Archive: 2012
Edline is the Headline for Blackboard in K-12
I’m a student of learning platforms because they will be important to the future of education and because the space is so dynamic--a real B-School brain teaser. While learning management systems (LMS) have become standard systems in higher education, the technology is not as widely adopted in K-12 where the landscape remains diverse and the shift to digital uneven.
Personal Learning Networks for Educators: 10 Tips
I often begin my workshop on personal learning networks (PLN) for educators by asking these questions: Who is in your learning network? Who do you learn from on a regular basis? Who do you turn to for your own professional development? Then, I share with participants these ten tips for building their own personal learning network, and I hope these might be useful for you too.
10 D.C. Public Charters Turn to SchoolForce in the Cloud
E.L. Haynes Public Charter Schools announced today that it received a $2.3 million Instructional Improvement Systems (IIS) grant through the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education's Race to the Top (RTTT) program to lead a consortium of 10 D.C. Public Charter Schools in developing and deploying a pilot of SchoolForce™.
Digital Learning Day–A Great Day to Expand Access in Michigan
The Digital Learning Now report card on Michigan specifically calls on the state to remove the cap on its cyber charter schools. Michigan policymakers should celebrate Digital Learning day by lifting the cap on its cyber charter schools.
SXSWedu Announces 2012 LAUNCHedu Finalists
SXSWedu® Conference today announced the finalists for the inaugural LAUNCHedu competition, a program that allows entrepreneurs to pitch their educational business concepts and educational products to a judging panel of venture capitalists, successful entrepreneurs and education practitioners.
SmartTech Roundup: FETC Debuts, Noteworthy Tech, Cheaper College
MIND Research Institute showed off its recently released ST Math Touch tablets, which will bring the visual math games from Jiji and ST Math to tablets for an increased mutli-sensory approach. View our exclusive video demo with Paul Blair.
Good Work: Service Above Self
What strikes me every year is the contribution mentality of the Rotarians. It’s a group of people that take seriously the Rotary International motto, service above self. They have made a commitment to this place and they steward with care. Many of them own a small business. They are doctors, accountants, insurance agents, and realtors. Sure, there is some enlightened self-interest at work here but it’s more than that. They have made a conscious choice to weave the fabric of community and to serve those in need.
Digital Learning Day: Ohio Celebrates Education Innovation
Digital Learning Day marks a nationwide celebration of innovative teaching and learning through digital media and technology that engages students and provides them with a rich, personalized educational experience. More than 30 states, hundreds of school districts, thousands of teachers, and more than a million students will encourage the innovative use of technology by trying something new, showcasing success, kicking off project-based learning, or focusing on how digital tools can help improve student outcomes.
Staff Picks: Chromebooks, Small Schools, Social Learning
Tom picks "Why Three Districts Chose Chromebooks Over Tablets" in response to this year's FETC. Karen picks "Study Validates Replacement of Big Bad Schools With New Small Schools," saying this is long overdue proof. Sarah picks guest blogger Kristen Swanson's post on making online learning social.
CTB Helps States Shift to Online & Common Core Assessment
It’s a tough time to be a state or district testing director: your budget has been cut, you’re supposed to align with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and you’re trying to get your state ready for new online assessments from PARCC or SBAC but they won’t be out for three years. CTB McGraw-Hill has a three prong strategy to help states make the transition to online assessments aligned with the Common Core.