Discovery to launch 'green' channel

Discovery plans to launch an earth-focused channel and turn its Silver Spring, Md., headquarters "green" as part of a $50 million project it's calling PlanetGreen, Broadcasting & Cable reports. The cable network will relaunch its current Home channel as the as-yet-unnamed eco-friendly channel next year. Programs will focus on eco-design, organic food and "green" architecture, among other topics.

Study finds that educational software doesn't boost learning

A study released yesterday by the U.S. Department of Education found that educational software used in schools has no impact on student performance. "No technology adds value by itself," said John Deasy, superintendent of schools in Prince George's County, Md., in a Washington Post report on the study. "Just employing software is not likely to lift test scores for students."