October+-+November+2010


 * __ Virginia Department of Education Update __**

Updated from August - September report:
__Beyond Textbooks__ We have 4 pilot divisions who will be working with elementary, middle and high school kids on using digital textbooks. Many of the kids will have iPads. The pilot is for 8 weeks and covers a narrow piece of the standard curriculum. We’ll have a report coming out of that at the end. [|September 29, 2010 Press Release]

**__ ThinkQuest International Competition __**

The recently launched ThinkQuest International Competition 2011 challenges students to solve a real-world problem by applying their critical thinking, communication, and technology skills. Deadline: April 27, 2011

[|Superintendent's Memo]

**__ Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars Program __**

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium, NASA Langley Research Center, and the Virginia Department of Education are partnering to provide an exciting opportunity for high school juniors in Virginia in 2010-2011. The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars Program is a competitive program that allows high school juniors to apply for an engaging NASA-developed course using a Space Exploration theme.

[|Superintendent’s Memo]

**__ 2010 Educational Technology Leadership Conference __**

Virginia Tech has announced that the 2010 Educational Technology Leadership Conference (ETLC) will be held November 30 – December 2, 2010, at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke, Virginia. Should you have questions about the conference, please contact Ken Potter in the Center for Instructional Technology Solutions in Industry and Education at Virginia Tech at 540-231-7039 or e-mail kpotter@vt.edu or contact Sara Marchio, special projects coordinator, at the Virginia Department of Education at sara.marchio@doe.virginia.gov or 804-786-0877.

[|Superintendent’s Memo]

**__ Local Technology Plans __**

Local technology plans are due to the Department of Education by December 1. Please contact Jean Weller if you have questions. Jean.Weller@doe.virginia.gov or   (804) 225-2825.

Update from August - September Report:
**__ Thinkfinity in Virginia Website __**

The Department of Education has also launched a Thinkfinity in Virginia Web site at [|http://www.thinkfinityva.org/]. This site provides Virginia teachers with specific resources and a training request form for individuals and groups.

[|Superintendent’s Memo]