THS cuts journalism for digital media focus

by Crystal Dominguez, Temple Telegram

Temple High School recently announced the discontinuation of its online news website, The Catalyst, after cutting their journalism class. Brad Sheffield taught journalism at the school for three years until he decided to adapt to the times. “We started examining the landscape of media and journalism and how it is ever-changing,” he said. “Obviously there is a big push at Temple ISD for technology … so we wanted to keep that trend going and for the kids sake it was probably better to focus on the video side of things from a production and journalistic standpoint.”Sheffield — who has a journalism degree from Sam Houston State and a background in public relations — said he is still teaching students the principles of journalism and incorporating them into video production and broadcasting.

http://www.tdtnews.com/news/article_41a66388-77a9-11e6-befd-df493f3b39e8.html

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=18266

Online classrooms combating teacher shortage

by Nichole Osinski, the Spectrum

A nationwide teaching shortage is forcing some districts to take a more creative look at how to continue providing education for students. Schools within approximately 150 districts throughout the U.S. are now streaming in certified teachers through a partnership with Proximity Learning, an Austin-based education company. The teachers head up the classroom lessons until a full-time faculty member can be hired. Proximity Learning CEO Evan Erdberg said the program started about seven years ago when a number of schools were trying to incorporate Chinese learning into classrooms. Erdberg said since expanding to other subjects, specifically in areas that have been harder for districts to find educators, he has seen more schools bringing in streaming classrooms.

http://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2016/09/08/online-classrooms-combating-teacher-shortage/89974390/

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=18191

Pokemon Go… and Global Success Skills?

by John McCarthy, Edutopia

Not since Minecraft has there been an entertainment program that captures the imagination of so many people. Pokémon Go is addictive for blending imagination from the Pokémon game world into the real environments of our communities. Establishing a learning culture of mutual support for growth is important at the start of and during the school year. Group students by teams with the charge of helping each other collect the same Pokémon into their respective Pokédex. Use the Pokémon Go app to set one or two Lures on or near campus, depending on the number of participants. This will encourage students to migrate between locations rather than standing around. To adequately complete the task, set a number of Pokémon to catch during a specific time period to ensure that all students stay active. Have teams submit their individual Journals (under the player’s name icon) to verify their participation. The Journal tracks each achievement with a timestamp, such as Pokémon caught and items received from a PokéStop.

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/pokemon-go-global-success-skills-john-mccarthy

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=17504

Virtual school and learning programs analyzed in new reports

by WhaTech Channel: Market Research Reports

According to the Virtual Schools Market in the US 2015-2019 report by MarketResearchReports.biz, the U.S. virtual schools market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.02% through 2019. Virtual schools scrutinized in the report are categorized in one of three categories: primary schools, high schools, and K-12 schools. So, what’s contributing to the virtual schools market’s growth? You’ll have to read the full report for a complete list of market drivers, although one of the drivers cited is the customized learning experienced offered by virtual schools.

https://www.whatech.com/market-research/news/189257-virtual-school-and-learning-programs-analyzed-in-new-reports

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from Educational Technology http://people.uis.edu/rschr1/et/?p=16677