JanuaryFebruary+-+2009

 = __Virginia__ __Department__ __of Education__  __ Office of Educational Technology (OET) Updates __ =


=__**Learning Without Boundaries & iTunesU K-12 Debut** __= === The iTunes U Virginia site unveiling event originally scheduled for Tuesday, February 3 has been postponed. A new date has not been determined. Secretary of Technology, Aneesh Chopra; several legislators; and possibly other dignitaries will be present. ===

iTunes Audio and Video File Submission Guidelines
=== Please use the AAC file format for audio content and H.264 for video content. We strongly encourage you to review Apple's guidelines, //Creating Content for iPod + iTunes,// for more information about creating your resources. The guidelines can be accessed at http://images.apple.com/support/itunes_u/docs/iTunes_U_Creating_Content.pdf. We also have a document that specifies the metadata standards. Finally, you may wish to review //iTunes U Copyright Overview.// The document can be accessed at http://images.apple.com/support/itunes_u/docs/iTunes_U_Copyright_Overview.pdf. Please submit any resources that you would like to have considered by emailing them to Sara Marchio at sara.marchio@doe.virginia.gov. Thank you in advance for helping us launch iTunes U Virginia. ===

The DOE considers three criteria in evaluating file submissions:
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__Standards of Quality Resolution: From the Board of Education to the Governor and General Assembly __
==[|Superintendent's Memo #297] (December 5, 2008) == == == == == === Recommendation 1: Data Manager/Test Coordinator. This “intermediate option” would address the need for a data manager/test coordinator for every 1,000 students. The position would be Board-licensed and would be responsible for analyzing and interpreting data for the improvement of instruction. The SOQ already provides for one instructional technology resource teacher (ITRT) per 1,000 students. With amended language, school divisions could make a choice to employ the ITRT, the data manager/test coordinator, or a position that blends both duties. ===

__Oracle Education Foundation – Thinkquest Narrative Competition (New)__

 * Started this month
 * 16 Global topics
 * [|Rules]
 * [|Evaluation Criteria]



** A summer 2009 Thinkquest event is also being planned with the intent of creating a cadre of Virginia-based Thinkquest facilitators. **
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 * **$53 billion for Education **
 * **$650 million for Ed Tech Program**
 * **$10.8 million to Va.**
 * **50/50 Formula/Competitive allocation**
 * **Greater flexibility w/Competitive funds**
 * **One year allocation period, not two (July 2009 – Sept. 2010)**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">**Grant guidelines remain incl. non-public school participation**