Student news programs aim to foster skills, communities

T.H.E. Journal reports: Several schools are using Flip cameras and video-production technology to create school news programs they say are teaching students 21st-century skills, as well as helping fortify their school communities. News and feature segments incorporate cross-curricular skills.

Journal of Media Literacy Education (NAMLE)

The Journal of Media Literacy Education has just published its latest issue. NAMLE invites you to review the Table of Contents here and then visit our web site to review articles and items of interest. Articles are also available to read and discuss on the JMLE blog at http://jmle.org/blog/

Also NAMLE has announced its 2011 Research Awards. It offers two awards: the Emerging Scholar Award and Established Scholar Award. NAMLE members are encouraged to submit a work of original research (4500-6000 words) on a range of media literacy-related topics. The deadline for submission is May 15, 2011. Winners will be privileged to present their work at the 2011 NAMLE conference and be published in JMLE. For more information visit
http://namle.net/2011/02/24/the-namle-2011-research-awards-submission-deadline-4-15-11/

Students Use iPads to Study Shakespeare

Students at a New York high school are taking advantage of an iPad pilot program to study Shakespeare in the classroom. In one English class, they used the devices to read and recite scenes from "Romeo and Juliet," and were able to look up definitions, bookmark passages as well as take notes. A related application offered students animated versions of the story and character maps to better understand the tale.

CSM's Digital citizenship curriculum targets fourth and fifth graders

eSchool News reports: Common Sense Media has launched a new version of its free digital citizenship curriculum, Digital Literacy and Citizenship in a Connected Culture. The new version adds student, teacher, and parent resources, including comprehensive lessons on cyber bullying, for fourth and fifth graders. The program, which empowers students to think critically and make informed choices about how they live and treat others in today’s digital world, covers topics from internet safety and security to privacy, with a deep focus on cyber bullying and responsible digital behavior.

Study Examines Impact of Digital Media on Youth Civic Participation

Youth who pursue their interests on the Internet are more likely to be engaged in civic and political issues, according to a new study of student Internet usage by a group of civic learning scholars. Youth who use the Internet are also more likely to be exposed to diverse political viewpoints.

From 'Gatsby' to Dante, Great Literature Gets the Video Game Treatment

Atlantic Magazine online reviews some of the current videogames that are based on popular literature texts.

Technology and Schools: Should We Add More or Pull the Plug?

from HuffPost: This is the moment, according to the authors, to pause and consider whether we want to sacrifice our kids' last remaining hours of non-screen time by incorporating Facebook, iPads, and other devices into the curriculum.