The latest news from eSchool News.

• Obama launches new STEM initiatives

President Barack Obama on Nov. 23 announced the launch of several nationwide programs to help motivate and inspire students to excel in science and math, including a grassroots effort called "National Lab Day" and a White House science fair. Key words: science and math, Barack Obama, education technology, National Lab Day


• Revised Google Book deal disappoints many

College and university library officials are largely disappointed with Google's decision to exclude non-English books from its digital library in a concession to critics of a proposed legal settlement, saying the move would cut Google's massive online collection in half and could hamper campus research. Key words: Google Book Search, digital library, digital books, educational technology, copyright lawsuit


• Competition seeks ways to transform learning

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has announced a $2 million open competition for ideas to transform learning using digital media. Key words: MacArthur Foundation, educational technology, school technology, online courses, digital media


• More states have education data systems

According to a new report, every state is on track to have a longitudinal data system that follows the progress of individual students from preschool through college by 2011, thanks in part to funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA). However, many states still lack key elements in their data systems that could inform critical policy discussions. Key words: longitudinal data, Data Quality Campaign, education data, education technology, state data


• Students learn dangers of distracted driving

Amid alarming statistics about the number of teens who text or use cell phones while driving, school districts are starting to play a role in educating their students about the dangers of such behaviors. Key words: texting while driving, educational technology, cell phone texting, distracted driving, teen driving safety


• School libraries key in teaching information skills

When school media specialists and educators make an effort to become familiar with the social-networking web sites and technologies that today's students use each day, they can forge important learning connections with their students: That was one of the key messages to come out of the American Association of School Librarians' annual conference, held Nov. 5-8 in Charlotte, N.C. Key words: educational technology, AASL, library media specialist, school library, school media center, 21st century learning


• Gates Foundation funds teacher quality models

Three school districts and a coalition of charter schools have agreed to be test kitchens for some radical ideas for improving teacher quality -- from paying new teachers to spend another year practicing before getting their own class to letting student test scores affect teacher pay. Key words: Bill and Melinda Gates, educational technology, school technology, school funding, teacher quality, Gates Foundation


• Finalists chosen in national student video contest

In the second stage of the "I Am What I Learn" video contest from the federal Education Department (ED), 10 student videos have been chosen as national finalists--and ED is asking the public to help it pick the winners. Key words: department of education, i am what I learn, video contest, education contest, education technology