Techno-News Blog

June 30, 2015

When Learning Analytics Meets E-Learning – Betul C. Czerkawski, OJDLA

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While student data systems are nothing new and most educators have been dealing with student data for many years, learning analytics has emerged as a new concept to capture educational big data. Learning analytics is about better understanding of the learning and teaching process and interpreting student data to improve their success and learning experiences. This paper provides an overview to learning analytics in higher education and more specifically, in e-learning. It also explores some of the issues around learning analytics.

http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/summer182/czerkawski182.html

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Creative Destruction in Teaching (and the Ongoing Relevance of Teachers)

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by Don Wettrick, Edutopia

More technological tools exist in education today than at any time in history. We have great apps such as Skype and Google Hangouts for collaboration, literally hundreds of educational games for learning, and YouTube videos and blogs for gaining and sharing knowledge. In my class, students are encouraged to use all of these tools to explore their passions and test their ideas. Using technology, they learn independently and in small groups, very often without my guidance. For some educators, the fearful question is: “Could those apps and tools ever replace teachers?” The answer lies in how we define teaching. Or learning. Or innovation.

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/creative-destruction-ongoing-relevance-teachers-don-wettrick

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Internet of Things Heading Toward $1.7 Trillion by 2020, Set to Rock ‘IT Status Quo’

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By Dian Schaffhauser, THE Journal

As the Internet of Things (IoT) infuses life and work, the dimensions of the market are coming into clearer focus for those who study its momentum. According to IT research firm International Data Corporation (IDC), IoT is expected to grow from $656 billion in 2014 to $1.7 trillion in 2020, representing a compound annual growth rate of nearly 17 percent. That’s considerably smaller than IDC forecasted in 2013, when IoT was anticipated to generate global revenues of $8.9 trillion by 2020. More than two-thirds of the current 2020 market value will be made up of devices, connectivity and IT services. Modules and sensors (the devices) will single-handedly represent almost 32 percent of the total.

http://thejournal.com/articles/2015/06/22/2020-1.7-trillion-iot-market-will-rock-it-status-quo.aspx

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June 29, 2015

Digital vs. print textbook war – who cares?

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By Nathan Gamble, eCampus News

The end of print textbooks has been foretold for years with the argument that digital screens would completely replace print. The reality, however, is quite different. In fact, a recent Purdue University report found that only four percent of the population studied opted to use an e-textbook over a print textbook, concluding that print textbooks are preferred by college students. In reality, who cares what the dominant textbook format will eventually become? Depending on the learner, subject matter, and instructor, one format or another may always be the “better” choice to accommodate a student’s learning style and the instructor’s curriculum design. The more pressing conversation should be about doing everything we can to help students be successful, graduate on-time, and be prepared for the working world. To do that, we need to lower the cost of course materials for students, increase accessibility, and improve student outcomes, regardless of the textbook format – in fact, both formats have a place in achieving those goals.

http://www.ecampusnews.com/technologies/digital-textbook-war-565/

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A new survey shows flipped learning becoming the norm, and Oregon State is at the forefront

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By Tara García Mathewson, Education Dive

Oregon State uses Kaltura for its video hosting services, tracking usage through a range of techniques offered by the company. Besides short videos obviously meant for flipped classrooms, instructors post longer videos of entire lectures for which Burriel notices a spike in viewing close to midterms or finals as students scramble to review concepts and material. Kaltura’s 2015 State of Video in Education Report, the result of a second annual online survey, included feedback from faculty identifying higher student performance when they make such lectures available. While not surprising, the feedback from 1,200 respondents revealed overwhelming support of video use in education and acknowledgment that it is a powerful tool for improving student learning outcomes and content delivery. Students, of course, have greater comfort with the newer technology, but many faculty are getting on board.

http://www.educationdive.com/news/video-driving-education-for-next-generation-of-learners/401046/

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The New Breed of Competency-Based Education Degree Programs: A Trend or Fad? (Part 1)

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By Robert Hill, Evolllution

The DOE approved three institutions’ “direct assessment” degree programs (first SNHU, then for-profit Capella University, and the University of Wisconsin Extension) that other colleges (including Northern Arizona University and Bellevue College, among others) would also soon seek and obtain approval for this flexible degree option. Likewise, the for-profit online behemoth Kaplan University and its Mount Washington College, along with another giant for-profit institution, Walden University (owned by that Laureate Education), also earned approval from the DOE and its regional accrediting agencies for similar direct assessment programs. Is this a harbinger of things to come? Will other colleges or universities routinely accept these credits and degrees into graduate programs? Will employers have confidence in this new self-paced learning and anytime, anywhere approach? Will they understand and agree to recognize the new competency-based transcripts? This will be something to watch in the coming months.

http://www.evolllution.com/opinions/breed-competency-based-education-degree-programs-trend-fad-part-1/

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June 28, 2015

Report: 6 of 10 Millennials Have ‘Low’ Technology Skills

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By Dian Schaffhauser, THE Journal

Digital natives aren’t as tech-savvy as they think they are — at least, not according to their bosses. American millennials (those between the ages of 16 and 34) may be the first generation that grew up with computers and Internet access, but all that time spent glued to a small screen hasn’t translated to technology competence. While they spend an average of 35 hours every week on digital media, nearly six out of 10 millennials can’t do basic tasks such as sorting, searching for and emailing data from a spreadsheet.

http://thejournal.com/articles/2015/06/11/report-6-of-10-millennials-have-low-technology-skills.aspx

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Online vs. On-Campus: An Analysis of Course Prices of U.S. Educational Institutions

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by Shouhong Wang, OJDLA

Pricing online courses is an important issue for managing online education. This research note reports a statistical analysis of price differences between online courses and on-campus courses at 103 US educational institutions based on the data available on the Internet. The finding indicates that educational institutions set significantly lower prices of their online courses than that of on-campus courses, private educational institutions set significantly lower prices of their online courses than public institutions, and small institutions or large institutions set significantly lower prices for their online courses than medium-sized institutions.

http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/summer182/wang182.html

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The Roles that Librarians and Libraries Play in Distance Education Settings

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by Amanda Corbett and Abbie Brown, OJDLA

This article explores the literature that focuses on the various roles librarians and libraries play in distance education settings. Learners visit libraries either in person or via networked computing technology to ask for help with their online courses. Questions range from how to upload a document with a learning management system, to how to use software and hardware, to more complex questions about how to locate and research articles for term papers. The literature reviewed provides a glimpse into the historical roles, current roles, as well as possible new roles that libraries and librarians may play in the future. This article identifies various library services that are essential to distant learners and distance education settings, and will explain how librarians and libraries are providing these services online.

http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/summer182/corbett_brown182.html

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June 27, 2015

Online education has its benefits

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by Patrick An, Diamondback

It’s efficiency and accessibility that truly elevates MOOCs beyond the traditional education model. The relatively low stakes of taking an online course reinforces the notion that knowledge is its own reward and should not necessarily only be applied to finding a lucrative profession. By removing price from the equation, MOOCs additionally ensure all knowledge is equally important and equally priceless. Centuries ago, Benjamin Franklin famously said “the only thing more expensive than education is ignorance,” but today, MOOCs provide an educational system to students so they don’t have to choose between the two.

http://www.diamondbackonline.com/opinion/article_428cbf58-1540-11e5-a462-1b84d2826b10.html

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Growth Of Blended Online And Campus MBA Learning Gathers Pace

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by Seb Murray, Business Because

The blended learning revolution at business schools is gathering pace, with a clutch of top schools having announced plans to roll out digital MBA degrees. The blended form of learning has already been embraced by the likes of Harvard and Stanford. But as competition with disruptive online education providers – so called edtech companies – intensifies, others are rolling out the programs to keep pace with digital innovation. “The launch of our Online MBA program represents our commitment to developing innovative programs that enable busy professionals to earn a business degree,” says Gene Anderson, Miami School of Business dean. Miami’s new online degree will launch in September 2015. It is billed as fully-online but offers a one-week residency on Miami’s campus in Florida.

http://www.businessbecause.com/news/mba-distance-learning/3323/blended-learning-growth-gathers-pace

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Illinois Lawmakers OK Pilot Program To Replace Snow Days With Online Classes

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by CBS Chicago

Snow days could become a thing of the past for Illinois students, under legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly. The idea is to turn snow days – or days off school due to extreme cold, or heavy snow – into so-called “e-learning days.” Lawmakers have approved a three-year pilot plan to allow at least three school districts to provide online instruction on emergency days, which would not have to be made up later in the year. The Illinois House and Illinois Senate passed the measure last month, but have yet to send it to the governor.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/06/17/lawmakers-ok-pilot-program-to-replace-snow-days-with-online-classes/

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June 26, 2015

Ways to Bounce Back After Falling Behind in an Online Course

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By Jordan Friedman, US News

It’s important for students to manage their time in an online course. But if they find themselves struggling to stay on track, there are ways to come from behind. A student’s reasons for dropping back in the first place may vary, experts say. Adjusting to a learning management system and other technology used in online learning can be a challenge for students before they even start to tackle their course work, says Lisa Knowles, a senior student services coordinator in Boston University’s distance education office. And when they do fall behind, a sense of isolation can prevent them from reaching out for help. Here are some steps students can take if they find themselves trying to catch up in their online class.

http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/2015/06/15/ways-to-bounce-back-after-falling-behind-in-an-online-course

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EdX Course Collection Aims To Combat Summer Slide

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By Joshua Bolkan, Campus Technology

EdX has partnered with the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) to launch a collection of free courses in an effort to help combat summer slide. As part of the effort, “edX will offer more than 60 courses from top institutions in core subjects such as math, science and language as well as skills-based courses in software development, computer science and innovation — ideal for career-minded high schoolers, college-age students and working professionals,” according to a news release. “In addition, select courses will be offered to help high school students with their AP exams and college admissions efforts.”

http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/06/15/edx-launches-course-collection-to-combat-summer-slide.aspx

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Penn State prototype brings virtual reality to distance education

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By Tara García Mathewson, Education Dive

A new system designed by Penn State engineering students gives distance learners an immersive classroom experience using virtual reality. Campus Technology reports that the system uses the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, as well as a haptic glove and interactive three-dimensional simulations that students developed themselves. The project supervisor expects the system to give distance learners tactile experience, thus improving online courses, and also enhance traditional classrooms, according to the article.

http://www.educationdive.com/news/penn-state-prototype-brings-virtual-reality-to-distance-education/400719/

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June 25, 2015

10 Ways to Change a Higher Ed IT Culture

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By Michael Hart, Campus Technology

The information technology services department at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse transformed its culture via a simple, step-by-step process. “We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy, quick fix,” Jorstad said, now five years into the transformation. “You have to strategize to do it.” That’s why Jorstad and his team came up with a process they believe has successfully turned their organization’s 40-plus-member staff around. Today, he said, the rapport between the university and the ITS team has never been better.

http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/06/11/10-ways-to-change-a-higher-ed-it-culture.aspx

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Network Capacity Growth: Plan for Exponential Increases

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By Marie Bjerede, Keith R. Krueger; THE Journal

One megabit per second per student is also a number that only 15 percent of school districts can currently meet, according to CoSN’s latest E-Rate and Infrastructure Survey. In fact, this modest broadband goal is so overwhelming to achieve that many districts cite the financial obstacle as the primary reason they don’t embark on a digital transformation for their schools and their students. Reaching this goal seems outrageously ambitious to many district IT and financial leaders, particularly those in large districts. Do Schools Really Need That Much Bandwidth According to the CoSN Smart Education Networks by Design (SEND) initiative’s work with leading districts, the answer is: absolutely!

http://thejournal.com/articles/2015/06/11/network-capacity-growth-plan-for-exponential-increases.aspx

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Athabasca University faces insolvency, president reassures students

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by the CBC
Alberta’s online university is facing a financial crisis, but the president is reassuring students that the institution will not be closing down. According to an internal report, Athabasca University (AU) will be insolvent in two years. The report was prepared by a task force struck by Peter MacKinnon, the interim president of the university. Enrolment demographics are behind the university’s troubles, MacKinnon said.  Provincial funding has dropped from covering 80 per cent of operating expenses at Athabasca to closer to 30 per cent. The rest comes from student tuition. And with more and more universities offering online learning, there is even more competition for students.

Athabasca University faces insolvency, president reassures studentsAlberta’s online university is facing a financial crisis, but the president is reassuring students that the institution will not be closing down. According to an internal report, Athabasca University (AU) will be insolvent in two years. The report was prepared by a task force struck by Peter MacKinnon, the interim president of the university. Enrolment demographics are behind the university’s troubles, MacKinnon said.  Provincial funding has dropped from covering 80 per cent of operating expenses at Athabasca to closer to 30 per cent. The rest comes from student tuition. And with more and more universities offering online learning, there is even more competition for students.http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/athabasca-university-faces-insolvency-president-reassures-students-1.3111420

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June 24, 2015

Virginia to pilot online public high school for fall

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By BRYAN MCKENZIE , The Daily Progress

Virginia students soon may be able to get their public high school diploma without ever stepping inside a school. The state Department of Education this fall will offer on a first-come basis a program offering a full-time, online high school. If the pilot, open to 100 students across the state, proves successful, officials could make the program permanent and open it to additional students. “We are excited to offer this opportunity to high school students, especially those with the potential for thriving in a non-traditional instructional setting,” said Steven R. Staples, state superintendent of public instruction. “This expansion of the Virtual Virginia program provides more choice and flexibility to students seeking a high school diploma.”

http://www.heraldcourier.com/news/virginia-to-pilot-online-public-high-school-for-fall-semester/article_ec5c62b8-123e-11e5-944a-ebdbcb516ab1.html

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How I setup an online course worth $100k

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by Paul Jarvis, the Next Web

I don’t have a magic bullet for building online courses, but because I’m a cheap bastard, I’ve figured out a way to run a course that makes sense financially, regardless of whether 20 people buy or 2,000. To some, having an affiliate program is necessary. I’ve never bothered with those, simply because if someone’s going to promote my work—they do it because they want to, not because they’re getting paid to. That’s how I promote from others. I don’t have a problem with affiliate programs and know lots of people that make a huge chunk of income from them, it’s just a personal choice on my end not to use them for the products I sell. Below is how I run my own course, The Creative Class, which launched on October 15, 2014. There are at least eight billion ways to create an online course, and lots of great options out there, this is just how mine works.

http://thenextweb.com/entrepreneur/2015/06/13/how-i-setup-a-100k-online-course/

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Restoring Value in the Classroom Experience with Experiential Learning

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by Jon Garfinkel, Edsurge

Delivering this benefit in the classroom is not easy. It requires faculty to rethink how they spend class time and cede some amount of structure and control. It further requires real interaction between students in class, when these same students have become accustomed to interacting primarily through online media. But it is precisely this preference that I think we can turn to our advantage. Let students learn the fundamental building blocks from online material, but do so outside of the classroom. Then, use class-time to work on complex, real-world, group-oriented problems. In short, make the classroom about experiential learning.

https://www.edsurge.com/n/2015-06-12-restoring-value-in-the-classroom-experience-with-experiential-learning

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