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This is very "hot" in India at the moment. The president of India has given 200 of these to the university I work at and they are distributing it, for free, to loads if other institutes. It costs $25!! I haven't seen the quality of the device, but I have seen other low cost, about $150, tablets and I don't like them AT ALL. D you think e device quality and user experience will not be deterrent given the price point?

Mohit, I've heard a lot about the poor quality of the device and very little about HOW universities intend on using these tablets. It seems like another case of top-down intervention that's tech-driven rather than learning-driven, which is rather unfortunate. Also seems even more unfortunate that even though it's a tech-driven initiative, they haven't thought out the *quality* component of the tech. Oy... See this article for critiques of the tablet: http://www.techulator.com/resources/5523-Most-Annoying-Defects-Flows-Datawinds.aspx

a push to increase teacher quality by ranking quality of teacher prep programs

With all of the unfounded claims being made by developers of early childhood learning toys regarding the educational efficacy of their products (read BABY EINSTEIN), I think that groups such as this one that review apps for safety and quality issues will become increasingly important. It's crazy that Android requires nothing of their Android Market developers than to pay a fee and submit a description and a few screenshots. App quality control will become a big deal, I'm predicting...

Stephen, Looks like a great business opportunity - an Apps Rating Agency like Moodys or S&P?

The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) just released a new report arguing for changes in the metrics used to measure the quality of online learning. Like the Innosight Institute piece we read a few weeks ago advocates, they're advocating a shift from measuring inputs to tracking outcomes and making sure those outcomes are objective.

How test designers are trying to move away from standardized tests to computer programs that can measure a myriad of skills simultaneously through simulations and "stealth monitoring."  Both Chris Dede and Howard Gardner are mentioned.

Pearson gets into the MOOC action by creating a search engine for content.

Pearson makes an interesting business move by recognizing and organizing Open Educational Resources. I often wonder how the questions of academic integrity, quality, etc will be answered in the marketplace.

The American Council of Education will review some Coursera classes to see if they will recommend them to other universities as "acceptable." This involves a review by existing professors for course quality. Other interesting tidbits: looks like Coursera will pilot remote-proctoring to verify identity of students; Gates Foundation just gave away $3 million to study MOOCs and create remedial / introductory classes.

article on the National School Speed Test to access the quality of Internet access for K-12 schools - critical information in the conversation regarding technology integration

It's interesting to compare the conversations around ICT and education throughout the world.

An online university offer free online education to students in more than 120 countries. The university recruits volunteers from Brigham Young, Columbia, Harvard, Insead, N.Y.U. and Yale. "We're not trying to create Oxford or Harvard...This is low-cost, high-quality education for people who can't afford anything else."

Educational technology predictions for 2012. Seems to be focus is on better assessment, bring your own device (BYOD), and free quality content.

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.

Great video showing Corning's vision for flexible, durable glass applications that can hide electronic components for high quality display on any surface you can imagine.

These services could be a help or a hindrance depending on the quality of their advice

""I care about education for everyone, not just the elite," he [Sebastian Thrun of Udacity] said in an interview. "We want to bring high-quality education to everyone, and set up everyone for success. My commitment is unchanged."" Let's hope so...

More on MOOCs: "One one side, there are those who portray traditional higher education models as enjoying too much immunity from market forces and public demands for greater academic efficiency and productivity; on the other side are faculty groups and others who are struggling against a narrative of disruption that sees higher education as a business while discounting the issues of academic quality, freedom and governance."

This site lists educational games by category. There is no feed for updates (at least, I haven't found one) and games listed vary greatly in quality and educational merit. The site is hard to navigate due to poor design and doesn't seem to update very frequently

Cool Site! What an easy way to see what has been explored and was in the works. It seemed as though Health and Language acquisition were big topics.

The quality of the graphics on this mobile phone game struck me; definitely very engaging and holds promise for educational apps?

Interesting video in light of our discussions on AI toys. This is going for a much older audience, but some of the "reactive" qualities would be extremely applicable to products for children.

This report highlights key issues to facilitate understanding of how a systemic approach to technology-based school innovations can contribute to quality education for all while promoting a more equal and effective education system. It focuses on the novel concept of systemic innovation, as well as presenting the emerging opportunities to generate innovations that stem from Web 2.0 and the important investments and efforts that have gone into the development and promotion of digital resources. It also shows alternative ways to monitor, assess and scale up technology-based innovations. Some country cases, as well as fresh and alternative research frameworks, are presented.