Linda Ferrara

SLM521 Spring 2005

Publications

Here is a list of some publications that I find particularly useful with regard to educational/technology issues.

• Edutopia – This is an eNewsletter that is published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation. It serves the needs of educators, students, parents, policymakers, and others interested in educational topics. It is a monthly publication providing information on many pertinent topics, such as assessment, teacher preparation, technology integration, emotional intelligence, and more. One article I found helpful is “Measuring What Counts: Memorization Versus Understanding” by Eeva Reader, 2/11/2002. This article drives home the need for teachers to never assume that students truly comprehend new information, but to check that students can actually apply their new information independently. www.edutopia.org

• eSchoolnews – This monthly publication serves the needs of educators interested in relevant topics for K-20. Technology, educational resources, professional development, and grants/funding information are some areas reported in this newsletter. The article, “Private School Parents Get A Lesson in EMail Etiquette” by Cara Branigan, 10/2001, was particularly interesting to me since I have seen a rise in parent expectations linked with increased email correspondence that can sometimes be dauntingly demanding and rude! www.eschoolnews.com

• edweek – Home to both Education Week and Teacher Magazine, this site has topics relevant for K-12 and provides information about state’s indicators. Education Week reports up-to-date news on issues such as NCLB, testing & accountability, state and federal news, laws, special education, and more. Teacher Magazine covers topics that include instruction, professional development, technology, school environment, and more. There is also a Research Center with updated educational research and a job site which advertises job openings for educators. “Social Studies Losing Out to Reading, Math” by Kathleen Kennedy Manzo, 2005, was an interesting article that reports on the negative effect No Child Left Behind’s testing requirement has had on the emphasis of teaching social studies. www.edweek.org

• T.H.E.journal - Educators will find a wide-range of articles about technology and teaching here. Many of the articles are particularly relevant to secondary educators, but there are broad topics to reach all educators, as well. There is a T.H.E. magazine, a newsletter, and eduhound.com which provides links to many educational resources. I found “Are PDA’s Pedagogically Feasible for Children?” by Drs. Chang, Mullen, and Stuve, 3/2005, to be fascinating since it reported research of PDA use with kindergartners! The students did quite well with the stylus, small screen, icons, etc. and the advantages of this relatively inexpensive technology are attractive. www.thejournal.com

• American School Board Journal – Published monthly by National School Boards Association, this journal covers a vast range of educational topics. As in many educational journals, you can find articles about current research, school law, current events, as well as medical topics that affect education. “Depression: Ready or Not Your Schools Must Face Children’s Health Problems,” by Kathleen Vail, 2005, is a relevant article that addresses the added responsibilities for teachers to recognize depression in our students in order to help them get treatment and better access their abilities to learn. www.asbj.com