Google Apps Marketplace

From Dian Schaffhauser, Campus Technology 01/26/11

Google has introduced a new education-focused area in its Google Apps Marketplace, which provides Web applications that integrate with and extend Google Apps.

According to the company, this area will be a central destination for educators to find new Web applications specifically intended for K-12 and higher education use. The apps don't require additional logins, are available from the Google navigation bar, and can access data stored in Google apps with approval.

Currently, the site has 24 applications, including Aviary Design Suite for Education, a set of free tools and templates for creating multimedia projects; RCampus ePortfolio, a free version of an e-portfolio environment; and Applane SIS, a six-month trial version of a student information system still in beta form.

Listings for higher ed users include EasyBib, an automatic bibliography composer; Digication e-Portfolio, which allows students to showcase work online; and EduTone Connector for Moodle, a trial version of a utility that facilitates single sign-on authentication through Google Apps.

Khan Academy

Perhaps you've become aware of Salman Khan on PBS, CNN or through one his promotional appearances, talking about his wildly successful Khan Academy?

This is an open-source (free) project that is nothing short of amazing. He has self-produced an online library of 1600+ instructional videos for math, science, finance, economics, biology, chemistry, astronomy, history, physics, and statistics. Although many of his lessons do specifically address curriculum standards (for a purpose, such as the CAHSEE), this library is not driven by a curriculum structure, but is instead driven by learner need and interest.

This is SO totally cool!

Keith Devlin's Math Game Research

Keith Devlin has been doing very cool research at Stanford regarding the use of games to teach math at the Middle School level. He has a project idea that I hope finds a greenlight:

http://news.stanford.edu/news/2010/february15/devlin-aaas-mathematics-021910.html

Here's some of his recent presentations:

http://www.stanford.edu/~kdevlin/videos.html