The Fight to Go Paperless: Chicago Gives it a Go

There has been talk of moving toward a paperless society for years, but because of the inadequacies of technologies, the initial cost of switching, and generally laziness on the part of society, many attempts to move to such a society have failed. Rahm Emanuel has made it his goal to make Chicago a city as paper-free as possible by 2015. The Verge offers an in-depth look at the struggles he has faced and already faces in his endeavour.

Source: The Verge

Marques Brownlee: Battery Myths and the State of the Technology

YouTuber Marques Brownlee has released a pair of videos sharing helpful insights regarding batteries: from battery myths to the state of battery technologies.

Digital Art Education

Some say bringing technology into the classroom, especially an art classroom, can't be done. Anne Pfeiffer disagrees, her blog proves that it can be done. An educator of both High School and College, she blogs to provide information about Digital Art Education. Her blog includes information about all sorts of traditional and digital art. Check out her site, she has lots of resources, examples, and projects available.
Source: Digital Art Education Blog

Education News: College Students Prefer Good Lectures to Tech

A recent survey of more than fifteen thousand students of higher education in Quebec concluded that students prefer a good lecture in class to the use of the latest technologies, though the percentage between those in favour and those not in favour is relatively small (53%). See the source links below for the full report.

Sources: Education News, CREPUQ (French)

University of Oklahoma Offering Two-Year Course in Cyber Espionage

The University of Oklahoma is offering courses in cyber espionage, teaching students how to hack other computers, plant tracking devices on cars, leave false trails on social networking sites, and acquire data from cellular phones. The program has been incredibly successful--placing over 85% of its participants in jobs with the NSA, CIA, FBI, NASA, and DHS. Students have worked with the Secret Service and aided in solving a triple-homicide.

Sources: SourceFed News, LA Times

SourceFed: Goodbye, Cursive!

In the modern age of computers and typing, the art of cursive handwriting is starting to become a dying art. With several states already having removed cursive from their curriculum, today the Kansas Board of Education will deliberate on whether to remove cursive from their school system.

Source: SourceFed

Digital Technologies Have Mixed Effect on Students' Research Habits

Leila Meyer reports on surveys about teachers' views on the effects technology has on students. It reports the pros and cons teachers see in the students habits in using technology as a research tool. In the end it points out that most teachers still encourage the use of technology in the classroom but recognize the need to teacher better research skills using the technology that are available. Click the source link  below to read more.

Source: The Journal

Autistic Student in Michigan Finds His Voice Using Technology

Taylor Parrish an autistic student attending Pleasant Ridge Elementary School in Saline, Michigan is finally to be able to communicate in the classroom using an Ipad. Until recently, his teachers and parents had no idea the extent of his knowledge and understanding. Taylor is able to type out what he wants to say and the Ipad is able to speak for him. The Ipad was provided by Saline Areas Schools Instructional Department and has revolutionized Taylor's ability to learn and share in the classroom.

In a school district like Saline school district that struggles with budgeting issues, is this something that they should spend their money on? Should Ipads or Tablets be available only in the Special Education department or all departments?

Source: The Saline Reporter