing so open doors of opportunity, satisfaction and happiness. This is their true value. Their dedication does not go unnoticed.

Happy World Teachers' Day.

An eBook From Atomic Learning: Creating 21st Century-Ready Teachers

2009-10-01T11:28:00.007-05:00

Atomic Learning has created an ebook as a resource for those wishing to understand 21st century skills and how to integrate them to create both teachers and students that are 21st century-ready.

Get it free here.

If you would like a consultation to talk through your 21st century skills initiatives, please contact us at (866) 259-6890 or atomic@atomiclearning.com.

Content Update Alert: eFolio Minnesota

2009-09-29T09:45:00.000-05:00

This collection has been available for some time, and now it's been updated to our new video format.

eFolioMinnesota™, Version 2 . . . a multimedia electronic portfolio designed to help you create a living showcase of your education, career, and personal achievements. All Minnesota residents, including students enrolled in Minnesota schools, educators, and others can use eFolio to reach their career and education goals.

View two free tutorials