Staff Picks: Blended Learning, Higher Ed, ISTE, DigLN

Tom Picks “Who Governs the Child?”

Tom says, “The central tenant of Digital Learning Now!, a framework for state policy, is expanded access to the world of digital learning. The North Carolina struggle that Jeff writes about is emblematic of our time–the shift from a time when education what limited to what was offered at the school down the street to personal digital anywhere anytime learning. Multiple providers of full and part time online learning provides access to options and quality.

Karen Picks “Trustees Want Big Bucks, But We Deserve a Better Bargain from Higher Ed”

Karen says, “The high cost of higher ed has led to many great startups (such as E[nstitute]) where the importance and or irrelevance of the ownership of a degree and all of the $$ associated with it will be replaced with work place experience. Digital learning and innovation need to be incorporated into the higher ed learning equation now to facilitate the worth of a college degree.”

Caroline Picks “Jeb Bush Shares Power of Digital Learning with Leaders in Seattle“

Caroline says, “I appreciate Governor Bush’s national leadership and mentorship of policy makers around the country. He is the best education Governor of our time and has continued to make great strides in edreform and digital learning. It was great to have Gov. Bush in Seattle this week during such a critical education time for Washington. Our Governor’s race and charter school initiative are so important this Fall.”

Carri Picks “Blended Learning Can Improve Working Conditions, Teaching & Learning”

Carri says, “Sometimes teachers get stuck in negative thinking about what their new roles will look like in blended settings. Tom’s piece shows there are lots of things to think positively about – including more opportunities for teachers to collaborate, more authentic and meaningful professional development, and exciting new career tracks and earning potential.”

Sarah Picks ISTE 2012

Sarah says, “ISTE this year showed an uptick in blended learning, edtech and innovation in the market. It was great to see the enthusiasm from teachers and interest in the forefront of technology.”

Allison Picks “Kinesthetically Kinect to Learning”

Allison says, “The fact that we all learn in different ways is not a new idea, but I’m glad to see it is making its way into the traditional classroom setting. Not every student will grasp the topic in the same way – some will want to read about it, others will need to write about it, and there is a large group that will need to touch, do and feel. If teachers can find a way to integrate all those different forms of learning, it will ultimately lead to success for their students.”