Teen blogging study

Teens' interest in blogs is declining
Blogging is becoming less popular with young people, according to a Pew Research Center study, with the number of bloggers ages 12 to 17 declining by 50% between 2006 and 2009. Some say blogs are too time-consuming to maintain and attract too few viewers, while others say bloggers are simply wrapping other social forms into their online activities.
Pew Research Center Internet and American Life Project. (201). Generations 2010.
http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Generations-2010.aspx

Educational technology trends report

This annual report presents the five emerging trends that eSchool Media believes will take root in 2011, due to the large amount of attention these trends received in 2010, as well as the positive results they produced in student achievement and administrative effectiveness in schools, districts, and states.

In this report you’ll find the latest news on:

• Classroom instruction trends
• Mobile devices trends
• eReading technology trends
• Virtualization trends
• Bullying trends, and much more

School Technology Action Report: Emerging Trends: 2011. eSchool Media.
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/02/03/emerging-trends-2011/

college students and technology study

Survey shows college students favor technology-infused education
Many college students say more technology is needed on campus to help them balance the demands of school and jobs, a national survey found. The study, by the education group looked at how students manage busy schedules that include academics, jobs and extracurricular activities. The study then recommended more online options for classes, textbooks and projects.

The study, which included 751 students and 201 educators from colleges and universities across the country, examined how students handle hectic schedules that include full-time course loads, jobs, and extracurricular activities. The survey results were indicative of nontraditional students who find time before or after work to take classes and earn a college degree. Enrollment in online educational programs has skyrocketed in the past two years – especially at community colleges — as millions of adults return to school during the country’s economic downturn.

Eduventures. (2010). Instructors and Students: Technology Use, Engagement and Learning Outcomes.
Cengage Learning.
http://www.cengage.com/press/release/20100407.html

Broadband map analysis

Digital divide persists as Obama reaches out to tech leaders on innovation, education
Much of rural America remains locked out of broadband access, according to a national study. It found that as many as 10% of Americans cannot connect to high-speed fixed or wireless Internet services.
U.S. Department of Commerce. (2011). National Broadband Map.
http://www.broadbandmap.gov/

high school completion study

Advises governments, workforce development groups, school districts, postsecondary institutions, and others on expanding routes to high school completion through state and local policy, cross-system collaboration, data, capacity-building, and funding.
Weeter, Christina; Nancy Martin. (2011). Building Roads to Success: Key Considerations for Communities & States Reconnecting Youth to Education. National Youth Employment Coalition.
http://nyec.org/content/documents/Building%20Roads%20cover-FINAL.pdf

Teacher layoff study

Analyzes the factors that predict which teachers are likely to be laid off in Washington state in the current seniority-based system and which would likely be laid off in an effectiveness-based system. Considers implications for student achievement.
Goldhaber, Dan; Roddy Theobald. (2010). Assessing the Determinants and Implications of Teacher Layoffs. Urban Institute.
http://www.urban.org/uploadedpdf/1001496-Assessing-Teacher-Layoffs.pdf

Open Education Resources study

A 2011 study finds that OER are more widely used where programmes or inititatives for open resources exist at the institutional level. The lesser the fear, insecurity or discomfort towards Open Educational Resources (OER), the higher the frequency of OER use. The report thus advocates building trust in OER in order to increase their actual usage, and building open learning architectures to transform learning.
Open Educational Quality Initiative. (2011). Beyond OER.
http://www.wsis-community.org/pg/announcements/view/59647/