Wednesday, March 18, 2009

National library statistics

The 2008 Digest of Education Statistics includes a chapter devoted to Libraries and Educational Technology and can be downloaded by itself.
The 44th in a series of publications initiated in 1962, the Digest's primary purpose is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of American education from prekindergarten through graduate school. The Digest contains data on a variety of topics, including the number of schools and colleges, teachers, enrollments, and graduates, in addition to educational attainment, finances, and federal funds for education, libraries, and international comparisons.
Digest of Education Statistics, 2008
http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009020_7.pdf
Libraries and Educational Technology
http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2009020

Monday, March 16, 2009

Teen Online Time study

America's youth are developing important social and technical skills online, often in ways adults do not understand or value. While adults often view online activity as risky or an unproductive distraction, youth understand the social value of online activity and are generally highly motivated to participate. By participating online, young people are learning basic social and technical skills that they need to fully participate in modern society and are able to connect with individuals in different locations and of different ages who share their interests, making it possible to pursue interests that might not be popular with or valued by their local peer groups.
The report also found that online media, messages, and profiles that young people post can travel beyond expected audiences and are often difficult to eradicate after the fact. The rapid pace of change online may also present challenges for both adults and young people as they struggle to keep up with technology and related developments.

“New Study Shows Time Spent Online Important for Teen Development.” John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
http://www.macfound.org/atf/cf/%7BB0386CE3-8B29-4162-8098-E466FB856794%7D/DML_ETHNOG_WHITEPAPER.PDF