School funding

While all of America is focused on the Presidential race, important local issues will appear on the ballot as well, including funding requests by many school districts. If a newspaper poll is any reflection, the economic crisis could make school ballot issues a tough sell this election.

Tough Times for School Funding
The Columbus, Ohio, Dispatch ran a poll yesterday asking whether readers plan to vote for the school levy on the ballot. As I write this, a whopping 82% were telling the newspaper, "No." Many cited tough economic times as the reason. Sample comments:
"We all want more, however it a bad time to be asking."
"We are all being hit hard in this economy."
"During these tough economic times, we all have to tighten our belts a little."

IQity Offers Cost-Effective Solution
Of course, every school district has to be mindful of its expenses, whether or not it's asking for more community support. That's why its good to know that IQity's Learning Management Suite is free to school districts. Ask for an online demonstration to see how we can help you get started in online classes.

Educational Technology Petition

If you're tired of hearing from the Presidential candidates, here's a chance to let them hear from you. A group of education organizations has posted an online petition asking the next President to make educational technology for K-12 students a top national priority.

One Giant Leap for Kids
The petiiton is part of a public service campaign titled One Giant Leap for Kids, based on the idea that it was investment in education that enabled Neil Armstrong to take the first step on the Moon. The campaign argues that American students need a 21st century education to compete in the global economy.

Schools that sign up to use the IQity Learning Management Suite are able to offer students online classes and standards-aligned curriculum. IQity takes advantage of both technology and award-winning content to deliver quality education to today's students.

Elearning PowerPoint

Teachers at Ohio's first completely online school, the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT), are helping one another navigate the IQity training materials. Since teachers, like students, gather online, one of the teachers posted a Power Point presentation to help colleagues find Iqity tutorials.

Request a Demo

You can get a look at how IQity works by asking for an online demonstration from an elearning expert.

Distance Learning at High Speed

The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) has released a report calling for schools to upgrade their broadband internet connections. SETDA says many schools lack the high-speed connectivity necessary to support distance learning.

Technology Essential for Student Success
SETDA Executive Director Mary Ann Wolf said, "We now have data that show how technology makes a significant impact on student achievement in all subject areas and grade levels." Yet the report shows that many schools have slower internet connections than students may have at home if they get their home internet service through a cable provider.

SETDA encourages schools to coordinate with state and local governments and others to address broadband requirements and seek volume pricing. In Ohio, Governor Ted Strickland has set a goal to extend broadband access to the southeastern portion of the State, which is part of the rural Appalachian region and currently lacks broadband internet service in large areas.

Classroom Management Software

Communication and security are crucial considerations in today's school, and that goes for the online classroom as well as the bricks-and-mortar school building. Check out our article on choosing classroom management software to see how the IQity Learning Management Suite satisfies both needs.

Messaging in Safety
IQity's secure messaging system gives teachers a quick and easy way to get messages to and from students, while protecting students from cyberbullying and other kinds of inappropriate contact.

Direct Communication
When email and online lessons are not enough, teachers can speak directly to the class using IQity's real-time webcasting tool. Students can see and hear the teacher, watch her write on the whiteboard, and ask and answer questions.

Ask for a Demonstration
Get an online demonstration from an elearning expert to see how IQity can help your school offer online classes easily and safely.