BBC News: “Primary eudcation ‘too narrow‘” – article arguing that early education focusing too much on math, English, and testing is leaving kids with a deficient education.

The Crisis of Credit Visualized – the video does a pretty good job of breaking down how our economy got the way it is today.

iSerenity – room too quiet (or has an annoying noise in the background)? Use iSerenity for soothing ambient noise?  I particularly like the Library Lullaby.

“My Top Tips for Teaching Teens” by Alan Sitomer – examines issues such as teaching teens to “bounce back,” change their attitudes, set goals, never give up, etc.  Well worth reading.

Last, but definately not least, two sites that highlight the Inauguration of President Obama.  The first is “The Big Picture” from The Boston Globe which has photographs of the event and from around the world.  The second is from Gigapan and has one large photograph that you can zoom or pull out to get the whole effect of the swearing in of President Obama.  Yes, it’s a little late in the scheme of things, but it’s still useful!

SignOnSanDiego.com: “Funds sliced, teacher sells ads on tests“ – I can’t remember who I got this from, but it is so apropos to our school right now.  Teachers have just been budgeted to one case of paper (for how long, I’m not sure) so this could be a creative way to offset costs.  I just don’t think our district would allow this ‘fundraiser.’

Scott McLeod – Teachlearning Blog “Teaching administrators about Wikipedia” – I must admit that when Wikipedia first made my radar I, too, was adament about my students not using it and/or treating it as an unreliable source.  Since learning more about it, especially after watching the founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales TEDTalks video, I’ve changed my mind.  While I think students should be allowed to BEGIN their research on Wikipedia, just as with any encyclopedia, they shouldn’t use it as their ONLY source.  Just as with Google, it’s a way of finding out quick information or answers to questions, but students still need to judge for bias and accuracy.

Time for a Story – a Windows Live Messenger service that allows you to share storytime with your child even when you are apart.  Seems an easy enough setup – PC, Internet access, Windows Live Messenger, a webcam, and microphone.  The benefit of this method over say, Skype, is that your screen has the narration and your child’s screen shows the story/animation.  Watch the demo.  Unfortunately, I’m on a Mac and don’t think Windows Live is available for Macs.  Bummer!

Here’s one that is not really an educational or professional tidbit, but in this economic crunch, you may find it useful:  CouponMom.com Registration is free and you can print grocery coupons, resturant coupons, and request free samples.

I’ve taken some time off from the Odds & Ends posts, as well as with reading my RSS feeds. Hey, I deserve some time off for summer vacation, too! However, I’m ready to get back to sharing. Here are some articles and blog posts I’ve found interesting:

Washington Post - “Travelers’ Laptops May Be Detained At Border” – “Big Brother Is Watching”. Just another reason to ensure our students are reading 1984, and discussing the implications of these types of policies to the average citizen. “No, Mr. Smith, I don’t have to give you a reason why I’m taking your laptop/cellphone/iPod. Nor do I have to give it back anytime soon or at all. Just another way we’re stomping all over your civil liberties keeping America safe from terrorists.”

Endgadget – “Local public school students get assigned Zunes” – Students in Missouri are getting Zunes to assist them with their learning. It will be interesting to see the results of the study.

NYT.com – “Holding Back Young Students: Is Program a Gift or a Stigma?” – Thoughts anyone? Getting students up to grade level is important, but at what cost? What concerned me is this statement: “The special classes, which are limited to 15 students and follow a pared-down curriculum of reading, writing and arithmetic, are called the Gift of Time and come with extras like tutoring and field trips to a local farm.” Eliminating arts (again!) as a sacrifice to “the basics” – what student would look forward to that every day?

Washington Post – “The Odd World of E-School Teachers” – an interesting article about virtual schools and teachers who teach them. I’m all for providing opportunities for students to learn at their own pace and environment, but what is the cost to their education? If all of the “classes” are via computers, you’ve lost that face to face interaction that, for me, seem vital to connecting with your students. Maybe they do some Skype type interaction?

Steve Dembo – Teach42 blog – “Aaahhh, the joys of being a teacher” – Just for fun, take a look at these examples of student answers on tests. Boy, I wish I was as creative as these kids when I was in school – who am I kidding, I wish I was this creative now!