From LMS to Learning Ecosystems
EdWeek’s Ian Quillen reviewed a Don McIntosh report on the learning management systems (LMS) market. Adaptive content, social learning, smart engines, lots of open content, and an explosion of mobile apps are expanding aspirations. The RttT states have proposals out for instructional improvement systems that ask for ecosystem like capabilities; that and the shift to online assessments that will take place in most states in 25 months will accelerate ecosystem development.
4 Ways Flipping Forces Fundamental Change
I generally like the idea of turning things upside-down if only to see what happens as a result. I suppose I learned the merits of flipping first-hand, having once taken the wacky (and effective) advice to stand on my head when I couldn’t sleep – yes, by a yoga teacher, and yes, it worked. I mean, whoever had the idea of flipping tomato plants to get those crazy hanging vines was a genius in my book.
North Carolina Blocks Online Public Charter
Parents in the State of North Carolina want a new, online public charter school, North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA), that would expand school choice options and individualized instruction for students. The school received preliminary approval to operate under the Cabarrus County Board of Education. Yet, the North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA), State Board of Education (SBE) and 60 school districts are trying to block it. What went wrong?
No Enclosures: Creating the Environment for Summer Learning
As I sat staring at my son's chicken coop plans that morning and wondering how to make his dream a reality in a covenanted subdivision, I was reminded of a recurring educational topic of discussion this month: "How do we continue students' learning through the summer break?" I was quickly reminded of a tweet quoting Lao Tzu that said, "To lead the people, walk behind them."
K-12 Center Releases Summary of Findings at Assessment Symposium
The Center for K-12 Assessment & Performance Management at ETS (K-12 Center) released a summary of its Tech Enhanced Assessment (TEA) Symposium, co-sponsored by the K-12 Center and CCSSO, this May in Washington D.C. as a supplement in the June edition of Education Week.
Digital Learning Leads to Deeper Learning
We think digital learning can lead to deeper learning. We’re writing a paper with a framework of evidence. A little brainstorming led to a list of ten benefits we’ve seen: Engagement: media that grabs attention Motivation: encouragement to go deeper Persistence: capturing more learning hours per day Production: ability…
Infographic: The Rise of the AP
Tom Vander Ark often says that one of the best ways to introduce online or blended learning in high schools is to offer additional Advanced Placement (AP) courses online. It’s a win-win for the school and students. Schools offer additional desirable classes without dramatically increasing costs and while testing…
A Lesson In Funding 1:1 Access From Spearfish, South Dakota
Steve Morford is the principal of Spearfish High School in Spearfish, South Dakota—a 1:1 teaching and learning environment. With close to seven years of experience leading a 1:1 school, Mr. Morford has a lot of wisdom to share, especially when it comes to financing improved student access to technology.
SCE Launches Digital Learning Challenge
SCE, a Chicago-based social investment organization, launched a “Digital Learning Challenge” by inviting letters of inquiry that could lead to up to $250,000 in grants. The announcement is worth reading just because it is an interesting premise--that shifting even a portion of the out-of-school media time of low income youth to productive learning activities can make a big difference.
Changing the Economics of Higher Education
Sal Khan sees a mismatch of expectations in higher education between institutions and some consumers. He thinks open learning and skills certification will grow in importance. A transformation of higher ed is takin place in four categories: super low-cost post-sec, competency-based credits, job certification, and degree alternatives.