The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Innovation and Improvement has released its latest guide in a series of publications highlighting innovations in education. Titled "Evaluating Online Learning: Challenges and Strategies for Success," the new guide is designed as a resource for leaders and evaluators of K-12 online learning programs. It discusses the challenges of evaluating these kinds of programs and features seven examples of evaluations that address a broad spectrum of online learning options, from programs that provide online courses to web sites that feature education resources.

Leading digital audio book provider Audible Inc. has introduced a web site with audio books targeted for kids. AudibleKids is a safe, online community for parents, children, and educators to discover and listen to thousands of children's audio books, share their recommendations, and discuss their experiences, Audible says. The site includes nearly 4,000 titles from more than 75 publishers, all playable on iPods and other audio players and mobile devices. While most are for sale only, AudibleKids-through a partnership with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)-also provides a featured section on its web site where children, parents, and educators can download a select number of audio books free of charge.

George Mason University has received a five-year, $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to build and run an interactive web site that trains the nation's elementary and high school history teachers in their craft. The new National History Education Clearinghouse is funded by ED's Teaching American History program, which supports professional development opportunities for teachers in that field. The site will include features such as a searchable database of state history standards, customizable lesson plans, and online discussion forums with education experts on current trends in teaching American history.

As a public service to the communications and networking departments of colleges and universities, ACUTA--the Association for Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education--has published a free hurricane preparation checklist for higher-education institutions. Tailored to the needs of campus information and communications technology personnel, the 13-page document covers a broad range of pre- and post-storm activities and considerations-- such as emergency facilities and lodging, creation of contact lists, physical power and fuel, staffing, computer and network services, damage assessment, and training.

A free online computer game from Cable in the Classroom lets students experience the pressure cooker of a presidential campaign, requiring players to manage campaign money, lobby interest groups, and make gut-wrenching decisions when scandal threatens their bid for the White House. First created during the 2004 campaign season, "eLECTIONS" was refined and reintroduced this year. Players can run for president as a Democrat, Republican, or third-party candidate and can choose their platform issues, ranging from taxes to national defense to education.

Microsoft Corp. has launched its answer to Google Sky: a free, web-based program for zooming around the universe from any internet-connected computer. Developed by Microsoft's research arm, the WorldWide Telescope--which debuted in May--knits together images from the Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory Center, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and other labs. Computer users can browse through the galaxy on their own or take guided tours of different outer-space destinations developed by astronomers and academics.

Higher-education officials who wish to "go green" on their campuses can find help at CampusERC, an online environmental resource center launched by the National Association of College and University Business Officers in collaboration with several higher-education associations. The site is designed as a resource library to help college and university environmental officers keep up with the latest news and information on environmental issues, study best practices in environmental management, view case studies, and better understand what institutions must to do comply with environmental regulations issues by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The National Center for Technology Innovation (NCTI) has updated its TechMatrix, a searchable database that enables educators and families of students with disabilities to identify and compare assistive learning software and technologies. Users can search for and compare more than 190 products that focus on improving the lives of students with special needs. Funded by the NEC Foundation of America and the U.S. Department of Education, the expanded TechMatrix allows users to generate a detailed report on customized searches within four areas of focus: reading, mathematics, writing, and assistive technologies.

A computer game designed to teach non-violence and conflict resolution skills to young children has found a home with Curriki, the nonprofit collection of open online curricular materials available for downloading free of charge. The computer game, called "Cool School: Where Peace Rules," features animated school characters in situations that ask children ages 5-7 to select an action for resolving a potential conflict, such as others crowding in line, refusing to share, or treating playmates disrespectfully. Developed by the U.S. Federal Mediation and

Arcademic Skill Builders is a nonprofit web site that features online educational games offering a new approach to learning basic math, language arts, vocabulary, and thinking skills. Inspired by arcade games and the intense engagement they foster between the game and player, the site's programs stem from experience, systematic observations, and research in understanding student learning in school and social situations.