Ed. Tech. News
New England Comprehensive Center and New York Comprehensive Center Webinar Series on Online Learning
To follow-up 2011’s series of research-based webinars, the New England and New York Comprehensive Centers have announced the start of a next series of Webinars focusing on online learning.
- Part 1: What resources and elements constitute a quality online or blended course? (February 28th from 3-4PM)
- Part 2: Online Course Evaluation (March 27th from 3-4PM)
- Part 3: Building the Virtual High School Experience; Problems and Pitfalls in Moving 100% Online (April 24th from 3-4PM)
- Part 4: Parental Engagement in Online Courses (May 22nd from 3-4PM)
To learn more and to register, visit: http://nycomprehensivecenter.org/events/
Cyber Security Education Programs
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) – a non-profit public-private partnership focused on cybersecurity awareness and education for all digital citizens – announced on behalf of the National Cybersecurity Education Council (NCEC) that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to formally institute and promote cyber security education programs in K-12 schools, higher education, and career and technical education environments nationwide.
The new agreement paves the way for the continuation of the recently established public private partnership known as the National Cybersecurity Education Council to build a consensus on the future of cyber education in the United States. The multi-stakeholder effort will bring together government, industry, nonprofit, academia and other educational organizations to make recommendations and suggest guidelines on cyber education. The collaboration will also include all parties participating in a working group to identify the cyber education needs of all young people and the foundational knowledge, skills and competencies needed by government and industry to build a workforce that can protect America's vital digital assets.
The MOU's partnership supports many of the educational efforts responding to President Obama's 2009 Cyberspace Policy Review, which called for the nation to "build an education system that will enhance understanding of cybersecurity and allow the United States to retain and expand upon its scientific, engineering, and market leadership in information technology." Toward this end, in the spring of 2010, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the U.S. Department of Commerce led a team involving many departments and agencies across the government in launching the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE). The goal of NICE is to establish an operational, sustainable and continually improving cybersecurity education program for the nation to use sound cyber practices that will enhance the nation's security. NICE includes four focus areas, or tracks: cybersecurity awareness, formal cybersecurity education, cybersecurity workforce structure, and cybersecurity workforce training and professional development. For more information visit http://csrc.nist.gov/nice or www.staysafeonline.org .
Visit DHSES online at: www.dhses.ny.gov
Visit NY-ALERT online at: www.nyalert.gov
RAC 2020 Vision for Libraries
New York State’s Regents Advisory Council on Libraries (RAC) is seeking help from local libraries and library systems in asking New Yorkers what library services they will need in their local communities by 2020.
The general public was asked to complete a brief online survey by August 5th. RAC asks that libraries and systems leave the survey on their website until August 31. Over 400 individuals from throughout the State have submitted their ideas and suggestions thus far. This valuable input will help inform the development of state policies and a new statewide plan for library services.
Please encourage New Yorkers to share their 2020 vision for library services.
A downloadable “widget” for placement of the survey on local websites is available at: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/adviscns/rac/.
AASL awards season opens with more than $50,000 in opportunities
The American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) prestigious awards program will offer more than $50,000 in awards to AASL members in 2012. AASL’s 10 awards recognize excellence and showcase best practices in the school library field in categories that include research, collaboration, leadership and innovation.
“Applying for an AASL award is a wonderful way to increase your engagement in your school. School librarians can use the application process as an opportunity to share the many ways their school library program can enhance student learning by approaching their fellow educators for letters of support. In addition, applying for an award is a very reflective process. It really gives a school librarian time to think about their program and celebrate their success!" said Carl Harvey, AASL president.
For more information about the AASL Awards program, visit: http://www.americanlibrariesmagazine.org/news/ala/aasl-awards-season-opens-more-50000-opportunities-0
Informational Brief on Social Networking in Education
Prepared in partnership between the New York Comprehensive Center and NYSED, this Informational Brief on Social Networking briefly outlines the benefits and concerns associated with implementing educational networking in New York State schools and districts. Using evidence from case studies and academic research, it recommends that an educational networking pilot program could be implemented in select schools and districts. The pilot program could be strictly structured to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of educational networking. Educational networking may be a tool to improve academic performance, engagement, and student leadership - and to address the principles of safe and responsible use of the Internet for teaching and learning. To view the Brief visit: Informational Brief on Social Networking Policy
NYSED Launches Internet Safety Resource Toolkit
NYS Education Law - Section 814, Courses of Study in Internet Safety, calls for education of students for safe and appropriate use of Internet technology and resources. In response to this law, the NYSED Office of Educational Design and Technology (ED&T) has launched an Internet Safety Resource Toolkit, available at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/technology/internet_safety/ . The toolkit includes:
- Internet Safety Program Evaluation Rubric
- Learning Standards and Internet Safety
- Internet Safety Learning Experience "Call for Content"
The toolkit is designed as a suite of resources across a spectrum of applications, including an alignment of principles and practices of Internet Safe Usage to state and nationally-benchmarked learning standards; pointers for an Internet safety curriculum aligned with learning standards; an instrument for evaluation of a school and district's overall Internet Safety teaching and learning program; and a process for peer review and dissemination of leading learning experiences with organizational partners such as NYSCATE and Model Schools. The toolkit is designed to assist school administrators, educators, and students in developing polices and programs to infuse Internet safety in teaching, learning, and assessment across a district-wide, standards-based program.
In response to requests from the field, the Department has posted information on the options available for New York State students to earn units of credit that can be used to fulfill high school diploma requirements. The web page provides an overview of current Part 100 Regulations of the Commissioner of Education ("NYCRR") pertaining to awarding units of credit. It also provides an opportunity for viewers to submit questions on the topic. The page is available at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/earningcredit/.
Broadband Speed Tests for New York Residents
The Center for Technology in Government (CTG) at the University at Albany is partnering with the New York State Office of Cyber Security (OCS) to collect actual broadband speeds from New York State residents. OCS has received funding to do carry this out through a grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
CTG has developed a website with a simple speed test that residents can take from their home computer that will collect real-time broadband speeds. The data collected will inform the development of a comprehensive map of broadband internet availability throughout New York State. The map will be used to inform future policy decisions and funding for broadband activities in New York State.
New York State residents can take the test from their home. Visit www.nyspeedtest.org, click on "Take the Speed Test," and follow the prompts. Also a 'widget' can be placed on an organization's Web page to direct viewers to the speed test website, by following this link http://www.nyspeedtest.com/share.php.
Internet Security and Safe Use
- The New York State Education Law on Internet Safety and Appropriate Use (Ed Law Section 814 | PDF
(8KB)) requires a better education of students for safe and appropriate use of Internet technology and resources. - Resources on Internet Security and Safe Usage in Schools are available for teachers, students and parents.