EdTech

Review: The Edupunks’ Guide to a DIY Credential by Anya Kamenetz

Getting Smart Staff

This July Anya Kamenetz published The Edupunks' Guide to a DIY Credential, a free eBook that teaches students how to develop a personal learning plan through the use of online resources and a community of self-chosen mentors. The entire book feeds the mind of the edupunk in delivering ways to take advantage of the rapidly growing resources on the Internet to receive a credential.
Personalized Learning

Teaching & Testing the Common Core

Tom Vander Ark

“If we get this right, we’ll put our students on the path to a better future.” Gene Wilhoit, CCSSO, was talking about implementing Common Core assessments during closing panel of the Technology Enhanced Assessment conference. “Assessments are one element in the ecology of schools and school improvement,” David Conley said, “The whole system needs to be addressed.”
Leadership

Good Work: When Bliss doesn’t pay the Bills

Tom Vander Ark

Dave Matthews was on NPR last night. He said, “There's some thing about those moments of bliss,” he explained to Guy Raz. “My dad always said to find your bliss…and then pursue it.” Matthews never thought he’d still be touring at 45 “but the moments of bliss make it hard to walk away—it's akin to an addiction, when the joy is so big its like being a kid, that laughter, that spontaneity is hunger inducing." But what if your bliss doesn't pay the bills?
Ed Policy

Boosting Access to the Benefits of Blended Learning

Susan Patrick

A vague Pennsylvania law is being interpreted to restrict blended learning for cyber schools. This is leaving cyber charter schools with little flexibility to create blended learning environments that combine the advantages of face-to-face instruction with the best of online learning.