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An article about the shift towards computer-based teaching systems.

Thanks for sharing Jennifer. I currently work for Pearson and worked on many of the "digital paths" that the article refers tot. I am seeing first hand the shift in priority towards customized personal learning through digital technologies. Pearson's first attempt at integrating technology into their curriculum was a good start but I think the future of Pearson products will employ a lot of the strategies we've been learning in class from intelligent tutoring systems to fully integrated learning platforms. Very exciting shift for the educational publishing industry!

speakers painted a picture of higher education undergoing a seismic shift--and offered a vision for the future.

Recommendation 1: Complete the Shift from Print-Centric Textbook Adoption Practices to Digital Resources within Five Years Recommendation 2: Develop a Vision and Roadmap for Completing the Shift 2a: Eliminate Unnecessary Regulations and Enact Supportive Policies 2b: Invest in Infrastructure and Devices to Support the Shift 2c: Ensure Effective Implementation of Digital Policies. Recommendation 3: Ensure a Vibrant Marketplace for Digital and Open Content

Interesting thoughts of the cultural shift in schools required for blended technology

The latest report on digital textbooks

Commentary by Gaby Zedlmayer about disruptive education.

This article is about students running help desks. This is becoming more common, as students are often better versed in technology than many teachers. The article identifies a relevant curriculum and discusses the dynamic shift from students supporting technology to technology supporting students. This also goes along with the Burlington High School help desk link I shared.

For the business-type folks in the class, McGraw-Hill just sold its Education division to a private equity company. They think that education will continue to be a good investment.

Yeah, I thought it was weird. I looked into that--I think the sale is to a different "Apollo" group. UPhoenix is something like "Apollo Group" whereas McGraw Hill sold their division to "Apollo Global Management". I think they are different entities, but it is hard to tell. If they are the same organization, it is definitely a weird sign of shifting investments.

Cole, you're absolutely right, I missed that Apollo Global Mgmt is a VC firm.

the cost crisis in higher education

Excellent rundown of the relevant trends in educational technology and some strategies that schools can take to adopt these trends

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan leads a team to State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) Leadership Summit, "Leveraging Technology for Learning." Th panels focus on making shift to digital textbook, increasing broadband access, STEM, assessment, and improving teacher effectiveness - many of these we discussed in our T561 class.

First non-university course on edX! Will be interesting to see what else they will add...

market shifts in online learning

Is the rise of technology the downfall of humanities? The article also talks a bit about new tech tools used in humanities classes on page 2.

I thought it was interesting to note the shift in focus and interest from a broad "knowledge-based" education to a "career readiness" and skills-based education over the past 10 or so years (probably due to the recession) from students AND higher ed. institutions. Do you think this shift is from student demand for more "practical" majors in STEM fields or policy/institution push to enroll more students in STEM majors?

I get really nervous about these "shifts" when they become sensationalized. Despite our insistence that students are not created equal, we keep searching for the one-size-fits-all solution to education, and in this era that solution is bolstered by anything containing the word DIGITAL. How much socioemotional development will students lose if this trend increases over time? How do we provide for human relationships, mentors, even confrontation and conflict resolution when we are all hiding behind computer screens? It has to be about more than convenience.

The shift to digital is nigh. First newspapers, and then.. Books?

Summary: In a shift, professors from prominent colleges (including Harvard) are actually *encouraging* students to use Wikipedia.

Yes! This is a great way to harness a digital resource rather than dismissing it. More or less, everyone uses Wikipedia because if for nothing else, it's usually the first hit in a Google search. I agree with the article in that most students aren't allowed to cite Wikipedia but they do use it as a jumping-off point for their research. So in this sense, it IS valuable. One of the reasons I like it in a pinch is the colloquial tone in the delivery of the information. I usually feel like a buddy is explaining it to me rather than a Phd. If students could capture that tone but provide quality assurance on the facts, there's a real research gem to be had here.

This is an engaging animation/talk from Sir Ken Robinson about the links between some difficult problems facing schools and how a paradigm shift is necessary to fix them.