"Study: TMOT, Texting Can Help Reading Skills" (School Library Journal, 03/01/09)

The finding sounds 2G2BT, but British researchers say text messaging doesn’t harm literacy. In fact, those who regularly text have better reading skills, despite their frequent use of phonetic spellings, abbreviations, and omission of vowels.

"Computer lessons 'lagging behind'" (BBC News, 03/03/09)

The popularity of information and communication technology is declining rapidly despite the importance of the subject to adult life, a report says.

"Facebook is pulling in – gasp – your parents" (Sacramento Bee, 02/26/09)

The social networking Web site that started off as an online hangout for college kids is exploding in popularity among grown-ups. The real kind. The kind over 35.

Between June 2008 and January, the number of Facebook members age 35-54 nearly quadrupled – and members older than 55 tripled, according to iStrategyLabs, a digital marketing agency.

"More KY Students Go Online for Class" (Lexington Herald-Leader, 02/28/09)

But Gentry, 39, participates in class discussions and completes his assignments during the rare nooks and crannies of free time through Bluegrass Community and Technical College's online classes.

Gentry, who is working toward a master's in education so he can teach high school, is among the ever-growing ranks of students who are forgoing the classroom to amass credits online.

"Teens targeted in net safety push" (BBC News, 02/10/09)

Half of Europe's teenagers browse the web with no parental oversight or supervision, a survey suggests.

"For Some Minn. Students, Online Learning is Best" (EdWeek, 02/08/09)

More than 5,000 students in Minnesota opted to "attend" all of their high school classes online in 2007-2008, instead of sitting in a traditional classroom with their peers.

The number was nearly double the number of students who took classes entirely online in 2006-2007.

"Student Fights Record of ‘Cyberbullying’" (NYTimes, 02/07/09)

Katherine Evans said she was frustrated with her English teacher for ignoring her pleas for help with assignments and a brusque reproach when she missed class to attend a school blood drive.

So Ms. Evans, who was then a high school senior and honor student, logged onto the networking site Facebook and wrote a rant against the teacher, Sarah Phelps.

"Internet connection + English = college degree" (Ars Technica, 02/01/09)

Shai Reshef has a vision: soon, anyone with an Internet connection and some proficiency in English can take classes online at his new "University of the People." And not just classes—the school will be accredited, offering actual degrees in subjects like computer science. Charges will be minimal, starting at just $15, and will be based on the student's country.

"Schools Won’t Require Online Class. Yet." (NYTimes, 01/30/09)

NEW JERSEY education officials are working on an ambitious redesign of the state’s public high schools that is intended to better prepare students for college and the work force in the 21st century. The redesign had called for every student — not just those who are college bound — to study Algebra II, laboratory sciences and foreign languages, pass more state tests and complete at least one online course in order to graduate. But education officials recently backed away from the online requirement because of concerns over the cost and whether such courses would meet state standards.

"Want to Get a Degree Online? Get Ready to Work Just as Hard." (Wash Post, 02/01/09)

One way to get an edge in this job market is to earn an advanced degree. Just don't assume that doing it online will be easy. Online master's programs are often cheaper and more convenient than traditional ones, but they also present challenges.