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Why should we implement games for learning? How should we do this? What games are appropriate for my needs? This new issue of eLearning Papers should help to find answers to such questions. The potential of Game Based Learning (GBL) is still underestimated.

New direct (pdf) link for George Siemens' "Handbook of Emerging Technologies for Learning" and explanation from George of what happened to the original text linked from Ch02 of the BlendKit Reader.

This paper proposes a new model of blended learning in which physical teaching environments give way to time. Time and synchronicity become the primary elements of the learning environments. In addition, the authors suggest that the time-based model as an educational "new normal" results in technologies as enablers rather than disruptors of learning continuity.

Is your Learning Management System paradigm teacher- or student-centered? Long-term success depends upon the correct answer. Many educators now accept the need to provide course materials online in a Learning Management System (LMS) or Online Learning Environment (OLE) for blended learning to occur successfully.

"Whether you're new to blended learning or a seasoned veteran of blended learning, there's always more to learn. Take a look at 10 of the top resources for blended education, also known as hybrid learning, from some of the most notable names in the field. So, in addition to great resources like YouTube, iTunesU, and a variety of blogs and social media channels, here are 10 of the most popular blended learning resources teachers use." (by Janis Beem)

I recently remembered this article published in The Chronicle of Higher Ed a few years ago. It speaks volumes about some pros and cons (mostly pros) of using technologies like Twitter, online office hours, video chat, etc. to connect to super-sized classes. Though I do not have personal experience in teaching courses with this many students, I still think this teacher has found a way to utilize modern technologies to connect to students in new and important ways. He has taken what many of us would consider a nightmare classroom situation (teaching over 2000 students!) and made it into a classroom experience like no other. If you read through the comments, you'll see that his former students say he has changed their lives and that his was the best class they've ever taken. It's amazing to me that he is/was able to create personal connections with so many students using technology. Basically, if this guy can do it with 2,000+ students, then many of us should strongly consider how we might benefit from these technologies in our own hybrid courses.

EDUCAUSE Review Online 6 Challenges and 6 New Learning Models: Flipped Courses, Open Learning Initiative (OLI), Science Classes, Math Emporiums and Other NCAT Redesigns, Blended Courses, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

How can you determine how well your blended delivery is working for your students? How can you gather information that will enable you to improve your blended design in the future?

Not exactly about blended learning but this is a new paper I wrote with some colleagues about different approaches to pedagogies that build resilience through active learning. In this paper we discuss group activities and assessments used in two Creative Arts disciplines (Performance and Journalism), at an Australian regional university, as examples of subjects which provide 'real world' experience in order to promote resilience and tenacity in students.

A new infographic, released by DreamBox Learning, "Blended Learning: 10 Trends," gives a snapshot on how right now, making student learning is more personalized, more engaging, and more collaborative is what's driving innovation. DreamBox Learning is a Getting Smart Advocacy Partner. This infographic complements the white paper, " Blended Learning Innovations: 10 Major Trends" released March 20.

Whether you are new to Gagne's 9 Events of Instruction or well versed in this area, this is a great resource that includes examples of how to apply this to online or hybrid (blended) course design.

Tony Bates is a leading Canadian researcher and writes in the online learning field. I highly recommend subscribing to his Blog for weekly insights. He is currently writing a new text that will be open and online. Tony writes about online learning in general, however, he also writes regular posts on blended learning, see for example: http://www.tonybates.ca/2014/04/20/synergies-between-online-learning-on-campus-teaching-and-flexible-learning/

The faculty engagement subcommittee has developed a faculty self-assessment for online teaching. Check it out! Over the past year, the faculty Engagement subcommittee has worked on a faculty self-asssesment for online teaching. Carol McQuiggan, an instructional designer at Penn State Harrisburg who manged the process, presented the faculty survey and its results at the SLOAN-C conference in Orlando in November of 2008.

Thanks for sharing this resource Beth! Last year I worked with Carol and two other colleagues to revise/update the content of the tool. The main goal was to align it with the Competencies for Online Teaching (https://www.e-education.psu.edu/files/OnlineTeachingCompetencies_FacEngagementSubcommittee.pdf). In addition, we presented the updated version at SLOAN-C in October to solicit feedback. We implemented some of the changes and are putting other suggestions "on hold" as we investigate a different platform to move the tool to in order to address accessibility issues.

Educators are faced with the challenge of adapting their teaching styles to accommodate a new generation of learners. The Net Generation or Millennials, who are now entering colleges and universities, have learning expectations, styles, and needs different from past students.

EDpuzzle provides a very helpful video curation service. You can source videos from 10 online sources (e.g. TED, YouTube, TeacherTube, etc.). The videos can be edited and questions added. What I find most helpful is the learner tracking features, you can actually see what your learners actually do.