Blackboard Inc. and Northwestern University have teamed up on a project to make the education version of Google Apps available to students using the Blackboard Learn platform with a single sign-on. Key words: Blackboard Inc., Northwestern University, Google Apps, educational technology

Budget cuts could force Missouri's statewide virtual school to close midway through the academic year, leaving students with half-earned credits scrambling to complete their education. Key words: Missouri virtual school, online learning, distance learning, virtual school, virtual education, iNACOL, educational technology

Recognizing the importance of teacher quality in transforming underperforming schools, Education Secretary Arne Duncan has made retaining and rewarding effective teachers a cornerstone of his school reform agenda. But a recent report that suggests 40 percent of U.S. teachers are disheartened with their profession indicates how difficult these challenges will be. Key words: effective teaching, teacher survey, school improvement, teachers salary, education technology, public agenda, learning point associates

Two sophomore girls have sued their school district after they were punished for posting sexually suggestive photos on MySpace during their summer vacation. Key words: internet safety, online safety, MySpace safety, MySpace school, sexting, educational techology

A language-learning application that's already big in Japan is coming to the U.S. in the form of a new iPhone app -- and Tokyo-based Smart.fm says that the adaptive-learning algorithms behind its software can help users memorize all kinds of information, reports the MIT Technology Review.

A growing number of children are playing educational video games as part of their school curriculum, in after-school programs, or via the web from home, reports the New York Times.

The state of Missouri and Microsoft Corp. are teaming up on a program that Gov. Jay Nixon says will provide thousands of the state's residents with free access to eLearning and certification programs from the company, reports the Associated Press.

The Nebraska Department of Education and Apple Inc. have partnered to offer teachers a new online educational tool, reports the Associated Press.

The strength or weakness of proposed internet rules for net neutrality could rest in the interpretation of just one word, reports the Washington Post: "reasonable."