May 26
Last week in my report about technologies that are impacting K12, we learned The Horizon Report highlighted 6 technologies that are rising to the surface in K12. The report discussed them in detail and included suggested time lines for implementation.
With a two to three year time-to-adopt, come Mobiles and Cloud Computing. A mobile is any type of multimedia device that travels easily and has internet access. While continually evolving the most recent rush to the market are hand held, touch screens with unlimited applications encompassing everything from measuring, games, checklists, reading, and social networking just to name a few. One application even turns the iPhone into a flute. The question isn't when to incorporate these devices into the classroom but how. Isn't having information at our fingertips something we want for our children? The new touch technology translates that concept literally.
A key to successful implementation of mobiles will include a shift in training. Educators won't need to train students on how to use the device but rather how to manage the information overload. Discerning the good, bad, and ugly will be an art defined by the user's ability to narrow down what is really important. In wading through the water, a new learning experience will emerge--promoting life skills such as prioritizing and time management.
Cloud computing is a relatively new term which is a style of computing that allows for various infrastructure resources to available over the internet as services. The concept incorporates infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) in addition to other technology trends that have the common theme of reliance on the Internet for satisfying the computing needs of the users. Cloud computing is an economical choice for schools since this can alleviate the need to purchase costly hardware. Jumping on the cloud will help schools have access to reliable services that are affordable.
What do you think about these two technology trends? Does your long term plan include using mobile devices or cloud computing? What are the challenges you envision associated with these technologies? Join in next week as we discuss the final two emerging technologies impacting K12.
May 21
The wait is over! The results are in and the READI 2009 Usage Survey has been released! In the spring of each year eLearningToolBox.com surveys the READI administrators to identify good practices in the usage of READI. The report shows ways our client schools are using and benefitting from READI. Here are some highlights of the report:
- READI is used by a variety of reporting institutions ranging in size from 100 online students to over 25,000 online students.
- The single most common way that schools provide access to READI is through an orientation course. The second most common way is making READI available on the school’s website.
- Most schools provide READI as an option to students, but about 30% of schools do require that students take READI.
- Most schools make READI available to all students, but about 30% make it available only to distance education students.
- About 40% of schools go over the READI scores one-to-one with students.
- READI was strongly perceived as about the same or less expensive than other software used in distance learning programs.
- 94% of READI administrators stated that they would be willing to serve as a reference for the product
- Strong interests was reported in HELP – Helping ELearners Prepare. HELP is a student success resource that we are crafting to follow the READI assessment.
To learn more about how your students can benefit from READI contact our Sales Team at sales@elearningtoolbox.com. Be sure to include READI in the subject line and mention you learned about READI from the blog.
May 19
For the first time, in March of this year, the New Media Consortium (NMC) released their annual report in conjunction with EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative on emerging technologies for K-12. The Horizon Report focuses on a time frame of 1-5 years and outlines trends and challenges associated with implementing these technologies. The report primarily draws from published resources, current research and practices, and expertise from field experts on the project. Funding through a grant from Microsoft Corporation, the Horizon Report is a powerful tool in the future planning for K-12 success.
The report focused on six emerging technologies that have the power to transform education in the next 5 years including collaborative environments, online communication tools, mobile devices, cloud computing, smart objects, and the personal web. Over the next few weeks, we will examine each of these technologies. Discussing what they are and how they can change the face of K-12 learning.
Collaborative environments is not a new concept at its core. Originally created out of a realization that there is a tremendous amount we can learn from others. Learning from a textbook is simply reading about other's experiences. With information at our fingertips, there is no need to stick to one resource for learning. Networking has paid its dues to be recognized as one of the best ways to learn new things, meet new people, and advance your agenda (which is not as sleazy as it sounds). Collaborative environments work in the same way. Open up a virtual table full of students with thoughts, experiences, and desire, and you have one good old fashion brainstorming session. Freedom to learn and grow at one's own pace opens roads that lead to new countries, concepts, and contradictions. This environment pushes students to learn differently, promoting teamwork, critical thinking, and skills that instill lifelong learning.
The Horizon report suggests implementing this technology in a year or less. Many school systems have already begun the collaborative environment platform. Try starting a blog log or launch a youtube contest to begin the dialogue. Create assignments that discuss or analyze the content. Watch the students teach each other, see new ideas evolve, and take note of the empowerment behind this kind of learning.
May 11
Social Networking is a vital part of a successful marketing strategy. At eLearningToolBox.com, we are including Twitter in our efforts to keep you informed of what's going on with us, what's happening in distance learning, and helping you stay connected with all of our promotions and new product launches. Follow us on Twitter today at twitter.com/eltb. All new followers will be added to a drawing for $50 cash. Offer ends June 15th so start following us today!
May 8
Is your travel budget under lock and key? eLearningToolBox.com presents our FREE Summer Webinar Series providing you with valuable information and no travel involved. With featured speakers Dr. Michael Theall, Lori McNabb, and Dr. Mac Adkins, our webinar series will be covering a range of topics in distance learning like faculty/course evaluation, academic integrity, student perceptions and ways to enhance your distance learning program. The webinar series will be a strong professional development resource for you. Similar webinars can cost up to $700! We want to help give your training budget a break without missing out on these valuable resources. Space is limited so sign up today at www.eLearningToolBox.com/webinars!
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