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Debate continues on virtual learning, on quality and assessment. Educators try to find how to exploit technology in a way that advances access to AP courses, specialized courses, customized individual learning, and full online school.

Best practices and lessons learned for online learning.

Free webinar tomorrow (9/27) from Tech&Learning on Google Chromebooks and Apps for Education - Power of the Web for TEaching and Learning 

Omosa is a virtual learning environment which helps students to learn ecology and biology. It aims at the current condition that students are having fewer opportunities to go on real field trips and work with real animals. It's cool in helping students learn the biological circle of animals and the environment.

Interesting article on the steps that Google has taken toward building an e-learning ecosystem.

A white paper on connecting digital learning and deeper learning by Tom Vander Ark, who used to be at HGSE. I haven't read it, but I'm excited to!

Some interesting videos with James Paul Gee et al. discussing issues related to video games and learning. Videos are under 5 minutes each.

Some interesting videos with James Paul Gee et al. discussing issues related to video games and learning. Videos are under 5 minutes each. What do you think about what they have to say?

Skoolaborate is a global initiative uses a blend of technologies including, blogs, online learning, wiki's and 'virtual worlds' to transform learning. We aim to use these tools to provide engaging collaborative learning experiences for students aged between 13 and 18 years of age.

The author makes a case for mobile learning for professionals with the Android App - Google Goggles... are there other uses that people see of the app in the k-12 sector?

Free e-learning report o on-line education in the k-12 space.

Here is an online learning module about innovation. I have not run through the course, but I might do it just to get an online learning experience

New York classroom where curriculum is entirely in video games. The program is called "Quest to Learn". Students learn math, english and other core subjects by playing multi user video games. The games are designed by learning games designers and are focused on problem solving.

Jerry Brown, Governor of California, speaks out about the ineptitude of standardized tests as a comprehensive, accurate way of measuring student learning. This idea is germane to most of what we are learning about the virtues of performance-based assessments, constructivist approach to learning, and the future of education. Does anybody think that there will ever be a time when standardized testing is replaced by something more effective? Emerging technologies like augmented reality simulations and multi-user virtual environments could be candidates for the replacement of standardized paper-based tests. Interesting to think about...

With thousands of customers in more than 75 countries, Articulate is the recognized leader in rapid e-learning software and e-learning authoring tools.

Is the online experience important enough to warrant this?

This strikes me as a case where technology is being implemented without enough thought as to how the technology actually furthers the learning goals. "Having an online learning experience" doesn't seem to me like a good enough reason to require students to take a course online, especially for students who do not have easy access to the internet. While I think it's important for students to get experience with an online learning platform, I hope that they are learning more than just how to use the technology -- what is more important is that they learn how to be part of a collaborative Community of Inquiry (I am borrowing the phrase Community of Inquiry from Garrison's "E-learning in the 21st Century"). This requires them to think and write critically and collaborate effectively with their peers.

"Distance learning courses have played an important role in raising awareness for one community-based charity, according to those involved. Online learning provider Virtual College worked with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in Bradford to raise important issues regarding prejudice and discrimination in the workplace."

Envisioning and exploring classroom and education in the future - the video of a panel session at the end of this article is quite interesting. "Learning communities are growing beyond the walls of classrooms. But before we move too fast into that realm, it is critical that students get the support they need to navigate this frontier. They need to learn to think critically, synthesize information, and communicate their ideas effectively and clearly."

"They (students) are digital natives. We are digital immigrants...Technology should be an integrated tool in education." ", said Ferguson, a doctoral student and principal of an elementary school in her talk on Impact of Technology on Teaching and Learning for the 21st Century. Teacher are not the only source or learning for students, rather they are now facilitator of knowledge.