Why Aren’t There Any Next Gen Learning Platforms?
The education sector is in the early stages of transitioning from learning management systems (LMS) to learning platform ecosystems. In fact, a lot of U.S. schools will skip the LMS phase and go straight from print to platform.
Staff Picks: Philanthropy, EdWeek, Online Education, & Blended Learning
Tom Picks "Blended Learning Can Improve Working Conditions, Teaching & Learning" Tom says, "Blending the best of online and onsite learning has the potential to personalize learning for students and teachers with more collaborative and flexible environments." Karen Picks "How Philanthropy Can Improve & Accelerate the Shift to Digital Learning" Karen says, "The exact focus of monetary amounts and targeted funding is so important to fundraising making this article a highlight to read."
Student Warns “Doing Technology” Isn’t Enough
A guest blog this week at edweek.org gave a student the chance to tell us what he thinks is important about technology in the classroom. The perspective of the learner doesn't often get much air time. What this learner has to say deserves attention.
Steelcase Invites Students to Imagine Their Future
This year, Steelcase launched the 100 Dreams Classroom Project as a part of our “100 Dreams, 100 Minds, 100 Years” centennial celebration. Steelcase is a company dedicated to providing great environments where employees can do their best work. To commemorate its 100th anniversary, the company is looking to the leaders of tomorrow to see what dreams they have and how they hope to achieve these advancements. For the project, we designed a simple lesson plan for teachers to download online and implement in their classrooms, which invites children to use crayons to envision the future.
SmartTech Roundup: From Blended Learning to Justin Bieber
Three minute foray into the future. Intel’s three minute video provides a peek into the blended classroom of the future. In response to the video, Tom noted on Getting Smart that the video shows a good partial picture of blended learning but leaves out some of the more compelling reasons for the shift such leveraging teaching talent with technology.
PBS: Taste of College Encourages Students to Continue Classes
John Merrow produced a must watch PBS segment on early college high schools in south Texas. Like AP courses, a partnership with a local college allows students to earn college credit in high school. The challenge and the promise encourages more students to stay in school, graduate, and enroll in college. Online learning makes advanced and college credit course offerings more accessible and affordable.
How Philanthropy Can Improve & Accelerate the Shift to Digital Learning
There are a dozen opportunities for foundations to focus, improve and accelerate the shift to digital learning including planning support for school, district, network, and states; supporting pilots programs and new schools; and sponsoring research, advocacy, and learning opportunities.
ISTE Reflections: Balance Moving Forward
Perhaps the best idea I had for ISTE this year was to arrive in San Diego a day early. It was there, outside of the conference, that I was reminded of a powerful truth in education. Meandering through the meticulously manicured sidewalk shrubbery, the majestically purple Jacaranda trees, and the polite, bayside strollers, I allowed the gentle and cool breeze to nudge me forward ever so slowly under a sunny, cloudless sky. But my steps quickly came to a halt with the sight of an old-school magician whose skin bore witness to the subtle effects of a deceptively hot sun.
Create a Kiosk Atmosphere at Your School
A kiosk computer is a terminal that provides interactive access to an institution’s resources and allows for basic (or open) web browsing.
Investing in Innovation: Capital Flows to Education
The drought is over and capital is flowing to innovators in K-12, postsecondary, and consumer learning. That’s the conclusion of a report from GSV Advisors including industry veterans Deborah Quazzo and Michael Moe. They examine the “near spontaneous explosion of entrepreneurial activity in education.”