ALABAMA SUPERCOMPUTER AUTHORITY
The AREN network is monitored and managed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from our Network Operations Center (NOC) located at the Alabama Supercomputer Center in Huntsville. Clients commonly call the NOC with questions concerning network connectivity, filtering, DNS, email, spam, videoconferencing, and firewalls. The NOC may be reached via email (helpdesk@asc.edu) or phone (800-338-8320 or 256-971-7447).
READING ABOUT EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Rural Americans are less likely to log on to the Internet at home with high-speed Internet connections than people living in other parts of the country. By the end of 2005, 24% of adult rural Americans went online at home with high-speed Internet connections compared with 39% of adults in urban and suburban areas. http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/176/report_display.asp
EDUCATION AND THE INTERNET
Exploring the Environment features 25 online modules that put students in problem-based learning scenarios. In one module, students predict the impact of increased carbon dioxide on the wheat yield in Kansas. In another, they predict weather 48 hours in advance. Topics include coral reefs, climate change, the Everglades, mountain gorillas, rainforests, volcanoes, water quality, and ozone depletion. (Center for Educational Technologies, supported by National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission: Teachers and Students offers tips, fact sheets, and online tools for learning about the basics of saving and investing, helping students understand the importance of planning for their financial future, and identifying questions to ask about our investments. Learn about mutual funds. Try the online retirement calculator. Take an online quiz to "test your money smarts." (Securities and Exchange Commission)
StudyDog Reading Program combines engaging rich multimedia and game-like activities your child will love, with research-proven reading curriculum and instructional methods that work. It is a complete Early Reading (pre-K thru 2nd grade) online program aligned with National and State standards, and the findings of the National Reading Panel. Help your child's reading today with either StudyDog's free Basic program, or StudyDog's Personal Program that is personalized specifically to your child.
The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (eNLVM) is an NSF supported project that began in 1999 to develop a library of uniquely interactive, web-based virtual manipulatives or concept tutorials, mostly in the form of Java applets, for mathematics instruction (K-12 emphasis).
The Mozart Project Web site is a comprehensive collection of everything you need to know about the life, times, and music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The site features a detailed biography of the renowned composer; his compositions; essays from Mozart experts; and links to other Mozart resources on the Web, including related academic resources.National Atlas - This Federal source is a new portrayal of America in maps and geographic information. Using new technologies, they honor traditions of accuracy, reliability, and innovation.
PBLnet - This Web site offers information, guidance, links, and lesson plans for implementing Project-Based Learning in 3-12 classrooms. All curricula are standards aligned and integrated across subject areas.
Women's History Month - Thomson Gale has assembled a collection of activities and information to complement classroom topics. Within this site, teachers and students can:
- Read biographies of significant women throughout time
- Take a quiz based on women and their achievements
- Follow a timeline of significant events in women's history
- Enjoy activities to celebrate women's history
Apples for the Teacher - This educational Web site for teachers and kids offers interactive learning games, quizzes, and worksheet-generator tools organized by subject.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
The 2006 All-USA Teacher Team recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers. Twenty individuals and instructional teams will be featured in USA Today as representatives of all outstanding teachers. Winners will have their photographs published and their accomplishments noted in the newspaper, and they will receive trophies and share $2,500 cash awards with their schools. (Each winning teacher receives $500. An individual winner receives $500, with $2,000 going to his or her school; each member on a team of four receives $500, with $500 going to the school.) Teachers can be nominated by anyone willing to put in writing why they are outstanding; nominees must complete the form explaining how they achieve their success. (Additional information)
The MetLife Foundation Bridge Builders Grant - With funding from MetLife Foundation, NASSP administers the MetLife Foundation Bridge Builders Grant Program for public middle level and high schools serving large numbers of low-income students and/or underrepresented minorities (40% or more of the student body). Twenty-five grant awardees receive $5,000 to implement a special initiative aimed at building better relationships among adults and students. (Additional information)