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A national survey released today indicates that a variety of colleges and universities have shown steady improvement in the quality of undergraduate education, as measured by students' exposure to and involvement in effective educational practices.

Found the following quote interesting: "Students whose classes used course management technologies, which provide discussion boards and the posting of notes, readings or assignments, scored higher on NSSE benchmarks, participated more in deep approaches to learning, and reported higher academic and personal gains during college, as did students whose experience included interactive technologies, such as collaborative editing software, blogs, simulations and virtual worlds. "

More college students than ever before are demanding online classes as an option when they register for classes -- even traditional students who live on campus.

Mandatory: an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad (I would argue a tablet in general). "It's getting to the point where there are a number of professions students are going into where knowing how to use technology is required." The article notes "many technology trends become mandatory over time. Today's college students are expected to participate in online forums, e-mail professors and submit papers electronically."

British researchers scanned the brains of 125 college students who used Facebook, then compared the scans with the number of online and real-world friends the students had. Findings show people with more friends have certain areas of the brain that are larger than those with fewer friends, but the link is not clear.

Growing interest in online courses - particularly community colleges that reach out to non traditional students

"Nearly 28% of college students plan to seek employment using LinkedIn, up from 5% last year, according to a survey out today from employee recognition provider I Love Rewards and career-services network Experience. Slightly more than 7% plan to use Facebook, up from 5%."

Course Smart is a great site for students looking to find a textbook in eBook format. This site is geared toward higher ed students and they can browse by category and top content.

"Students moving into a newly renovated dormitory at the University of Kentucky signed up for a hyperwired college experience: Each one was given an iPad and required to take a series of tech-themed courses."

First of Chronicle Research Services 3 part report on our students in 2020