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Descriptors:
Achievement Gap; Learner Engagement; Electronic Learning; Internet; Online Courses; Access to Information; Information Policy; Information Theory; Information Networks; Technology Uses in Education; Educational Innovation; Barriers; Educational Improvement; Improvement Programs; Educational Practices

Abstract:
In education, technology is giving new meaning to the phrase "equal opportunity." Teachers and students in schools across America--urban, rural, wealthy, and impoverished--are gaining access to online learning and all of its benefits through broadband technology. What is broadband? According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), it is high-speed internet access that allows users to tap into information and take advantage of internet-related services that are difficult or impossible to move through slower, dial-up telephone lines. Text, images, and sound are all transmitted digitally as bits of data. Broadband is an education equalizer. A high-speed internet connection breaks down the barriers to accessing advanced learning materials and instruction. It also can heighten student engagement and enable personalized instruction that caters to varying learning styles. Kramer Middle School, a part of the District of Columbia Public Schools, is one of the district's 40 lowest-performing schools. This article describes the new program Kramer is embarking on that is predicted to better engage students and dramatically improve test scores. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Outcomes of Education; Occupational Information; Career Exploration; Information Networks; Academic Achievement; High School Students; Beliefs; Models

Abstract:
To evaluate a stutter-step model of academic performance in high school, this article adopts a unique measure of the beliefs of 12,591 high school sophomores from the Education Longitudinal Study, 2002-2006. Verbatim responses to questions on occupational plans are coded to capture specific job titles, the listing of multiple jobs, and the listing of multiple jobs with divergent characteristics. The educational requirements of detailed jobs, as specified in the Department of Labor's Occupational Information Network database, are then matched to all jobs that students list within their plans. Students with uncertain beliefs about their occupational futures are then shown to have lower levels of commitment to and performance in school. These results support the conjecture that uncertainty about the future has consequences for the short-run behavior that determines important educational outcomes, beyond the effects that are commonly attributed to existing models of performance. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Systems Development; Educational Technology; Technology Planning; Information Networks; Shared Resources and Services; Information Policy; Data Processing; Information Services; Cost Effectiveness; Online Vendors

Abstract:
"Rent or buy?" is a question people ask about everything from housing to textbooks. It is also a question universities must consider when it comes to high-performance computing (HPC). With the advent of Amazon's Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Microsoft Windows HPC Server, Rackspace's OpenStack, and other cloud-based services, researchers now have the ability to quickly rent space and time on an HPC cluster, a collection of linked nodes that run as if they were one computer. Researchers who need to process vast amounts of data can buy an HPC cluster, rent a cloud-based solution, or opt for a hybrid approach. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Technology Planning; Information Networks; Systems Development; Computer Networks; Telecommunications; Information Technology; Program Administration; Program Implementation; Campuses

Abstract:
Many institutions implement a distributed antenna system (DAS) as part of a holistic approach to providing better wireless coverage and capacity on campus. A DAS provides wireless service within a particular area or structure via a network of separate antenna nodes that are connected to a common source through fiber or coaxial cable. Because DAS antenna node installations are compact, they can be deployed either inside or outdoors. They are more expensive to deploy than macrocellular towers, however, so DAS networks are often used to augment coverage and address capacity constraints in a targeted area. For many institutions, the most economical way to obtain both coverage and capacity on campus is probably a hybrid approach that utilizes a variety of technologies, including DAS, other small cells, and even macrocellular towers. Universities can help bring down the cost of a DAS by contributing existing campus assets and resources such as fiber, space to house the DAS base-station hotel, and staff familiar with the existing IT infrastructure. Before a school deploys a DAS, administrators should consider what additional services they might want to provide via the network. Many colleges and universities use their DAS to add applications covering student safety, security, and event and transportation updates. Some schools even push courseware to wireless devices, while others use it to make money from third-party vendors by sharing revenues from apps designed for campus use or from advertising opportunities. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Library Services; Reference Services; Library Development; Online Systems; Library Administration; Computer Software Evaluation; Usability; Performance Technology; Information Networks; Computer Mediated Communication

Abstract:
Competition in the virtual reference market got really hot this past summer. Recent developments in virtual reference offerings suggest the market is much more dynamic than most people would have imagined a short time ago. With Google's acquisition of Meebo and its subsequent decision to shut down the chat widget service, many libraries scrambled to replace this tool as their virtual reference engine. The good news was that other significant changes in the virtual reference marketplace were taking place, providing reference librarians with plenty of options. This article aims to highlight recent developments and compare and contrast the services to help libraries select the most appropriate service in this surprising dynamic virtual reference market. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Equipment Maintenance; Technical Support; Information Technology; Technology Planning; Information Networks; Institutional Mission; Library Administration; Library Automation; Library Development; Library Equipment; Library Services; Performance Technology

Abstract:
In the library context, they depend on sophisticated business applications specifically designed to support their work. This infrastructure consists of such components as integrated library systems, their associated online catalogs or discovery services, and self-check equipment, as well as a Web site and the various online tools and services needed to manage and provide access to library resources. These systems work together to support the behind-the-scenes work, in-person services for patrons and virtual mobile and Web-based services. In this month's column, the author explores some of the layers of attention that need to be in place to ensure that technology contributes its full potential to the success of the organization. Some of these layers fall into the area of routine, but often deferred, maintenance, as well as larger-scale renovation or rebuilding projects. A stable, reliable, and well-designed technical infrastructure doesn't happen by itself. It requires that the library address the layers of routine maintenance, incremental improvements, and periodic reinvestment appropriate for such mission-critical assets. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Information Services; Internet; Technology Planning; Access to Information; Library Administration; Library Automation; Library Development; Performance Factors; Information Theory; Information Networks

Abstract:
Broadband and bandwidth allocation is an essential technology planning activity that libraries should address on a continual basis. There are five key factors that will impact your network's performance: 1. infrastructure, 2. network load, 3. workstation performance, 4. prioritization of services, and 5. network management. The author thinks it's safe to say that bandwidth management should be an important part of every library's technology planning practices. You can't provide quality information services for your community if you don't have adequate bandwidth. Healthy planning and network management practices are key to keeping your customers happy. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Urban Schools; School Districts; Principals; Data Analysis; Elementary Schools; Elementary School Mathematics; Language Arts; Elementary Education; Core Curriculum; Administrative Organization; Power Structure; School Organization; Instructional Leadership; Leadership Role; Theory Practice Relationship; Teacher Administrator Relationship; Staff Role; Information Networks

Abstract:
This article examines how formal school leaders are positioned in their school's instructional networks based on an analysis of data from all 30 elementary schools in one mid-sized urban school district. Premised on the assumption that advice and information are key building blocks for knowledge development, we analyzed the instructional advice and information networks for mathematics and language arts, the two core elementary school subjects. Our exploratory account examines the prominence of formal leaders in their school's instructional networks as well as their membership and distribution across subgroups within these networks. Our analysis suggests that, although the school principal is not a central actor in the instructional advice and information network in a majority of these schools, formally designated school leaders as a group do occupy central positions. Examining formal school leaders' network and subgroup membership as well as their distribution across subgroups in schools, our account suggests that full-time and especially part-time formal school leaders play important roles in how elementary schools organize for instruction, brokering relations among staff and as representatives of the formal organization in subgroups. We also explore relations between formal school leaders' positioning in these networks and their schools' alignment with standards and normative structures. (Contains 6 tables and 5 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
State Standards; Integrated Services; Principals; Educational Change; High School Graduates; State Schools; Program Implementation; Academic Standards; Technology Integration; Program Descriptions; Alignment (Education); Systems Approach; Information Networks; Knowledge Management; Instructional Leadership; Change Strategies

Abstract:
Kentucky is no stranger to education reform, having worked for the better part of 20 years on raising standards to improve student achievement. In 2009, the Kentucky General Assembly called for more rigorous standards to address high school graduates' college and career readiness. So when the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers led states to develop Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in language arts and mathematics in 2010, Kentucky became the first state to adopt the standards. During the 2011-2012 school year, teachers in Kentucky implemented the standards in all grades and in the spring of 2012, students were assessed on CCSS. This article describes how Kentucky prepared principals to integrate the standards with leadership networks and a new technology platform. The implementation of CCSS in Kentucky has brought about systems change. Principals have had to communicate the changes to their education communities while providing teachers with the necessary resources for success. In developing principal and teacher capacity, working collaboratively, and supporting district and school planning processes, Kentucky will realize the intended vision of CCSS, with more children graduating prepared for success in college and career. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Computer Software; Open Source Technology; Computer System Design; Human Factors Engineering; Information Networks; Computer Mediated Communication; Individual Characteristics; Semi Structured Interviews; Questionnaires; Communities of Practice; Politics of Education; Educational Researchers; Computer Software Reviews; Network Analysis; Educational Practices

Abstract:
This article addresses the question of understanding more about networked universities by looking at open source software developers working in academic contexts. It sketches their identities and work as an emerging professional community that both relies upon and develops digitally mediated networks and contributes to the progress of academic knowledge and scientific discoveries. The data for this study revolve around questionnaire responses from developers working on two open source software projects, one from the field of biology, the other from education. It provides a rare glimpse into a highly specialised social world. The study demonstrates how the commitments and ideals of open source software developers not only contribute to universities as digitally network institutions, but are foundational to their very constitution. (Contains 1 table.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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