Engineering Pathway > Engineering Education Wing Of The NSDL

The Engineering Pathway [http://www.engineeringpathway.com/] is a portal to high-quality teaching and learning resources in engineering, applied science and math, computer science / information technology, and engineering technology and is designed for use by K-12 and university educators and students. The K-12 engineering curriculum uses engineering as a vehicle for the integration of hands-on science and mathematics through real-world designs and applications that inspire the creativity of youth.

[http://www.engineeringpathway.com/ep/hEd/search/search_adv.jhtml]

Users may search over K-12 engineering lessons and activities, as well as other K-12 resources, by many criteria - including content focus area, grade level and educational standards. K-12 community resources include professional development opportunities and research findings. Higher education resources may be discovered by multiple criteria including discipline, audience, resource type, title, author/creator, special topics, or by selected collection. Higher education community resources include support for ABET accreditation, research and scholarship, curricula development and extracurricular activities for students.

Additional features include outreach information and materials, diversity resources, professional society and career planning information, personalized workspace, the ability to contribute and comment on resources, and hosted search services.

The Engineering Pathway's goal is to provide resources that help teachers, parents, faculty, and practicing engineers to inspire more of today's students to follow an engineering path as their way to understand and improve the world.

Our Goals

Beginning with our November 2005 launch, our goals are to:

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  Merge NEEDS and TeachEngineering into a unified K-gray engineering educational digital library
  
  
  
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  Significantly and sustainably grow high-quality resources
  
  
  
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  Align the unified curricular materials with appropriate undergraduate and K-12 educational standards
  
  
  
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  Grow the participation of content providers and users
  
  
  
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  Enhance quality control and review protocols for content
  
  
  
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  Expand gender equity and ethnic diversity components by cataloging and reviewing curricular resources created by female-centric and minority-serving organizations
  
  
  

Also Links To

Help for First Time Users / Contacts / Collaborators / Evaluation / Publications / EP Flyer (PDF)

Source

[http://www.engineeringpathway.com/ep/about/index.jhtml]

Engineering Pathway Is The Engineering Education Wing Of The National Science Digital Library [http://nsdl.org/].

The National Science Digital Library (NSDL) was created by the National Science Foundation to provide organized access to high quality resources and tools that support innovations in teaching and learning at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

As a national network of learning environments, resources, and partnerships, NSDL seeks to serve a vital role as STEM educational cyberlearning for the nation, meeting the informational and technological needs of educators and learners at all levels.

Source

[http://nsdl.org/about/]

State of the Blogosphere 2009

Welcome to Technorati’s State of the Blogosphere 2009 report, which will be released in five consecutive daily segments.

Since 2004, our annual study has followed the growth and trends in the blogosphere. For the second time, we surveyed bloggers directly. They were generous with their thoughts and insights. Thanks to all of the bloggers who took the time to respond to our survey.

In a world that’s constantly changing — shocked by financial catastrophe and political upheaval, yet still moving faster every day — not much is constant. But as the 2009 State of the Blogosphere survey demonstrates, the growth of the blogosphere's influence on subjects ranging from business to politics to the way information travels through communities continues to flourish. In a year when revolutions and elections were organized by blogs, bloggers are blogging more than ever, and the State of the Blogosphere is strong.

The Report

Day 1 — Who Are the Bloggers?
Day 2 — The What and Why of Blogging
Day 3 — The How of Blogging
Day 4 — Monetization And Revenue Generation, Brands in the Blogosphere
Day 5 — 2009 Trends: Political Impact of Blogging, Twitter Usage

Source

[http://technorati.com/blogging/article/state-of-the-blogosphere-2009-introduction/]

Smithsonian to Host Online Conference on Climate Change | September 29 > October 1 2009

PRESS RELEASE  > Sept. 16, 2009

The Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies will host “Climate Change,” a three-day, free, education online conference Sept. 29 through Oct. 1. This is the second in a series of SCEMS conferences where researchers and curators from around the Smithsonian Institution come together to address a single subject.

[http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/professional_development/conference/2009/climate_change/index.html]

“Climate Change” will feature sessions that everyone will find interesting: Some sessions will be of special interest to educators while others will engage entire classrooms and the general public. Throughout the conference, participants can explore Smithsonian research and collections related to the evidence, impact and response to climate change. Alongside Smithsonian scientists and curators, the public can look at the issues surrounding climate change from the perspectives of science, history and art.

 
“We’re excited to offer this online seminar on such an important and timely topic as climate change. The Smithsonian, with its experts, collections and partners is uniquely qualified to do so,” said Wayne Clough, Secretary of the Smithsonian. “Our first seminar, on Abraham Lincoln, was a resounding success that started an online dialogue that continues today—here and abroad.”
 
The conference will show the depth of research that the Smithsonian can bring to a current problem. Smithsonian scientists and other experts will lead participants in explorations of Smithsonian research on this important issue via live presentations, moderated forums and demonstrations. Through live streaming, speakers will respond to questions and comments from the audience. All of the conference sessions will be recorded and archived and can be replayed at any time via the Web at http://www.SmithsonianEducation.org
 
Among the presenters are:

• Bert Drake, senior scientist at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, who leads two major studies of the impact of atmospheric carbon dioxide on ecosystems
• Don Moore, associate director for animal care at the National Zoo, who helps create conservation-management plans for wildlife
• Scott Wing, paleontologist at the National Museum of Natural History, who specializes in prehistoric plant life and its reactions to climate change

Registration is open to everyone at [http://www.SmithsonianEducation.org/Climate] , which also features a blog about climate change and an archive of the first online conference, “Abraham Lincoln,” which attracted more than 3,000 participants on six continents.

Source

http://newsdesk.si.edu/releases/opa_climate_change_release.htm

Program A/V Available

> Introduction: Welcome from Secretary G. Wayne Clough
>> Day 1: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 – “The Big Picture”
>>> Day 2: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 – “The Long View”
>>>> Day 3: Thursday, October 1, 2009 – “Today and Tomorrow”

[http://www.smithsonianconference.org/climate/program/]

Library Mashups: Exploring New Ways to Deliver Library Data

Library Mashups: Exploring New Ways to Deliver Library Data / Edited by Nicole C. Engard / Foreword by Jenny Levine

2009 / 352 pp. / Softbound / ISBN 978-1-57387-372-7 / Regular Price $39.50

As web users become more savvy and demanding, libraries are looking for new ways to allow patron participation and keep their websites dynamically and collaboratively up-to-date. Mashups—web applications that combine freely available data from various sources to create something new—can be one very powerful way to meet patrons’ expectations and provide exemplary web-based service.

In Library Mashups, Nicole C. Engard and 25 contributors from all over the world walk readers through definitions, summaries, and practical uses of mashups in libraries. Examples range from ways to allow those without programming skills to make simple website updates, to modifying the library OPAC, to using popular sites like Flickr, Yahoo!, LibraryThing, Google Maps, and Delicious to share and combine digital content. This essential guide is required reading for all libraries and librarians seeking a dynamic, interactive web presence.

Table Of Contents

Foreword –- Jenny Levine

Introduction — Nicole C. Engard

I: What Are Mashups

1. What is a Mashup? / Darlene Fichter, Data Library Coordinator at the University of Saskatchewan Library and IT advisor for the Indigenous Studies Portal

2. Behind the Scenes: Some Technical Details / Librarian at Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Bonaria Biancu

3. Content Sources & Mashing Them Up / Ross Singer, Interoperability and Open Standards Champion at Talis

4. Mashing up w/ Librarian Knowledge / Thomas Brevik, library at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy and former president of the Norwegian Library Association Special Interest Group for Information and Communication Technology (SIKT)

II: Mashing up Library Websites

5. Information in Context / Brian Herzog, reference librarian at the Chelmsford Public Library

6. Mashing up the Library Website / Lichen Rancourt is the Head of Technology at Manchester City Library and contributor to Scriblio

7. Piping out Library Data / Nicole C. Engard, book editor

8. Mashups @Librarians Interact / Corey Wallis from the THALI group in Australia

III: Mashing up Catalog Data

9. Library Catalog Mashup: Using Blacklight to Expose Collections / Bess Sadler, Metadata Specialist for User Projects for the University of Virginia Library; Joseph Gilbert, Head of the Scholars’ Lab at the University of Virginia Library; and Matt Mitchell

10. Breaking into the OPAC / Tim Spalding, founder of LibraryThing

11. Mashups with ‡biblios.net Web Services /Joshua Ferraro, CEO at LibLime

12. SOPAC 2.0: The Thrashable, Mashable Catalog / John Blyberg, Assistant Director for Innovation and User Experience at Darien Library

13. Creating Mashups with the WorldCat API and Other WorldCat Affiliate Tools / Karen Coombs, Head of Web Services at the University of Houston Libraries

IV. Maps, Pictures & Video … Oh My!

14. Flickr and Digital Image Collections / Jeremy McWilliams and Mark Dahl from the Lewis & Clark College Library

15. Blip.tv and Digital Video Collections in the Library / Jason Clark, Digital Initiatives Librarian at Montana State University Library

16. “Where’s the nearest computer lab?”: Mapping Up Campus / Derik Badman, Digital Services Librarian at Temple University

17. Repository Map Mashup / Stuart Lewis, Team Leader & Project Manager at Aberystwyth University

V. Adding Value to your Services

18. The LibraryThing API and Libraries / Robin Hastings, Information Technology Manager for the Missouri River Regional Library in Jefferson City, MO

19. ZACK Bookmaps / Wolfram Schneider

20. Federated Database Search Mashup / Stephen Hedges, Karl Jendretzky and Laura Solomon

21. Electronic Dissertation Mashups Using SRU / Michael C. Witt from Purdue University

TOC Source

[http://mashups.web2learning.net/toc]

Associated Chapter Links

[http://mashups.web2learning.net/links]

Glossary

[http://mashups.web2learning.net/glossary]

Associated Past And Future Presentations Related To Book Contents

[http://mashups.web2learning.net/presentations]

Source

[http://mashups.web2learning.net/]

Working for the Climate: Renewable Energy & the Green Job [R]evolution

[snip]
The climate crisis and the financial crisis are not two competing issues that need to be addressed separately by the world community. The solution to one is, in fact, the answer to the other. Investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy helps the economy by increasing employment in the power sector, while reducing energy costs and easing the over-use of precious natural resources. By making the switch to renewable energy we can halt the carbon dioxide building up in the atmosphere and create a path away from irreversible climate change.

Working for the Climate is a study to determine the potential for 'green jobs' in the energy sector, and how this potential compares to a business-as-usual approach, with little or no action being taken to avert climate change. We found that, under the Energy [R]evolution scenario, there would be an overall increase of around 2 million power sector jobs over the next 20 years; and with an Energy [R]evolution in place, there would be more than 8 million jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency - three times the amount of jobs under the business-as-usual approach.

Date published > 14 September 2009 / Format > Adobe PDF / Number of pages > 72 / [Publisher > GreenPeace International / European Renewable Energy Council]

Full Text Available

[http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/international/press/reports/working-for-the-climate.pdf]

ENERGY SECTOR JOBS TO 2030: A GLOBAL ANALYSIS / Final Report (Background Document [117 pp.])

[http://www.greenpeace.org/international/assets/binaries/energy-sector-jobs-to-2030.pdf]

Source

[http://www.greenpeace.org/international/press/reports/working-for-the-climate]

Engineering in K-12 Education: Understanding the Status and Improving the Prospects

WASHINGTON -- The introduction of K-12 engineering education has the potential to improve student learning and achievement in science and mathematics, increase awareness about what engineers do and of engineering as a potential career, and boost students' technological literacy, according to a new report from the National Academy of Engineering and the National Research Council. The report examines the status and nature of efforts to teach engineering in U.S. schools.

"The problem solving, systems thinking, and teamwork aspects of engineering can benefit all students, whether or not they ever pursue an engineering career," said Linda Katehi, chancellor of the University of California, Davis, and chair of the committee that wrote the report. "A K-12 education that does not include at least some exposure to engineering is a lost opportunity for students and for the nation."

Engineering education at the K-12 level should emphasize engineering design and a creative problem-solving process, the committee said. It should include relevant concepts in mathematics, science, and technology, as well as support the development of skills many believe essential for the 21st century, including systems thinking, collaboration, and communication.

While science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction is collectively referred to as "STEM education," the report finds that the engineering component is often absent in policy discussions and in the classroom. In fact, engineering might be called the missing letter in STEM, the report says.

In preparing the report, the committee conducted an in-depth analysis of 15 K-12 engineering curricula; reviewed scientific literature related to learning engineering concepts and skills; evaluated evidence on the impact of K-12 engineering education initiatives; and collected preliminary information about pre-collegiate engineering education programs in other countries.

The committee found that engineering education opportunities in K-12 schools have expanded considerably in the past 15 years. Since the early 1990s, the report estimates, about 6 million children have been exposed to some formal engineering coursework. However, this number is still small compared with the overall number of students in K-12 schools (approximately 56 million in 2008). The committee noted that many challenges remain to expanding the availability and improving the quality of these programs, including the absence of content standards to guide development of instructional materials, limited pre-service education for engineering teachers, and structural and policy impediments to including this new subject in an already crowded school curriculum.

With these challenges in mind, the committee recommended that:

>>> The National Science Foundation or U.S. Department of Education fund research to determine how science inquiry and mathematical reasoning can be connected to engineering design in curricula and professional development;

>>> Foundations and federal agencies with an interest in K-12 engineering education conduct long-term research to confirm and refine findings of studies of the impacts of engineering education;

>>> The American Society of Engineering Education begin a national dialogue on preparing K-12 engineering teachers, and on the pros and cons of establishing a formal credentialing process; and

>>> Philanthropic foundations or federal agencies with an interest in STEM education and school reform identify models of implementation for K-12 engineering education that will work for different American school systems.

The committee also noted the importance of clarifying the meaning of "STEM literacy" and of developing curricula that would particularly appeal to groups typically underrepresented in engineering, such as girls, African Americans, and Hispanics.

[more]

Source

[http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12635]

Full Text Avialable At

[http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12635]

Podcast

[https://exchange.iastate.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://video.nationalacademies.org/ramgen/news/isbn/090809.rm]

Study Finds That Online Education Beats the Classroom

New York Times / August 19, 2009, 1:08 pm /

Updated: 1:29 pm / Steve Lohr

Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning:

A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies

A recent 93-page report on online education, conducted by SRI International for the Department of Education, has a starchy academic title, but a most intriguing conclusion:

“On average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.”

The report examined the comparative research on online versus traditional classroom teaching from 1996 to 2008. Some of it was in K-12 settings, but most of the comparative studies were done in colleges and adult continuing-education programs of various kinds, from medical training to the military.

Over the 12-year span, the report found 99 studies in which there were quantitative comparisons of online and classroom performance for the same courses. The analysis for the Department of Education found that, on average, students doing some or all of the course online would rank in the 59th percentile in tested performance, compared with the average classroom student scoring in the 50th percentile.

That is a modest but statistically meaningful difference.

“The study’s major significance lies in demonstrating that online learning today is not just better than nothing — it actually tends to be better than conventional instruction,” said Barbara Means, the study’s lead author and an educational psychologist at SRI International.

This hardly means that we’ll be saying good-bye to classrooms. But the report does suggest that online education could be set to expand sharply over the next few years, as evidence mounts of its value.

Until fairly recently, online education amounted to little more than electronic versions of the old-line correspondence courses. That has really changed with arrival of Web-based video, instant messaging and collaboration tools. The real promise of online education, experts say, is providing learning experiences that are more tailored to individual students than is possible in classrooms. That enables more “learning by doing,” which many students find more engaging and useful.

[snip]

“We are at an inflection point in online education,” said Philip R. Regier, the dean of Arizona State University’s Online and Extended Campus program. Mr. Regier sees things evolving fairly rapidly, accelerated by the increasing use of social networking technology. More and more, students will help and teach each other, he said. [snip]

“The technology will be used to create learning communities among students in new ways,” Mr. Regier said. “People are correct when they say online education will take things out the classroom. But they are wrong, I think, when they assume it will make learning an independent, personal activity. Learning has to occur in a community.”

Source

[http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-education-beats-the-classroom/]

Full Text Available At

[http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf]

News Coverage

Meta-Analysis: Is Blended Learning Most Effective?

[http://thejournal.com/articles/2009/07/01/meta-analysis-is-blended-learning-most-effective.aspx]