Digital Literacy In The Classroom

Technology should be part of the daily routine in schools, writes ASCD EDge user Celina Brennan. "Students should have frequent access in an authentic manner," says Brennan, adding that tools such as blogs and digital cameras can help students share their thoughts and foster collaboration. In her recent blog post, Brennan explains what digital literacy is, how to incorporate it into the classroom and professional development, and more.

Center for Media & Info Literacy Launched

The School of Communications and Theater at Temple University has broadened its effort to ensure students, teachers and parents are aware of the power of the media in their lives and the important role it can play in the classroom and beyond in society at large. The Center for Media and Information Literacy (CMIL) is the new hub for the school’s initiatives to research and improve the awareness, access and use of media both locally and nationally. Further details here.

These Amazing Shadows: The Movies That Make America (Dec 29, PBS Independent Lens)

These Amazing Shadows: The Movies That Make America is the story of the National Film Registry. The documentary is scheduled to air on PBS December 29 (check your local listings) as part of the Independent Lens series. The documentary weaves clips from America's most-beloved films (and many rarer treasures) with moving personal tales of how specific films have reflected our culture and changed lives. It documents the passage of the National Film Preservation Act of 1988 and how this law set in motion a system to identify notable films.

Center for News Literacy (Summer Teacher Institute)

Applications are now being accepted by the Center for News Literacy, Stony Brook University, Long Island NY, for its annual summer teacher's institute, July 9-July 20.  Details can be found here.

Blu Ray Edition of "To Kill A Mockingbird" To Be Released

Universal Studios is set to release a new, 50th anniversary DVD edition of "To Kill A Mockingbird." Details of the January 2012 release are here.

How Ten Schools Are Incorporating Cell Phones Into Instruction

There is a growing trend in schools that are lifting the ban on smartphones and instead asking students to use their phones and mobile devices as learning tools. Onlinecollege.org profiles the schools and the cell phone applications.