XplanaZine

Updates on: ebook reader technology, report on k-12 online learning programs, an evaluation of continuing and professional education websites, the relationship between webspace choice and socioeconomic background, and the cost and efficiency of public education

People are talking about the new Kindle electronic reader by Amazon. A blogger gives her personal but very informed, research-backed opinion, suggesting that this kind of technology is perhaps old-fashioned and explaining why we need a version with more of a “digital twist.” – TechLearning

According to Keeping Pace, a new report on K-12 online learning researched and written by Evergreen Consulting Associates, most online learning programs are growing by 25 percent each year, with 42 states running significant supplemental, full-time or combined supplemental and full-time online learning programs. However, the report also notes that the majority of education leaders still lack sufficient policy oversight to maintain student opportunities and demonstrate quality to stakeholders. — T.H.E. Journal

A study by educational consultancy Eduventures reveals that continuing and professional education (CPE) websites do not rank well in some key functionality areas, such as content, search capabilities, and multimedia. According to the report, CPE sites are strong on aesthetics and marketing but lack depth. — Campus Technology

A Northwestern University study suggests that students’ choice of webspace (MySpace, Facebook or Xanga) might be related to social factors, such as race, ethnicity and parents’ education. The findings challenge the ideas about the Web’s potential to improve people’s lives by sidestepping physical constraints. — EurekAlert

The cost of public education in Illinois has increased dramatically over the past 12 years, but has student performance improved? Is the ACT or the ISAT a better indicator of student knowledge level? The author of this article has strong opinions on both questions and backs her convictions with data from research institutions in Illinois and DC. — Chicago Daily Herald