TECHNOLOGY
Educational technology has really come a long way. It’s
not just about the bells and whistles, the razzle-dazzle
that you put on a product. Today’s educators and
students want technology with a purpose—products
that can teach or reinforce a lesson using the latest
advancements without letting them take over. Technology
publications and products have their own syntax now with
unique content needs and design demands in addition to
the educational requirements. All of the finalists in
this category exemplify the fantastic results you can
achieve when you marry the goals of education with the
possibilities of technology.
This year’s winner received a perfect score. All
of the judges’ agreed that it not only meets the
goals of its mission, but it fills an overwhelming classroom
need. Moreover, the product uses technology for one of
its best purposes: to connect educators around the world.
Add in a correlation feature that compares the resources
provided to state and federal requirements, assisting
teachers with the tricky navigation of legislation, and
the fact that all of the material is screened and verified
before presentation to the user, and you have an invaluable
school resource. With all of the supposed historical accounts,
experts, lesson plans, blogs, and miscellanea on the Internet,
this product helps teachers find the right material to
enhance their classroom instruction.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
We’ve all heard that we are to leave no child behind,
but that’s not an easy task for teachers or students,
especially now as we recognize the myriad ways in which
different students learn. In addition to their own knowledge,
teachers rely on the publishers to give them the best
tools for trying to reach even the most reluctant of learners.
No one product will work for every student, but tonight’s
Instructional Materials Golden Lamp winner proves that
combining quality content for the student with superb
teacher assistance will make the lessons engaging and
enduring. Judges noted the exceptional teacher’s
guide and worksheets—all designed to let the educator
focus on the students. And with engaging stories available
in two reading levels, this product gives students a reason
to keep reading.
BOOKS
In an age where kids are watching TV while surfing the
net with their iPod in one ear and their cell phone pressed
against the other, one is led to wonder what it takes
to get a student to pick up a book. How about a visually
stunning layout? How about content that sets new textual
information standards for textbooks? How about activities
that get students to think about what they've read outside
of the classroom?
This year's Golden Lamp winner for Books impressed judges
so much that several asked to take it home with them.
One went so far as to say that if schools had more textbooks
like this, the achievement gap would practically be a
thing of the past. If you're looking for a social studies
book that can hold the interest of even the most high-tech
student, look no further.
PERIODICALS
The entries for the Golden Lamp in periodicals were a
formidable group. In order for a magazine to be considered
"perfect for its intended audience," it takes
an expert team of editors, writers, and designers. It
takes a staff that knows when to deliver the perfect picture
at just the right spot in a story that pulls the reader
in with its opening sentence.
The judges indeed felt like this year’s winner
is perfect. Without resorting to gimmicks, this periodical
presented information for multiple intelligences, while
staying true to its core reader group. The editors and
designers understand their audience and how to connect
with them; the design and content bring together the mission
of the publication. This magazine impressed judges with
its clear typography, engaging activities, and photos
that deliver wild animals to classroom desktops.
