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Descriptors:
Foreign Countries; Reflection; Web Sites; Electronic Publishing; Social Distance; Nationalism; Self Concept; English (Second Language); Second Language Learning; Language Role; Cultural Awareness; Role; Computer Mediated Communication; Language Usage; Language Variation; Semiotics; Teaching Methods; Intercultural Communication; Secondary School Students

Abstract:
The rise of English as an international language (EIL) has brought to light the needs of those who speak it as an additional language. This has in turn radically reshaped the role of culture in the EIL classroom, which may now aim at developing critical transcultural awareness. By reporting on a joint initiative undertaken by three schools in two countries, the "EIL in Poland and Spain" blog project, this article explores how a transcultural curricular approach could be implemented in the EIL classroom with particular reference to computer-mediated communication (CMC) that might lead to the creation of virtual "third spaces". Results show that, upon task-induced reflection, participants (1) overwhelmingly acknowledge the power of the othering discourses which are central to national identity; (2) bond together through (2.1) widespread usage of the same register in English and CMC-standard non-verbal semiotic codes and (2.2) similar subcultural (yet transnational) affiliations; and (3) may be seen to develop some critical awareness of their place in the world beyond their respective national borders. Finally, the pedagogical implications of a tool through which youth appears as a meaningful cross-cultural experience, bringing both Polish and Spanish participants together as critical thinkers through EIL, are discussed. (Contains 1 table and 7 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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High Schools; Public Schools; Research Skills; Career Readiness; College Readiness; Technology Uses in Education; Portfolios (Background Materials); Electronic Publishing; Communities of Practice; Student Evaluation

Abstract:
An estimated 99% of the U.S. population understands that "teaching and learning 21st century skills are very important to the country's future economy", while 80% of those surveyed understand that "the things students need to learn in school today are different than they were 20 years ago". This study also showed that 88% of of the respondents understand that "21st century skills are important for schools to teach". Keeping these data in mind, one must not be surprised when employers see Oral Communication, Collaboration, Professional Work Ethic, Written Communications and Critical Thinking/Problem Solving as the most important skills for new hires in the coming years. In this article, the authors provide instruction and professional development as the Library Team at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They provide examples of the types of technology skills that academic librarians might expect to see as students move from high school to a higher education setting. Academic librarians may find it useful to consider programs like this one while they develop and plan services that revolve around the use of technology. (Contains 2 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Higher Education; Homework; Video Technology; Computer Software; Textbooks; Electronic Publishing; Electronic Learning; Courseware; Individualized Instruction; College Faculty; Surveys; Publishing Industry; Online Courses

Abstract:
Textbook publishers argue that their newest digital products should not even be called "textbooks." They are really software programs built to deliver a mix of text, videos, and homework assignments. But delivering them is just the beginning. No old-school textbook was able to be customized for each student in the classroom. The books never graded the homework. And while they contain sample exam questions, they could not administer the test themselves. One publisher calls its products "personalized learning experiences," another "courseware," and one insists on using its own brand name, "MindTap." For now, this new product could be called "the object formerly known as the textbook." Major publishers have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in the past few years buying up software companies and building new digital divisions, betting that the future will bring an expanded role for publishers in higher education. So far publishers produce only a limited number of titles in these born-digital formats, and the number of professors assigning them is relatively small. Only about 2 percent of textbooks sold at college bookstores are fully digital titles, according to a survey of 940 bookstores run by Follett Higher Education Group. But if these new kinds of textbooks catch on, they raise questions about how much control publishers have over curriculum and the teaching process, as online education expands. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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College Students; Student Costs; Textbooks; Electronic Publishing; State Legislation; State Aid

Abstract:
Providing college students with free textbooks is no easy task. That seems to be the major lesson from several efforts to produce e-books that are low-cost or free to help reduce students' costs. Money pressures, slow adoption by professors, and quality concerns stand in the way as these projects hope to rival traditional publishing. Take Flat World Knowledge Inc., an upstart publisher that had been a key proponent of a so-called "freemium" model of giving away electronic copies of textbooks and asking students to pay for extras like flash cards or printed copies. The company announced a sudden move away from that model in November, stating that its free-content option will no longer be available starting in January. The reason for the change: Students were not buying as many printed copies as predicted because those who wanted one got a used copy rather than buy a new one from Flat World. Flat World will still offer textbooks at lower prices than traditional publishers do, but nothing will be free. The company's basic online books cost about $20 each. Flat World Knowledge is also pursuing a sponsored-licensing model with some colleges, where an outside company or foundation would enter into an agreement with Flat World Knowledge or the college to help pay for the cost of content. The e-book company will be able to judge the impact of its "free to fair" pricing transition by next year. Some see Flat World Knowledge's move away from the freemium model as a warning for other open-access textbook projects. Finding ways to support the production of free textbooks is not the only unresolved issue for open-textbook proponents. Another challenge is getting buy-in from instructors, who must be persuaded to adopt the textbooks. And when books are written by volunteers, keeping quality high can be more difficult than in the traditional model, where authors are paid by publishers. Producing free textbooks may sound like a good idea, but it is turning out to be easier said than done. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Interviews; Qualitative Research; Web Sites; Electronic Publishing; Web 2.0 Technologies; Social Networks; Computer Uses in Education; Technology Integration; Preservice Teachers; Education Courses; Rating Scales; Prediction; Preservice Teacher Education; Intention; Behavior Theories; Positive Attitudes; Educational Technology; Predictor Variables; Statistical Analysis; Mixed Methods Research; Surveys

Abstract:
This study investigated factors that predict preservice teachers' intentions to use Web 2.0 technologies in their future classrooms. The researchers used a mixed-methods research design and collected qualitative interview data (n = 7) to triangulate quantitative survey data (n = 286). Results indicate that positive attitudes and perceptions of perceived usefulness are significant predictors of preservice teachers' intentions to use Web 2.0 technologies. Additional findings indicate that preservice teachers intend to use blogs, wikis, and social networking in their future classrooms to improve student learning, student-student and student-teacher interaction, collaborative learning, student writing ability, and sharing content knowledge. Although preservice teachers intend to use Web 2.0 technologies due to these pedagogical benefits, they believe that successful use of Web 2.0 depends on the meaningful integration of these technologies with the subject being taught, learning goals, and age level of their students. This study has implications for teacher educators who are preparing preservice teachers to use Web 2.0 technologies in their classrooms. (Contains 2 tables and 3 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Credentials; Academic Freedom; College Faculty; Tenure; Web Sites; Electronic Publishing; Financial Needs; Doctoral Degrees; Grants; Intellectual Disciplines; Computer Mediated Communication; Employment; Research

Abstract:
Independent scholars are a growing part of the academic landscape. They may have been jilted by the academic job market, or are uninterested in either being on the tenure track or in cobbling together full-time work as adjuncts. Like traditional professors, they perform research, secure grants, and publish books and papers. In some cases, their work is having an impact on their disciplines, challenging established views and advancing knowledge in the field. But independent scholars say their contributions are frequently discounted by tenured professors, who, as gatekeepers of scholarly conversations and the distribution of intellectual ideas, tend to exclude those who lack university credentials. Some prominent professors acknowledge that such scholars do important academic work. Yet professors question whether the blogs, podcasts, Facebook posts, and tweets that independent scholars sometimes depend on as alternatives to journal publishing are more harmful than helpful to the quality of scholarship. The work life of an independent scholar--with its freedom from the performance requirements of the tenure track--can be attractive to those with young children and those who can't or don't want to relocate for a faculty job. Yet theirs can be a spartan existence, lacking intellectual colleagues or recognition, a calling that most can afford to pursue only by working extra part-time jobs or relying on a partner's income. The financial needs of independent scholars can also get in the way of academic freedom by limiting the kinds of questions they are able to ask and the projects they are willing to pursue. "The Chronicle" talked with Ph.D.'s who work as independent scholars in anthropology, Asian studies, biology, education, English, evolution, history, political science, religion, and theater. Some set up shop on their own after they failed to earn tenure or grew disillusioned with the culture of large research universities, which they found too limiting, in terms of the kinds of projects they could pursue, or too competitive. Others sidestepped academe from the very beginning, some for jobs outside higher education, others because they didn't want to be tied down to a full-time position. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Educational Technology; Web Sites; Electronic Publishing; Social Networks; Computer Uses in Education; Handheld Devices; Technology Integration; Parent Participation; Discussion Groups

Abstract:
Electronic communication, whether through Facebook, Twitter, text messages, or even e-mail, has become part of the lives of hundreds of millions of people in the last 10 years. However, there are still many teachers who are nervous about using social networking for educational purposes, and there are still many schools in which students must completely unplug as they enter the school. One of the main reasons more schools have not incorporated social media into their lesson plans is worry over what parents will say. Although many parents use Facebook and Twitter themselves, a significant number of them are skeptical about the educational value of these social-networking tools. However, the tide seems to be shifting. More and more teachers are embracing social networking as part of the fabric of their classrooms. Increasingly, teachers are assigning students to blog, build wikis, take part in online discussion groups, and even use their cellphones within the classroom. The author has been researching teachers who use new forms of technology in their classrooms for the last 15 years and has noticed a dramatic increase in numbers of teachers who are using social networking for educational purposes. What exactly are teachers doing in the classroom with social networking? In this article, the author presents some examples of how teachers are using social networking and offers some suggestions about how parents can be involved. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Handheld Devices; Electronic Publishing; Educational Technology; Computer Science Education; Information Systems; Usability; Use Studies; Comparative Analysis; Pretests Posttests; Student Attitudes; Pilot Projects; Feedback (Response); Textbooks; Computer Uses in Education; Technology Integration; College Instruction; Student Surveys; Online Surveys; Statistical Analysis; Questionnaires; Educational Policy; School Policy

Abstract:
An eTextbook and iPad were used in a pilot program, and the impact on the course was assessed to guide the development of a college policy. Students in the course completed three questionnaires to provide feedback about their perceptions of the eTextbook and iPad. During the pilot program, students' perceptions of the usefulness, ease of use, and extent to which they enjoyed using the eTextbook increased. Students reported that the eTextbook made it easier for them to learn, and they preferred the eTextbook to a printed textbook. Students were neutral about the iPad's usefulness, but found it easy and enjoyable to use. Based on the students' feedback, it is recommended that an interactive eTextbook be used; that a course be redesigned to take advantage of eReader technology, especially if a tablet computer (iPad) is used; and that students be allowed to choose between an eTextbook and a printed textbook. (Contains 11 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Notetaking; Reading Writing Relationship; Communication (Thought Transfer); Information Dissemination; Documentation; Technological Advancement; Information Technology; Electronic Publishing; Access to Information; Information Management; Educational History; Educational Psychology; Conferences (Gatherings)

Abstract:
Considering how much attention people lavish on the technologies of writing--scroll, codex, print, screen--it's striking how little they pay to the technologies for digesting and regurgitating it. One way or another, there's no sector of the modern world that is not saturated with note-taking--the bureaucracy, the liberal professions, the sciences, the modern firm, and especially the academy, whose residents, transient and permanent, have more right than anyone else to claim that taking notes is what they do. Taken, made, jotted, foot, or head: Notes are necessary interventions between the things people read and the things they write. (Contains 6 endnotes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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State Standards; Educational Technology; Literacy; Technology Integration; Writing Workshops; Learning Processes; Multimedia Materials; Educational Strategies; Change Strategies; Educational Principles; Scaffolding (Teaching Technique); Web 2.0 Technologies; Writing (Composition); Program Descriptions; Electronic Publishing

Abstract:
The Common Core State Standards call for an expanded view of literacy instruction, one where children learn to critically consume and produce text using technology and media. This article describes how a Digital Writers' Workshop can be a vehicle for integrating multimodal composition into the classroom. It offers general workshop principles and strategies, followed by a multimodal poem project illustrating how to scaffold students' design processes. It invites teachers to contribute to the conversation about literacy and technology integration at The Reading Teacher's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Reading-Teacher#!/pages/The-Reading-Teacher/297544810290021. (Contains 2 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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