Image from AllSorts blog.

Jenny at the AllSorts blog is an illustrator holding a contest for authors.  Based on her bear doodle, she’s inviting author wannabees to craft a story around her character.  In the mood for a fun change of pace? Consider writing a bear story or having your students write one for submission.

Find the details here.

As the author of a forthcoming picture book myself, I know that industry wisdom is that authors and illustrators work separately, with the editor as the conduit between them.  Author and illustrator might work on the same project but never meet or chat!  But … maybe the collaborative sense of 2.0 will make some changes in that way.  And either way, it could be a great way to stretch some creative muscles that have gone dormant during these drab winter months.�

I wrote yesterday about my adventures with the Institute for Education and the Arts newsletter.   I wanted to share a few of the items we included in this week’s “publication”.  Unfortunately for me, they’re only for high school students … but check out the Sony grant, which offers FREE SOFTWARE to schools who pre-qualify!

TECHNOLOGY IN MOTION: VISION OF THE FUTURE
Sony Creative Software, Intel, Edutopia, and ISTE
Proposal entry deadline: 2/22/08 ***COMING SOON!***
“The Technology in Motion contest is designed to engage students in professional video and audio production. By participating, your school will receive everything needed to produce a film or films that will be entered into a contest for a chance to win one of three $20,000 multimedia hardware and software prize packages. The film contest encourages high school students (grades 9-12) to share their vision of how technology will shape the future. Every school that submits a qualifying Call for Entries form will receive a Technology in Motion launch kit, which includes a free copy of Sony® Vegas™ Pro 8 Promotional Edition video editing software; free Sony Vegas Pro 8 video tutorials; a free copy of the Digital Video and Audio Production Vegas Pro 8 teaching guide; [and a] free 1 year subscription to Edutopia magazine.
Learn more>>

THE PURPOSE PRIZE
Civic Ventures
Nominations Close: 3/1/08 ***COMING SOON!***
“The Purpose Prize provides five awards of $100,000 each to people over 60 who are taking on society’s biggest challenges. It’s for those with the passion and experience to discover new opportunities, create new programs, and make lasting change.”
Learn more>>

DRIVING SAFETY FILM CONTEST
Bridgestone Firestone 2008 Safety Scholars
Deadline: 6/24/08
“It’s your turn to take the director’s chair. Make a short video (25 or 55 seconds) related to safe driving. Enter it in the Safety Scholars Competition and your video may be aired as a commercial for Bridgestone Firestone. The three top filmmakers also will each win a $5,000 college scholarship and the ten finalists win a new set of tires.” For high school students.
Learn more>>

Do you know someone who is innovating in the classroom? Consider Cable in the Classroom’s Leaders in Learning Awards. The awards recognize “outstanding educators, administrators, policymakers and other community leaders at the forefront of innovation in education.” The awards program is administered by the cable industry and Cable in the Classroom, the industry’s national education foundation.

Learn more>>