January 2008 — News

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FETC 2008: It's All About Community

by Chris Riedel

"Web 2.0," Dede said, "is a major paradigm shift in the way people think." He went on to discuss the need for a synthesis of classic modes of learning and Web 2.0 modes of learning, encouraging educators to help "reinvent education" based on these new forms of knowledge.

In his session on Friday, Jonathan King, from iSafe--a congressionally funded, non-profit Internet safety organization--addressed growing online safety concerns, such as cyber-bullying and Internet predation, emphasizing the need to teach students to be responsible cyber-citizens.

King noted that children need to understand the relationship between the physical world and the world online so they can make informed decisions. Just as we teach our children to protect themselves in the real world, he said, it is our responsibility to teach them how to be safe online.

Other sessions included discussion on using technology to inform oral fluency instruction, enhancing learning through networked communities, addressing technology and security on a budget, and an inside look at the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) reauthorization process.

New Technologies--Cool Never Gets Old
Several new products and technologies were showcased at this year's conference. Among them, Tabula Digita's 3D Multiplayer Educational Game (MEG), DimensionM, went center-stage during the first-ever State MEG tournament. Competitors from more than twenty states showed off their math skills in a race against the clock for a chance to win valuable prizes, including an iPod touch and a site license of DimensionM.

Also at FETC 2008:

  • Discovery announced the launch of its "Science for Elementary" service, along with a new media management service, dubbed "MediaShare";
  • BrainPOP demonstrated its animated robot character, Moby, the star of its online educational series BrainPOP, BrainPOP Jr., and BrainPOP Espanol;
  • Angel showcased several school districts that have implemented the company's learning management system, Angel LMS;
  • Bretford launched its "Instructional Workstation," a multimedia rack-mount system designed to replace the traditional instructor's desk;
  • Pearson announced the expansion of its online math remediation tool, Pearson Perspective, to include video tutorials from Video Math Tutor;
  • School Specialty Media showcased its Learn360, a new streaming media service for K-12 education, with content from a wide range of media providers; and
  • Sebit launched it's new online educational resource, Adaptive Curriculum, focusing on math and science for middle school.

Further coverage of new technologies introduced at FETC 2008 can be found by clicking here.