Digital Resources

College students who are already inclined to multitasking, such as texting and web surfing, are more likely to do it during online courses than in physical classrooms, according to a new study. Researchers recommend online course developers create strategies to increase student focus and discourage multitasking. While this study was done with college students, other similar research on K-12 students often points to the same issues. In a related study in eCampus News, students in Generation Z -- those between ages 14 and 23 -- say they prefer learning via video, while only 26% prefer online classes.

A growing number of school districts are turning to online programs such as Edgenuity as they struggle to recruit enough certified teachers. The programs deliver online lessons while an in-person facilitator (often someone with no expertise in the subject being studied) oversees the classroom, but the lack of a content area teacher who can answer student questions on the topics being studied often leads to student frustration, boredom and cheating. If your district is thinking of offering online instruction provided by outside vendors as a solution for teacher shortages, you may want to research the pros and cons.

Textbooks are becoming obsolete, Bill Gates wrote in his annual letter from his foundation. High School English teacher Peter Greene counters Gates' argument on the Forbes site with five reasons why he says textbooks will continue to be a classroom staple -- at least in the near term -- including a preference, even among digital natives, for printed material. What is your opinion?

Do you know what services your child’s school offers for kids that have hearing impairments? A school district in California is using technology solutions to help students with hearing issues, according to Michelle Zavaleta, coordinator of psychological services in special education for the Tulare City School District. In a blog post, she shares several tips and findings about adopting such solutions, including finding a tool that all students can use, not only those with hearing difficulties.

A recent EdSurge article reports that teachers in 100 schools are using Nintendo Switch and Labo kit products in lessons as part of a pilot program launched by the nonprofit Institute of Play. The program is intended to help cultivate collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The kits include cardboard materials for five different “toy-construction” creations—a RC( Radio Control) car, a fishing rod, a house, a motorbike and a piano—so each student in the class can get a chance to build one using both digital and real world construction techniques. Many of these kits are also available for separate purchase for home projects as well

Looking for something to add a fun digital component to your children’s school projects and have them learn some new tech skills? Book Creator is an iPad app (there’s also a version for Chrome) that allows users to create ebooks that can be easily shared. Kids are able to use text, images, audio and video in their ebooks, making this a tool that can be used in many contexts or homework projects.

A study in the Journal of Sport and Health Science showed that preschoolers who engaged in exergaming, or played video games with a physical activity component, had increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at school after eight weeks compared with those who played outside during recess. The findings also showed increased but not significantly different motor skills and confidence among those in the exergaming group, and exergaming activity was higher among boys than girls. Definitely not a substitute for getting out and playing, but might be a way to keep kids busy in the cold weather.

Twitter, YouTube and Facebook are seeking input from conservative-leaning groups to determine the types of posts that should be identified as unacceptable and eliminated from their platforms, write Kirsten Grind and John McKinnon in The Wall Street Journal. The move is partly a response to allegations that the social platforms have a liberal bias and indicates an effort on the part of the social media giants to counter that criticism.

A study discussed in the Disability Scoop suggests that an autism diagnosis could be made with almost 90% accuracy by watching one- to five-minute home movies of children. All of the videos showed the child’s face and hands when using toys or other objects and during social engagement. Viewers who were not experts in autism watched the segments and scored students on the use of eye contact and other behaviors.

Currently, many children face long waits to be evaluated for autism. Though the developmental disorder can be diagnosed at age 2, most children are not identified until after age 4, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those behind the study say they hope their model can one day be used to help speed the process of getting an autism diagnosis, allowing children receive services sooner when it’s considered most effective.

Amazon has expanded its "Future Engineer" initiative from high school into K-8. The program has begun offering free online lessons and funding summer camps to help elementary students discover the fun of computer science. Earlier this year, the company revealed the "Amazon Future Engineer Pathway" program that supported 100,000 high school students in taking  Advanced Placement courses in computer science and awarded four-year scholarships and internships to a sizable group of students from under-served populations.

Amazon’s newly announced program serving younger students will fund Computer Science camp scholarships through partnerships with Code.org and Coding with Kids. The mission is to provide underprivileged students with the means to learn coding in an interactive, hands-on way. Currently, the company is accepting scholarship applications for 2019 classes. Schools and districts may also apply on behalf of families.