The Top 10 K-12 Stories of 2011

This year, both district and state-led tablet pilots popped up all over the United States. Bring your own device initiatives started to gain traction. And technology integration continued to be a priority for district administrators.

These are just a sampling of trends in K-12 education over the past year. In the top stories of 2011, you'll find the stories that received the most page views on convergemag.com.

1. The Impact of the iPad on K-12 Schools

This story garnered way more attention than any other story on our site. But this isn't your average pilot announcement. Instead, it takes you through an in-depth look at three different schools and districts that started pilots. It also explores both the challenges and benefits they're experiencing.

2. The Top 6 Emerging Technologies in K-12 Education

Based on the K-12 Horizon Report, this story provides a picture of what technology could take the education world by storm in the next few years.

3. Clintondale High Cuts Freshman Failure Rates with Flipped Classes

Throughout the country, schools are taking lectures out of the classroom and into students' homes. By giving teachers time during class to help students with areas they're struggling in, schools like Clintondale High say students are learning better.

4. School Libraries Cultivate Digital Literacy

As school libraries lose funding and staff, they show others how important their role is in teaching students digital literacy and information access skills.

5. Virginia Shares School iPad, E-book Experiences

After a year of piloting eBooks and iPads, the Virginia Education Department provides insight into teacher and student opinions as well as issues like cost.

6. 3-D Animated Animals Help Kindergartners Read

The first augmented reality reading curriculum hit classrooms. In beta tests, the 3-D animated animals especially help students who struggle to read or who aren't native English speakers. 

7. Elementary School Students Level Up with Math Games

In this story, you'll see how a number of school districts are using math games to motivate students to learn and make learning fun.

8. Wolf Creek Public Schools Embraces BYOD, Puts Pedagogy First

Instead of emphasizing shiny devices, this Alberta district makes sure it's focused on learning with its bring your own device initiative.

9. School Districts Integrate Technology into Common Core-based Curriculum

As states adopt Common Core State Standards, local school districts work on ways to modify their curriculum to meet the new standards.

10. 4 Ways to Prepare Teachers for Technology Integration

As school districts cut technology facilitators, districts and universities work together to give teachers the skills they need to take on that role in their classrooms.

What education technology topics do you think will make the top stories of 2012? Let us know in the comments.