College Board looks at minority issues

As part of it's diversity initiatives, the College Board released a report this week entitled "Educational Crisis Facing Young Men of Color." The report brings together 2 years of conversations regarding issues of color, with recommendations, and highlights of successful programs.

Other reports issued include:

• Resources for Increasing Latino Participation and Success in Higher Education
• Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders—Facts, Not Fiction: Setting the Record Straight

All are related to ECC's Achieving the Dream initiatives.

25 Practical Ideas for Using Mobile Phones In The Classroom

The customary rule of thumb is that all cell phones should be turned off once a student has entered the classroom. This article demonstrates some practical uses of a cell phone in the classroom. Take a look and see what you think!

Ludo ergo sum; Disco ergo sum

Alright, so that headline makes me giggle but according to one site that would be something like "Play therefore I am; Learn therefore I am"...but I'm sure readers will correct me on this as needed.

The other day I was in a game store and came across a new game called Ergo. It's a game where players create 4 premises, and after someone plays an "ergo" card, what ever variables have been proven get points.

I've not yet been able to play, and have currently loaned the game to a logic teacher, but it seems elegant, if not a brain burner. Definitely worth a look if you are trying to teach students a little about logic.

Up to date congressional news

The Sunlight Foundation has created an app for the iPhone that will update users throughout the day as to what is happening in Congress. At this point there does not seem to be many bells and whistles, though each message in the Real Time Congress app appears to be tagged with legislation referenced. Could mean all that stuff will be searchable in the future. No need to mention the possible use for Political Science and Journalism classes. If it could be personalized a bit with home state information, and maybe even the state legislature, this could be a big step to really keeping people in the process.

From the Sunlight Foundation Website, features include:

• Live Floor Updates - Updates from the House and Senate floor as they happen.
• Key Documents - See critical reports and memos as they are published online by the Congressional Budget Office, the Congressional Research Service, Office of Management and Budget, party policy committees and more!
• Whip Notices - Daily and weekly notices from the House Majority and Minority Whips.
• Hearing Schedules - Schedule of upcoming committee hearings from House and Senate.