F1 in Schools is a global multidisciplinary challenge in which teams of students aged 9–19 deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyze, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air-powered balsa wood F1 cars. The challenge, supported by Formula One, inspires students to use information technology to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership/teamwork, media skills, and financial strategy, and to apply this learning in a practical, imaginative, competitive, and exciting way.
The renewed focus on civics education in this country provides a promising path for readying students for the challenges of twenty-first century citizenship. The Council on Foreign Relations has created a free curriculum to facilitate this critical work. Educators are invited to explore the library of curriculum units—Global Era Issues; Regions of the World; and How the World Works—and Sometimes Doesn’t.
The biannual National Cyber League (NCL) Competition simulates real-life cyberthreats in a safe environment for high school students to learn how to defend organizations against such threats and keep them secure.
Educational technology research and development will gain additional levels of perspective with Digital Promise’s launch of the Center for Inclusive Innovation. The goal is to bring in communities of color to participate as “co-creators and collaborators” in educational innovation.