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“What we are seeing today is a certain amount of familiarity for the millennial generation around using technology. Whether it is a mobile phone, a tablet or computer, or also doing things with television, video recordings, gaming, there is a particular set of skills that they have developed,” says Akhtar Badshah, senior director of Global Community Affairs at Microsoft Corp. “However, we also know that just because you’ve had familiarity with the use of a device, it may not necessarily lead to proficiency in the use of technology where youth are effectively using technology to better their lives through a job, start something, or undertake further studies.”

1.Rapid growth in for-profit post-secondary

2.Expanded online learning offerings

3.Massively open online courses (MOOC)

1. Adaptive instruction

2. Playlists

3. Alternative ways to learn:

Thirty percent of those reading electronic content and 40  percent of those who have owned an eReader device for a year or more say they read more.

i-Ready.com from Curriculum Associates, is a great K-8 adaptive assessment with engaging content.

Dreambox.com is a K-3 game-based adaptive math product.

ST Math from MIND Research Institute is a visual game-based approach used with great results in over 1,200 schools; ST Math is now available on iPad. They are launching their Seattle Math Initiative this Wednesday

i-Ready’s two components, adaptive diagnostic and standards preparation, provide a visually appealing and fun approach to educational materials. Both programs allow teachers, parents and administrators to follow the progress of every student down to the skill level. The diagnostic program not only identifies the grade level a student is at, but pin points the skills needed to improve and adapts lessons accordingly.

PC Mag reports that over 1.5 million are in use in educational institutions (bet it’s a lot more than that).  Boston’s NPR station reports that over 600 districts have ditched textbooks and purchased iPads for all students.