Educational Technology

September 30, 2016

Mentors make the difference in online learning

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:41 am

BY NEIL MORAN, Rapid Growth Media

Online learning at the primary and secondary levels is growing exponentially, and so is the research around this topic, says Kathryn Kennedy, Ph.D., director of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute. One of the key components of online learning — and what often sets it apart from traditional classroom instruction — is the potential to support the learning experience via mentors who help guide students in their educational choices and learning.

http://www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/features/092216-mentors-make-the-difference-in-online-learning.aspx

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Thirteen universities adopt MicroMasters and launch 18 new programs via edX

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:35 am

by MIT News

In October 2015, MIT launched the MITx MicroMasters credential, which enables online learners to take a semester’s worth of master’s-level courses on the edX platform, then complete a master’s degree in a single full semester on campus at MIT. The first MicroMasters in supply chain management (SCM) has seen incredible success: Over 127,000 students have enrolled in at least one course — including representation from 189 countries — and more than 7,000 have signed up for verified ID certificates in at least one course. Just one year later, edX is now partnering with several other universities to bring the MicroMasters model to even more learners across the globe. EdX, which aims to bridge the knowledge gap between higher education and the workplace by offering 18 new programs from 13 universities in rapidly growing fields.

http://news.mit.edu/2016/thirteen-universities-adopt-micromasters-and-launch-18-new-programs-via-edx-0920

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iNACOL to Host Blended and Online Learning Symposium

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:30 am

by iNACOL

On October 25-28, 2016, the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) is hosting the iNACOL Blended and Online Learning Symposium, the industry’s leading event for K-12 competency-based, blended and online learning. The mission of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) is to catalyze the transformation of K-12 education policy and practice to advance powerful, personalized, learner-centered experiences through competency-based, blended and online learning. iNACOL is a non-profit organization focusing on research, developing policy for student-centered education to ensure equity and access, developing quality standards for emerging learning models using competency-based, blended and online education, and supporting the ongoing professional development of school and district leaders for new learning models. Visit our website, like us on Facebook, connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/inacol-host-blended-online-learning-symposium-120000639.html

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September 29, 2016

The CIO as educator: Experience brings trust, curricular advantages

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:35 am

By Roger Riddell, Education Dive

The path to the higher ed CIO’s office can vary quite a bit from the position’s corporate counterpart. While a fair share of college and university tech leaders have come from traditional IT backgrounds, many have also worked their way up through the faculty ranks. And given higher ed’s mission, doing so brings significant benefits both to their decisions as CIOs and their continuing work in the classroom. “I think if you have stood in front of a room of expectant students, struggling to get the technology to work as the minutes tick away — and as you think about all the material you want to cover and the experiences you want the students to have — that really changes your perspective when you think about classroom technology,” said Dr. Michael Berman, vice president for technology and communication and CIO at Cal State University Channel Islands. “The imperatives of simplicity and reliability start to take precedence over anything else.”

http://www.educationdive.com/news/the-cio-as-educator-experience-brings-trust-curricular-advantages/426571/

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No Correlation Between Evaluations and Learning

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:30 am

by Colleen Flaherty, Inside Higher Ed

A number of studies suggest that student evaluations of teaching are unreliable due to various kinds of biases against instructors. Yet conventional wisdom remains that students learn best from highly rated instructors; tenure cases have even hinged on it. A new study suggests that past analyses linking student achievement to high student teaching evaluation ratings are flawed, a mere “artifact of small sample sized studies and publication bias.” The study, in press with Studies in Educational Evaluation says “Our up-to-date meta-analysis of all multisection studies revealed no significant correlations between [evaluation] ratings and learning.”

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/09/21/new-study-could-be-another-nail-coffin-validity-student-evaluations-teaching

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Higher ed moving to embrace of ‘Internet of everything’

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:26 am

By Jarrett Carter, Education Dive

Campus Technology explores the possibilities for higher education within the “Internet of Everything,” the emerging culture of online connectivity in devices and raw materials, which can create opportunities for analytics and teaching opportunities. According to Robbie K. Melton, associate vice chancellor for mobile and emerging technologies at the Tennessee Board of Regents, students will expect institutions to make use of environment-technology pairing to enhance the learning and living experience, and to gain real-time insight into student engagement and academic interest. Melton also cites the ability to purchase specific chapters of textbooks, which dramatically cuts spending for students, as an example of the growing technology.

http://www.educationdive.com/news/higher-ed-moving-to-embrace-of-internet-of-everything/426701/

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September 28, 2016

Online PD Supports Classroom Management, Ed Tech

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:40 am

by Samsung Insights

Nearly 60 percent of educators teaching preschool through 12th grade say they have taken some form of professional development (PD) course online, a new survey reveals — and their top three reasons for doing so were to learn how to use digital devices, learn how to use the educational software that runs on them and improve their classroom management skills. The survey of 589 educators was conducted by the Education Technology Industry Network (ETIN), a division of the Software & Information Industry Association. According to the survey, 75 percent of educators who say they’ve taken a professional development course online did so because they were personally interested in the topic and wanted to increase their knowledge in that area. Only 28 percent said it was for a job requirement, and 46 percent said they enrolled in an online PD course to receive continuing education credit.

https://insights.samsung.com/2016/09/19/online-pd-supports-classroom-management-ed-tech/

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U-M joins edX to announce three social innovation MicroMasters for online learners

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:36 am

by U Mich News

Online learners interested in educational leadership, social work and the growing field of user experience research and design now can earn more comprehensive certification or complete work toward an advanced degree at the University of Michigan. In some cases, learners can earn as much as a quarter of the required credit for enrolled master’s degrees through three MicroMasters announced today by the university in partnership with online platform edX. U-M and 13 other universities are launching 19 of the advance MOOC-based study programs on edX. Michigan is offering three MicroMasters: Leading Educational Innovation and Improvement; Social Work: Practice, Policy and Research; and User Experience (UX) Research and Design. What’s exciting, U-M leaders say, is that learners across the globe can advance in their professions by earning a certificate at the end of the series of courses or, if they become enrolled Michigan students, can work to earn credit toward several master’s programs before setting foot on campus.

http://www.ns.umich.edu/new/releases/24200-u-m-joins-edx-to-announce-three-social-innovation-micromasters-for-online-learners

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Is Online Learning the Future of Further Education?

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:29 am

by Simon Davies, Tech.co

Leading universities will offer fully accredited undergraduate degrees online within the next five years, according to the founder of educational platform Coursera. Speaking at an educational conference in London, Professor Daphne Koller said the next stage for digital learning would be the introduction of online undergraduate courses with invigilated exams and full degrees. Though some still consider technology to be a distraction to learning, many education experts understand that embracing the digital era can enrich the classroom environment. The focus on technology in further education specifically has intensified in the last few years. A 2014 Association of Colleges report highlighted how the integration of tech solutions in schools is inevitable.

http://tech.co/online-learning-future-education-2016-09

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September 27, 2016

San Francisco 49ers First Pro Sports Organization To Partner With Khan Academy

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:40 am

by SportTechie

The San Francisco 49ers are the first professional sports organization to partner with Khan Academy, the world’s leading free online education platform. The online resources for students and teachers will help support the 49ers STEAM Education Program, which is in its third year of existence and provides learning opportunities across science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. “Khan Academy’s online learning platform is exceptional and we’re thrilled to work with them to take the next step in growing our STEAM Education Program,” 49ers Director of STEAM Education and the 49ers Museum Jesse Lovejoy said in a statement last week. “Khan Academy will enable our program to go beyond the walls of Levi’s Stadium and provide students who we couldn’t previously reach with unique, exciting content that combines STEAM with football.”

http://www.sporttechie.com/2016/09/18/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers-first-pro-sports-organization-to-partner-with-khan-academy/

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viNGN Offers Parents and Kids Tips on Digital Privacy, Internet Safety

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:35 am

BY St. Croix Source

Anita Davis of viNGN prepares to teach parents, kids and faculty about Internet Safety and Digial Privacy. With the theme “Invest to Protect,” the Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN) shared digital privacy and Internet safety tips with parents, faculty and students. Attendees learned about digital privacy advocates Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), and they received informational worksheets for “6 Degrees of Information,” produced by NetSmartz/National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). This short film highlights the many ways digital privacy and online safety can be compromised by leaving “digital footprints” – personal identifiable information (PII) of which we are not even aware.

http://stcroixsource.com/content/community/schools/2016/09/18/vingn-offers-parents-and-kids-tips-digital-privacy-internet-saf

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Laptops should be allowed in classrooms

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:30 am

BY GISELLE SUAZO, Daily Texan

The war on technology has arrived at UT as many professors are banning the use of laptops in their classrooms. Laptops and tablets are the norm in a modern classroom setting — many textbooks are offered online and some students use these forms of technology to take notes. The old pen and paper are a part of history, and it should stay there. Prohibiting technology is one more way of controlling students instead of letting them learn how to be adults. While the case for banning laptops from class is a valid one, teachers aren’t taking into consideration that many students would not benefit from this restriction. Course materials are usually more affordable as e-texts, not to mention that typing can be more efficient than writing. However, if students choose not to take notes and shop online instead, they should have the freedom to do so.

http://dailytexanonline.com/2016/09/18/laptops-should-be-allowed-in-classrooms

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September 26, 2016

Coding education in Bend gains momentum

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:35 am

By Kathleen McLaughlin, The Bulletin

In Bend, introductory computer science classes are in their second year at Mountain View and Summit high schools, and both schools are offering an advanced-placement computer science class for the first time this fall. No introductory computer science is available at Bend High, the largest in the district with about 1,600 students, or La Pine High School. Crook County High School in Prineville offers introductory computer science. Ridgeview High School in Redmond offers intro to programming, a second programming class and AP computer science. Redmond High does not. There are practical and philosophical reasons for the gaps. Elementary and middle school days are packed with required curriculum, and to add elective courses in high schools takes adequate equipment and willing, trained teachers, said Kathie Quick, a math teacher at Summit who launched the programming course.

http://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/4663377-151/coding-education-in-bend-gains-momentum

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100 NYC Title I Schools to Adopt Coding Curriculum

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:30 am

By Sri Ravipati, THE Journal

A New York-based provider of classroom-friendly solutions for K–12 computer science instruction is bringing computer science to more than 5,000 students enrolled in 100 Title I schools in New York City. Codesters teaches students Python through its platform that enables students to create interactive graphics, animation, elements and other projects. The company provides a pre-built curriculum with step-by-step lessons that give students instant feedback and assessments. The Codesters curriculum also includes lessons that integrate Common Core mathematics, so that students can “improve math outcomes while learning critical literacy of coding,” according to the company’s website. Additionally, teachers can utilize Codesters’ learning management system to track student progress through a class dashboard.

https://thejournal.com/articles/2016/09/16/100-nyc-title-i-schools-to-adopt-coding-curriculum.aspx

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Learning outside of the classroom: The Contemporaries at the bring world culture to local students

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:28 am

by  Rusty Schramm, Temple Daily Telegram

Kites, kimonos and culture. The Contemporaries of the Azalee Marshall Cultural Activities Center held a “Journey to Japan” Tuesday as part of a program that introduces local students to other world cultures. The Contemporaries’ “Hands-On” program has been active for the past 20 years. The group selects a different world culture every year to share with children who come through the doors. “Each year, we choose a culture that, hopefully, the children don’t know that much about already. This year, we’ve chosen Japan,” Contemporaries chairman Beverly Kermode said. Over the next month, third-grade classes from throughout the area will file into the CAC to experience a taste of Japanese culture. The event is broken into four stations with various activities.

http://www.tdtnews.com/life/article_78f0c978-7b78-11e6-8d9f-33ac825724c7.html

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September 25, 2016

30 Middle Schools to Pilot OER Math Curriculua

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:39 am

By Sri Ravipati, THE Journal

A California-based nonprofit is bringing its openly-licensed and standards-aligned mathematics curricula to 30 middle schools in five school districts this year. The curricula from Open Up Resources, developed in partnership with Illustrative Mathematics, aims to provide the schools with quality open educational resources (OER) at a better price than traditional publishers. Open Up Resources launched earlier this week after raising $10 million in investments from its supporting philanthropic organizations. Prior to the launch it was called the K–12 OER Collaborative, an initiative founded by 13 states that wanted to create OER for K–12 mathematics and English language arts.

https://thejournal.com/articles/2016/09/16/30-middle-schools-to-pilot-oer-math-curriculum.aspx

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Companies Settle with New York to Stop Tracking Children Online

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:35 am

By Richard Chang, THE Journal

Hasbro, which makes the My Little Pony website, is among the companies that have illegally allowed children’s viewing habits to be tracked online. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has reached settlements with four major companies, blocking them from using tracking technology on their popular children’s websites. The settlements require that Viacom, Mattel and Jumpstart pay penalties totaling $835,000 following an investigation dubbed Operation Child Tracker, according to WABC-TV, the attorney general’s media site and other news sources. The two-year investigation found that the companies violated a 1998 federal law, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, that prohibits unauthorized collection of children’s personal information on websites aimed at users under 13. “What we found, frankly, was shocking,” Schneiderman said during a press conference this week. “Many of the sites that are home to our most popular TV shows and toys were littered with technology that can be used to track every move a child makes on that site.”

https://thejournal.com/articles/2016/09/14/companies-settle-with-new-york-to-stop-tracking-children-online.aspx

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Buttercups and Orange Bus create online learning platform for pharmacy students

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:28 am

by Michael Feeley, the Drum

National training provider Buttercups has collaborated with Newcastle-based digital agency Orange Bus on an international project to develop the next generation of pharmacy talent. Orange Bus, which has offices in Newcastle, Edinburgh and London, was approached Buttercups to build a dedicated web-based platform that allows pharmacy support staff to study for nationally recognised qualifications. The open source platform from Drupal combines content management and learner reporting tools to allow the easy creation of engaging, social and interactive content for learners to access from any device. The project was launched after Buttercups discovered Pennsylvania State University had developed a new approach to building e-learning platforms. Experts at the university have spent years developing a feature-rich system that can be extended and adapted to any user need.

http://www.thedrum.com/news/2016/09/15/buttercups-and-orange-bus-create-online-learning-platform-pharmacy-students

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September 24, 2016

5 ways edu-tech is changing your learning experience

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:35 am

by J Vignesh & Varsha Bansal, Economic Times

Online courses and learning through mobile apps are gaining more acceptances among the student community. This is fuelling further development of data-driven education technologies, triggering fundamental changes in how school and college students as well as professionals seeking new skills are learning. Last week, the foundation started by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan co-led a $50-million investment in the Bengaluru-based startup Byju’s app. It has been downloaded by about 5.5 million students in more than 1,400 cities and towns. Take a look at how edu-tech is changing the learning experience of students.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/slideshows/tech-life/five-ways-mobile-and-online-can-change-your-learning-experience/5-ways-edu-tech-is-changing-your-learning-experience/slideshow/54359457.cms

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The Growth of Online Video-Based Learning

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:29 am

Len Calderone, HomeToys

The demand for video-based learning is experiencing tremendous growth in the recent times. Video-based learning may soon become the most sought after educational process from the corporate level to the academic environment, mainly because of the growth of smartphones and tablets. The reason that we are seeing a growing trend in video-based learning is largely due to the increased strength of social media proliferation and social blogging in the everyday life of a student, along with mobile learning. The use of written material in education has become boring to today’s digital users. Neurological studies have proven that memories are reinforced when an emotion was attached to memory. The quality of learning (comprehension and understanding) is limited until our multiple senses are involved.

http://www.hometoys.com/article/2016/09/the-growth-of-online-video-based-learning-/35083

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High school juniors can apply for aerospace class

Filed under: Educational Technology — admin @ 12:27 am

by Times-News

Idaho high school juniors can apply to take an aerospace class this spring, with the chance to visit the NASA Ames Research Center in Sunnyvale, Calif. Registration will be open through Nov. 18. The Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars program is offered through a cooperation between the Idaho Department of Education and NASA. Once accepted into the program, students will sign up for an online class offered through the Idaho Digital Learning Academy by going to their IDLA school site coordinator. The class will be offered from January through May and students will receive one science elective credit for completing the class.

http://magicvalley.com/news/local/education/high-school-juniors-can-apply-for-aerospace-class/article_c0aa6894-5d45-5023-b1ab-871041245f64.html

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