Home Tags Posts tagged with "Learning.com"
Tag:

Learning.com

CIPA compliance with learning.com
Digital CitizenshipLibrariesPlanning and PreparationTechnology Applications

CIPA Compliance Made Easy with Learning.com

by Rachel Minton
written by Rachel Minton

The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), enacted by Congress in 2000, addresses
concerns about children’s access to harmful online content. It specifically applies to schools and
libraries that receive discounts for Internet access through the E-rate program, which provides discounts to schools and libraries across the United States to help them
with affordable Internet access).

CIPA Compliance Requirements

To maintain CIPA compliance, schools and libraries must focus on several key standards, including:

Internet Safety Policy: Schools and libraries must have an Internet safety policy that includes technology protection measures. These measures block or filter access to obscene, child pornography, or harmful content for minors.

Monitoring Online Activities: Schools must monitor minors’ online activities.

Educating Minors: Schools must educate students about appropriate online behavior, including social networking and cyberbullying awareness. 

Who is best equipped to help schools meet CIPA Compliance? 

We know that Librarians wear many hats throughout the craziness of a school year, but in many ways, they are a great fit for helping schools meet CIPA requirements and bring digital citizenship education to students. The AASL standards include digital citizenship as an important component, so if you can work to align district or school E-Rate goals with your standards and curriculum, students and educators will both benefit from the time saved and added organization.

Plus, Librarians are information and media literacy experts! They have the knowledge and skills to evaluate the credibility and reliability of resources, navigate digital information landscapes and critically analyze media messages. This expertise allows them to guide students in developing the necessary skills to be discerning and responsible consumers of digital content.

Tips for Success: 

Planning 

The most effective planning tactic you can use is communication. Always ensure everyone in the school or district is aware of the plan to avoid confusion. Some districts file E-Rate through E-Rate coordinators or Technology Directors, so my suggestion for librarians or library teams is to select curriculum for each grade level, ensuring that it meets the CIPA for E-Rate requirements and coordinate the plan with the person responsible for filing for E-Rate funds.

Implementation

Make sure that you, or the educators that will be leading the curriculum, have familiarized yourself with the lesson plans and student expectations. Print out any posters or resources you plan on using in the classroom.

Documentation

This is one of the most important steps in CIPA Compliance for E-Rate. It’s vital that you stay organized and document your process in case of an audit. 

For a comprehensive list of all documentation required for E-rate, the USAC website offers an Auditor’s Checklist.

How Learning.com Helps Schools Meet CIPA Compliance Regulations

1. Comprehensive Curriculum

Learning.com offers a K-12 digital literacy curriculum that aligns with CIPA requirements. Educators can seamlessly integrate lessons on internet safety, responsible online behavior, and cybersecurity.

2. Engaging Content

Our interactive modules keep students engaged while building essential digital skills. From multimedia presentations to understanding cybersecurity, Learning.com provides dynamic learning experiences.

3. Professional Development

We support educators too! Learning.com offers professional development resources to keep teachers informed about the latest trends in digital literacy. From on-demand training to webinars and blogs, our Online Training Center has a ton of resources for educators. 

Unlock State Funding with Ease

By using Learning.com to ensure the educating minors aspect of CIPA compliance, schools can more confidently access state funding. Our user-friendly platform simplifies the process, empowering educators to create a safe digital environment for students.

Remember, CIPA compliance isn’t just a requirement—it’s a way for schools and libraries to demonstrate their commitment to creating a safer online environment for students and library users!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmail
How Texas Schools Are Integrating the Tech App TEKS with Learning.com.
Technology ApplicationsTEKS

How Texas Schools Are Integrating the TA-TEKS

by Shari Tomlinson
written by Shari Tomlinson

Exciting developments are on the horizon for K-8 schools across Texas as they gear up to implement the new Technology Applications TEKS (Tech Apps/TA-TEKS) in the upcoming school year. With a focus on integrating the Tech Apps TEKS into core curriculum areas, schools and districts are charting their unique paths to ensure seamless adoption and effective instruction.

The essence of the new TA-TEKS lies in their integration into existing curriculum, rather than being taught in isolation. While this vision aligns with a holistic approach to education, many districts are grappling with the challenge of implementation. Understaffing and the rollout of new initiatives are causing administrators to tread cautiously and be mindful of not overwhelming classroom teachers already overwhelmed with responsibilities.

The Benefits of a Phased Approach

Learning.com's Tech App TEKS resources support computational thinking, digital literacy, and creativity.
Screenshot by Emily Horn | Learning.com’s TechApps for Texas

Districts like Deer Park ISD are launching an initiative that unpacks the new Tech Apps TEKS and provides comprehensive guidance for teachers. Kelly Grigg, Coordinator of Instructional Technology, highlights the dual purpose of this initiative: to visually introduce and embed Technology Applications TEKS into teaching practices, and to serve as a checklist for seamless integration across departments and grade levels.

Integrating TA-TEKS into core subjects emerges as a natural progression for many districts. English language arts and science curricula, for instance, seamlessly accommodate elements of the TEKS, fostering a symbiotic relationship between technology and traditional subjects. Moreover, districts with computer labs leverage these resources to cover additional TA-TEKS, supplementing classroom instruction effectively.

The phased approach not only cultivates teacher comfort with the technology curriculum but also sets the stage for broader adoption in subsequent years. Despite varied implementation strategies, the underlying consensus remains steadfast: the imperative to equip students with essential technology skills transcends any challenges encountered along the way.

How Learning.com Can Help

Learning.com offers supporting resources for integrating the Tech App TEKS.
Screenshot by Emily Horn | Learning.com’s TechApps for Texas

At Learning.com, we stand committed to supporting educators in this pivotal journey to implement the new TA-TEKS. The recent adoption of Learning.com’s TechApps for Texas further fuels our mission to empower teachers with equitable and easily implementable resources. From fostering digital literacy to promoting safe and responsible device usage, Learning.com is dedicated to ensuring that every student receives the essential tools to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

As Texas schools embark on this transformative endeavor, we invite educators to join us in shaping a future where technology empowers every learner to succeed. Together, let’s embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and equip our students for a world driven by innovation and digital fluency.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmail
Title: "LEVELING UP WITH TA-TEKS: COMPUTATIONAL THINKING, CODING, AND PYTHON"
Coding/Computer ScienceTEKS

Leveling Up with TA-TEKS: Computational Thinking, Coding, and Python

by Rachel Minton
written by Rachel Minton

One of the significant shifts in the updated Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications, or TA-TEKS, is a focus on teaching computer science skills. In fact, the revised TA-TEKS require foundational computational thinking skills to be taught as early as kindergarten.

This focus on computer science isn’t unique to us here in Texas. Already, 42 states have adopted computer science education standards, and 27 states, including Texas, require high schools to offer computer science to students.

Quote block "This focus on computer science isn’t unique to us here in Texas. Already, 42 states have adopted computer science education standards, and 27 states, including Texas, require high schools to offer computer science to students."

“Across the country, there’s a growing movement to provide computer science education to every student, in every school, at every grade level,” says Keith Oelrich, CEO of Learning.com. 

Focus on Computational Thinking and Coding

Within the revised TA-TEKS, Computational Thinking is a new strand. You may be left wondering, what exactly is computational thinking, and why is it important for students? 

Computational thinking encompasses skills such as pattern recognition, decomposition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking, all of which are powerful tools for real-world problem solving as well as foundational skills for coding.

Students can begin to develop essential computational thinking skills at the earliest grades in school, without even using a computer, and gradually build toward learning the coding and computer programming languages that allow them to create their own projects.

Programming with Python

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, opening doors to in-demand careers in data analysis, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and app development. Hundreds of thousands of companies, including some of the most well-known brands of our era – Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, Etsy, Tesla – are powered by Python.

At Learning.com, we’re very excited about our recent acquisition of Codesters, after years of partnership with the company. With the acquisition, Learning.com can offer even more of Codesters’ popular interactive, web-based Python coding curriculum to schools through our existing comprehensive EasyTech digital literacy curriculum and EasyCode computer programming curriculum. 

Screenshot of linked blog article about Learning.com's acquisition of Codesters, a web-based Python coding curriculum.
Read more about Learning.com and Codesters.

Codesters helps students learn key coding principles using Python. In each lesson, students complete a project through a series of activities that include coding challenges, debugging practice, and quizzes. Each lesson ends with an additional coding exercise in which students create their own project applying the skills learned.

Our high-school level offering includes advanced Python lessons and even prepares students for certifications that can directly lead to jobs.

Breaking Barriers with Python Webinar

Join us on April 6, 2023 for the TCEA webinar, Breaking Barriers with Python to learn more about this powerful coding language and how you can prepare your students for the new TA-TEKS, and equip them to excel in the digital world. Click here to register.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmail
STAARTechnology ApplicationsTesting

EasyTech Addresses Revised TA-TEKS and Online Testing Needs

by Rachel Minton
written by Rachel Minton

Texas schools have big changes on the horizon when it comes to digital skills. This year, our Lone Star students will be required to take their statewide assessments online for the first time ever. Then, we’re gearing up to implement revised technology applications standards, or TA-TEKS, that go into effect in 2024. These shifts are likely to drive some of the conversations at TCEA soon. At Learning.com, we’re more than just ready, we’re excited about these changes!

The changes to TA-TEKS are fairly significant. K-8 students will be required not only to know the basics of how to use technology but also to develop broad computer science skills, including computational thinking, coding, computer programming, and online safety. 

“My advice to teachers and school districts is to begin reviewing and studying the standards now so you will be prepared for their implementation in the 2024-2025 school year. These standards will take a much more concerted effort to implement than the ones they are replacing.” 

– Jennifer Bergland, TCEA 

Thankfully, Learning.com already offers robust content in these areas as part of our comprehensive digital literacy curriculum. We’ve long known that for today’s students to succeed in the digital world, they will need to master a broad range of skills. These skills go well beyond the basics of navigating a computer and knowing how to type properly. 

FREE Ebook Download:  The Truth About Digital Literacy 

EasyTech Meets 100% of Current TA-TEKS

Learning.com EasyTech Curriculum

Learning.com’s EasyTech offers a content library of 1,000 lessons, games, videos, and practice exercises by grade. These resources cover everything from online safety and digital citizenship to algorithmic thinking and coding. Because it’s all in one place, it’s a lifesaver for teachers, whether or not they are tech-savvy themselves.

For example, Corpus Christi ISD has been using Learning.com’s EasyTech since 2017. They were looking for a program that would address Technology Application TEKS, E-Rate, and David’s Law. EasyTech turned out to be popular for both students and teachers who had been cobbling together online resources to cover crucial digital skills.

“When Learning.com came along, I was like ‘Hallelujah!’ Learning.com has everything we cover, everything I was searching for online, and more. I love the structure of it, the units, the lesson plans and interactive lessons and discussions.”

–Debra Garcia, technology applications teacher, CCISD

Learning.com was the only program adopted by the state of Texas to meet 100% of current TA-TEKS, and we are committed to maintaining our adoption for the revised standards, as well.

Prep for Online Assessments

Learning.com EasyTech Prep for Online Assessment

This spring, when Texas students take their state test, STAAR, online for the first time, some may stumble based not on their content knowledge but on their computer skills. Research has shown that a student’s comfort level with the testing medium can impact their performance. Of course, every teacher wants their students’ content knowledge to shine through on the STAAR.

Here again, Learning.com has schools covered with our Texas Prep for Online Assessment. This series of lessons provides students with the digital literacy skills they need to succeed in online tests, including computer fundamentals, typing, and word processing. It even includes skills practice, so students experience icons, tools, and navigation similar to what they will see in online assessments this spring.  Best of all, Prep for Online Assessment is included with our EasyTech curriculum.

Visit Learning.com at TCEA 2023

I’ll be at TCEA’s Convention & Exposition in San Antonio from January 30-February 2, talking to educators from Texas and beyond. I hope you’ll stop by our booth #1044 to ask any questions you have about digital literacy and computer science skills for Texas students. There are definitely big changes coming down the pipe, but with 20 years of experience, Learning.com is the perfect partner to help you navigate them like a star!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmail
learning.com
Digital LiteracyTechnology Applications

Gearing Up for the 2019 TCEA Convention with Learning.com

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

We’re excited that Learning.com will be in San Antonio in February for the annual TCEA Convention & Exposition. For the 2019 Convention, we’ll be at Booth #937 and welcome you to share your experiences and learn how Learning.com helps you and your students meet TA-TEKS standards, prepare for online assessments, and excel in a digital world. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect.

Keyboarding

Do your students lack proficient keyboarding skills? Prepare them for success with Adaptive Keyboarding, a TA-TEKS standards-aligned, gamified curriculum that includes direct instruction, guided practice, application exercises, and quizzes. Students master proper touch-typing techniques and effectively use word processing tools in real-world situations. Students and educators monitor their progress through instantaneous results and dashboards and show success by obtaining mastery badges and levels.

Coding and Computational Thinking

Want to prepare your students for opportunities in computer science and coding, but not sure where to begin?  Introduce them to coding concepts with EasyTech’s computational thinking lessons which help them develop a foundation in cognitive skills and problem-solving processes. Students apply their computational thinking skills with real programming languages in EasyTech’s coding curriculum to solve challenges and work towards building their own apps and games. Because our lessons contain detailed teacher resources, lesson plans, and solution sets, getting your students to code has never been easier—even for teachers with no prior coding experience.

Online Safety and Digital Citizenship

Equip students with the skills they need to stay safe online, determine what information is credible on the internet, and make informed decisions. EasyTech’s positive, research-based approach to online safety and digital citizenship helps educators take on tough issues such as cyberbullying and encourages students to be aware and safe online. It can also be used to document compliance with federal e-Rate requirements.

Technology Applications

Can your students communicate, collaborate and create effectively with word processors, spreadsheets, and presentations? EasyTech provides students with understanding and practice with these vital digital tools and more. These technology applications are presented in a generic software environment to help students transfer their knowledge and skills to a variety of business applications they may encounter to in high school, college, and the workforce.

Standards-Aligned Digital Literacy Assessments

How do you know your students are truly digitally literate? Our Digital Literacy Assessment can tell you the answer. These assessments help districts gain practical insight into how well fifth- and eighth-grade students comprehend digital literacy concepts and apply digital skills. Digital Literacy Assessment been awarded the ISTE “Seal of Alignment” and provides the real-time data and easy-to-interpret dashboards needed to make informed decisions and ensure students are prepared for success.

Interoperability

Want to make it easy to teach and learn digital literacy? Deliver EasyTech digital literacy curriculum directly in Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, or most other learning management systems.  Students and teachers not only access and consume EasyTech curriculum in your school’s own learning management system; they also monitor progress and check grades as well, saving time and frustration associated with learning new platforms or managing multiple logins to multiple learning platforms.

This is a sponsored blog written by Jeff Meyer and provided by Learning.com.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmail
Learning.com photo shoot
Digital LiteracyTechnology Applications

Gearing Up for TCEA 2018 with Learning.com

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

As the end of the year draws near, we start to look ahead at what we have coming up in 2018. We’re excited that Learning.com will once again return to Austin, Texas in February for the annual TCEA Convention & Exposition. For TCEA 2018, we’ll be at Booth #917 and will host a variety of info sessions. Here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect:

Keyboarding

Prepare students with this TA-TEKS Standards for Students-aligned curriculum that includes direct instruction, guided practice, application exercises, and quizzes. Students will master proper touch-typing techniques and effectively use word processing tools in real-world situations.

Online Safety and Digital Citizenship

Equip students with the skills they need to stay safe online, determine what information is credible on the internet, and make informed decisions. This positive, research-based approach helps educators take on tough issues such as cyberbullying and helps encourage students to be aware and safe online.

Coding and Computational Thinking

Introduce students to coding concepts with EasyTech’s Computational Thinking lessons which help them develop a foundation in cognitive skills and problem-solving processes needed to be successful in coding and core subject areas. Through EasyCode, students learn to code by solving challenges and work towards building their own apps and games.

Business Applications

Provide students with an understanding of spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, and more. These business applications are presented in a generic software environment to help prepare your students for the demands of the digital economy and variety of business applications they may be exposed to in high school, college, and the workforce.

ISTE-Aligned Digital Literacy Assessments

We’re excited to showcase our Digital Literacy Assessments at our booth. These assessments help districts gain practical insight into how well students comprehend digital literacy concepts. They are aligned to the 2016 ISTE Standards for Students and provide the real-time data needed to make informed decisions and ensure students are prepared for success.

Adaptive Keyboarding Instruction Is as Easy as 1…2…3…

Our Director of Education Jeff Meyer will be presenting a showcase on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 9:15 am in Room M1 at the Austin Convention Center. Learning.com’s Adaptive Keyboarding solution gives students a series of prescriptive pathways that adapt to their individual needs as they complete a combination of keyboarding practices. There are engaging gamification elements and teachers can create their own guided practices to provide students customized keyboarding practice that the teacher has chosen and created.

Will you be attending the TCEA Convention & Exposition this February? If so, we hope to see you in Austin. Sign up for an info session and reserve your spot now!

This is a sponsored blog post written by Jessica Hesselgrave, a blogger for our media partner Learning.com. 

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmail
coding
Coding/Computer Science

Go Bananas for Coding

by Lori Gracey
written by Lori Gracey

If you’re looking for resources to use with elementary and middle school students during Computer Science Education Week December 5-11, look no further than Learning.com’s free trial of EasyCode. Providing ready-to-go lesson plans, a quick-start guide, and in-depth video tutorials, the program helps students learn to code in CoffeeScript, a powerful coding language that is the foundation for JavaScript, the programming language for HTML.

“To give today’s students a competitive edge in the digital economy, it is more critical than ever that they build a solid foundation in computer science concepts,” said Keith Oelrich, CEO, Learning.com. “We are passionate about helping teachers introduce even their youngest students to computational thinking and coding, without needing any prior experience in teaching these skills.”

EasyCode offers elementary and middle school educators a fun, game-based, and turnkey instructional solution that features story and skill challenges, game lessons, a game builder, and progress monitoring so teachers can quickly and efficiently introduce coding skills to their students.

The Go Bananas movement extends Learning.com’s commitment to CSforAll, the President’s call-to-action for more computer science opportunities in all K-12 schools. CSforAll empowers K-12 students to learn computer science and develop the computational thinking skills necessary to spur the transition from consumer to creator in today’s digital economy.

Teachers interested in participating in the free trial may sign up here. Registration is open through November 29.

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmail