Video game helps kids wise up to advertising

We've previously written about the FTC's new ADMONGO.GOV website, game and ed resource: now here is another story from the Tribune syndicated news service.

Testing 21st Century Skills

A number of Virginia schools are testing students on problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and the use of technology -- all considered to be 21st-century skills.

Social Networks In The Classroom? Why Not?

NCTE Commission on Media director Bill Kist (and author of The Socially Networked Classroom) writes in this eSchool News piece: Today's students are always plugged in and ready to learn—so why not take advantage of this trend inside the classroom?

PBS Kids Touts Study on New Apps for Learning

A new study from PBS KIDS finds that mobile apps can provide an engaging,educational experience for kids.

Visual Culture & Civil Rights

A new exhibit, "For All The World To See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights" has opened at New York City's International Center of Photography. The New York Times (Friday May 21) reviews the exhibit and this web site has additional resources including lesson plans and activities for K-12 educators.

The Potential of Videogames

Some schools in West Virginia and Texas are piloting a new game-development program that integrates technology-based skills such as blogging and social networking with 21st-century skills such as collaboration and problem-solving. In a related story, Education Secretary Arne Duncan went on-the-record (last summer) recommending that schools use cell phones to support instruction; now he has come out in favor of the video game. (the link includes an interview as part of the recently aired "Digital Nation" program on PBS)

Understanding Television: Upfronts

Some of you may be asking: what does this topic have to do with teaching English or teaching media literacy? Well, television is a business, a big business. And when commercial television depends on advertising, then you could see how this topic might be useful. Upfronts is a word that many students may have never heard of, but because they watch alot of television, they may be intersted in what is happening this time of year. For more about upfronts, go here.