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Saturday, March 31, 2007

The Growing Role of Online Learning by Ellen R. Delisio

Enrollment in online and blended courses - those that combine online and traditional learning -will continue growing, a study says. Educators need training and schools need plans to ensure online learning is integrated effectively and efficiently into schools. Included: Data about enrollments and projected enrollments in online courses.
As many as 700,000 K-12 students were engaged in online courses in the 2005-2006 academic year, and the pace of enrollment only is expected to keep accelerating, according to “K-12 Online Learning: A Survey of U.S. School District Administrators”, conducted by the Sloan Consortium, an organization that facilitates online learning.
Over the next two years online enrollments could increase by 19 percent and blended enrollments - which combine online learning with traditional face-to-face instruction - could rise by 23 percent, a press release for the study noted.
Rural districts in particular cited the advantage of online courses, because often they do not have the money or personnel to add classes.

One of the authors of the study, Dr. Anthony G. Picciano, a professor in the Hunter College school of education and the College and Graduate Center of the City University of NewYork, talked with Education World about the study’s findings and implications.



The Growing Role of Online Learning by Ellen R. Delisio

Enrollment in online and blended courses - those that combine online and traditional learning -will continue growing, a study says. Educators need training and schools need plans to ensure online learning is integrated effectively and efficiently into schools. Included: Data about enrollments and projected enrollments in online courses.
As many as 700,000 K-12 students were engaged in online courses in the 2005-2006 academic year, and the pace of enrollment only is expected to keep accelerating, according to “K-12 Online Learning: A Survey of U.S. School District Administrators”, conducted by the Sloan Consortium, an organization that facilitates online learning.
Over the next two years online enrollments could increase by 19 percent and blended enrollments - which combine online learning with traditional face-to-face instruction - could rise by 23 percent, a press release for the study noted.
Rural districts in particular cited the advantage of online courses, because often they do not have the money or personnel to add classes.

One of the authors of the study, Dr. Anthony G. Picciano, a professor in the Hunter College school of education and the College and Graduate Center of the City University of NewYork, talked with Education World about the study’s findings and implications.



SUNY brings classroom into students' homes by CARA MATTHEWS


Dwight Schuman returned to school last summer to study adolescence education, 11 years after he left college with a less-than-stellar grade-point average.
Despite having a busier life now - a full-time job assisting potential customers at Sutherland Global Services in Rochester, and a wife and family - he has managed to squeeze in seven classes at Monroe Community College, four of them online.
And he has made the dean's list. Maturity and motivation, plus a good computer and the growing availability of so-called "distance learning" courses have helped him greatly.
"You have to be disciplined to do it. You really have to be focused," the Henrietta, N.Y., resident said of his online classes.

SUNY brings classroom into students' homes by CARA MATTHEWS


Dwight Schuman returned to school last summer to study adolescence education, 11 years after he left college with a less-than-stellar grade-point average.
Despite having a busier life now - a full-time job assisting potential customers at Sutherland Global Services in Rochester, and a wife and family - he has managed to squeeze in seven classes at Monroe Community College, four of them online.
And he has made the dean's list. Maturity and motivation, plus a good computer and the growing availability of so-called "distance learning" courses have helped him greatly.
"You have to be disciplined to do it. You really have to be focused," the Henrietta, N.Y., resident said of his online classes.

Friday, March 30, 2007

SLAC Website

Here is a great website for students! Be sure to check out the SLAC Website at Alamo Community College District.

SLAC Website

Here is a great website for students! Be sure to check out the SLAC Website at Alamo Community College District.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

More schools are posting course materials online, free of charge


Getting into college might be tougher today than it used to be--but an increasing number of top schools are now offering courses free of charge online. What's more, some program administrators report giving away course content actually is having a positive impact on student recruitment.
Following the lead of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and other highly competitive schools, more institutions are posting online everything from lecture notes to sample tests, and even making audio and video files of actual lectures publicly available. The sites attract anywhere from thousands to more than one million unique visitors each month.
MIT now posts all class lectures given by legendary physics professor Walter Lewin online.



More schools are posting course materials online, free of charge


Getting into college might be tougher today than it used to be--but an increasing number of top schools are now offering courses free of charge online. What's more, some program administrators report giving away course content actually is having a positive impact on student recruitment.
Following the lead of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and other highly competitive schools, more institutions are posting online everything from lecture notes to sample tests, and even making audio and video files of actual lectures publicly available. The sites attract anywhere from thousands to more than one million unique visitors each month.
MIT now posts all class lectures given by legendary physics professor Walter Lewin online.



Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Cases on Global E-Learning Practices: Successes and Pitfalls

Look at this interesting book by Ramesh C. Sharma and Sanjaya Mishra; Indira Gandhi National Open University.


Synopsis
E-learning has assumed a significant role in the educational sector in both face-to-face learning and distance learning forms. Universities all over the globe have adopted e-learning methodology, or are planning to implement it in the near future.
Cases on Global E-Learning Practices: Successes and Pitfalls looks into global practices of e-learning, examining the successes and failures of e-learning professionals. It provides a judicious mix of practical experiences and research in the form of case studies. Written by experts from all over the globe, this book shows how to design instructional strategies for e-learning, illustrates the application of e-learning with case studies, and reviews the potential of e-learning in education and training.
Cases on Global E-Learning Practices: Successes and Pitfalls gives an understanding of the practical implementation of e-learning technologies, including what to do and what to avoid.

Cases on Global E-Learning Practices: Successes and Pitfalls

Look at this interesting book by Ramesh C. Sharma and Sanjaya Mishra; Indira Gandhi National Open University.


Synopsis
E-learning has assumed a significant role in the educational sector in both face-to-face learning and distance learning forms. Universities all over the globe have adopted e-learning methodology, or are planning to implement it in the near future.
Cases on Global E-Learning Practices: Successes and Pitfalls looks into global practices of e-learning, examining the successes and failures of e-learning professionals. It provides a judicious mix of practical experiences and research in the form of case studies. Written by experts from all over the globe, this book shows how to design instructional strategies for e-learning, illustrates the application of e-learning with case studies, and reviews the potential of e-learning in education and training.
Cases on Global E-Learning Practices: Successes and Pitfalls gives an understanding of the practical implementation of e-learning technologies, including what to do and what to avoid.

Chalk Raises Bar on Rapid Content Development with Latest Version of eLearning Software


Chalk Media Corp., a leading provider of customized, results-driven eLearning solutions, announces an update to its software chalkboard™ Learning Content Management System. Through chalkboard™ LCMS v4.1, eLearning content authors are now able to rapidly create sophisticated learning activities through an Interactivity Builder. Version 4.1 also provides administrators with a Custom Reporting Wizard.
According to eLearning analyst Brandon Hall, the number one feature organizations look for when buying LCMS software is rapid content development tools for novice developers. The Interactivity Builder within chalkboard™ LCMS pushes the boundaries of this requirement by enabling authors to rapidly create Flash-based activities, or ‘knowledge checks’, and organize them in a repository.
This is a first in a hosted environment. Included in Version 4.1 are the games ‘Millionaire’, Aces Wild, Tile Flip and String Match. Additional games will be added with future releases.

About Chalk Media Corp.
Chalk (TSX-V: CKM) is a leading provider of interactive learning solutions and tools that help organizations communicate more effectively with their employees, business partners and consumers.
The company’s core focus is customized, results-driven eLearning solutions. By combining in-house expertise in instructional design, content strategy, development, quality assurance, Flash animation and video production, Chalk produces customized rich media content that focuses on the user experience.
Chalk uses its proprietary software platform, chalkboard™ LCMS, to measure the effectiveness of their learning solutions and track ROI for their clients.

Chalk Raises Bar on Rapid Content Development with Latest Version of eLearning Software


Chalk Media Corp., a leading provider of customized, results-driven eLearning solutions, announces an update to its software chalkboard™ Learning Content Management System. Through chalkboard™ LCMS v4.1, eLearning content authors are now able to rapidly create sophisticated learning activities through an Interactivity Builder. Version 4.1 also provides administrators with a Custom Reporting Wizard.
According to eLearning analyst Brandon Hall, the number one feature organizations look for when buying LCMS software is rapid content development tools for novice developers. The Interactivity Builder within chalkboard™ LCMS pushes the boundaries of this requirement by enabling authors to rapidly create Flash-based activities, or ‘knowledge checks’, and organize them in a repository.
This is a first in a hosted environment. Included in Version 4.1 are the games ‘Millionaire’, Aces Wild, Tile Flip and String Match. Additional games will be added with future releases.

About Chalk Media Corp.
Chalk (TSX-V: CKM) is a leading provider of interactive learning solutions and tools that help organizations communicate more effectively with their employees, business partners and consumers.
The company’s core focus is customized, results-driven eLearning solutions. By combining in-house expertise in instructional design, content strategy, development, quality assurance, Flash animation and video production, Chalk produces customized rich media content that focuses on the user experience.
Chalk uses its proprietary software platform, chalkboard™ LCMS, to measure the effectiveness of their learning solutions and track ROI for their clients.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

More Than 170 Learning Institutions Convene on e-Learning Trends at BbWorld Europe

Representatives from more than 170 education institutions gathered to share their experiences implementing successful education technology strategies.
At the BbWorld Europe conference held in Nice. Blackboard Inc. hosted its largest users conference outside of North America in the history of the company. Throughout Europe and the Middle East, e-learning has become a vital component of learning and teaching strategies for schools, further education institutions, and universities.

More Than 170 Learning Institutions Convene on e-Learning Trends at BbWorld Europe

Representatives from more than 170 education institutions gathered to share their experiences implementing successful education technology strategies.
At the BbWorld Europe conference held in Nice. Blackboard Inc. hosted its largest users conference outside of North America in the history of the company. Throughout Europe and the Middle East, e-learning has become a vital component of learning and teaching strategies for schools, further education institutions, and universities.

The Expanding Digital Universe: A Forecast of Worldwide Information Growth Through 2010


In this detailed white paper, IDC researches and analyzes the impact of ever-increasing amounts of digital information generated worldwide. It defines the digital universe and forecasts its growth to an incredible 988 exabytes (or 988 billion gigabytes) in the year 2010.
Get a clear picture of what this expanding universe means to you and your organization. Find out what’s driving growth—from files and e-mail to voice data and images. And learn about strategies for managing the rapidly expanding digital universe.


The Expanding Digital Universe: A Forecast of Worldwide Information Growth Through 2010


In this detailed white paper, IDC researches and analyzes the impact of ever-increasing amounts of digital information generated worldwide. It defines the digital universe and forecasts its growth to an incredible 988 exabytes (or 988 billion gigabytes) in the year 2010.
Get a clear picture of what this expanding universe means to you and your organization. Find out what’s driving growth—from files and e-mail to voice data and images. And learn about strategies for managing the rapidly expanding digital universe.


Monday, March 26, 2007

Pennsylvania university switches from Windows machines to Macs

In recent years, many schools and districts have migrated to an all-Windows platform to save money on network maintenance and support.
But in a reversal of this trend, a Pennsylvania university is switching
from Windows-based PCs to an all-Mac computing environment, and school officials estimate they'll save about $150,000 by doing so.
A key development that enables this shift is Apple's decision to use Intel processors, which will allow the school's students and staff to run either Mac OS X or Windows-based applications.

Pennsylvania university switches from Windows machines to Macs

In recent years, many schools and districts have migrated to an all-Windows platform to save money on network maintenance and support.
But in a reversal of this trend, a Pennsylvania university is switching
from Windows-based PCs to an all-Mac computing environment, and school officials estimate they'll save about $150,000 by doing so.
A key development that enables this shift is Apple's decision to use Intel processors, which will allow the school's students and staff to run either Mac OS X or Windows-based applications.

Training, Education and e-Learning organizations use Qarbon

Training, Education and e-Learning organizations use Qarbon's presentation software to:

  • Reduce travel expenses by replacing classroom instructions with online classes.
  • Improve productivity by shortening the learning cycle of new employees with web-based training.
  • Make it easier for staff to learn new skills by providing 24/7 online learning.

Read more...

Related link

Viasofia

Source: Qarbon

Training, Education and e-Learning organizations use Qarbon

Training, Education and e-Learning organizations use Qarbon's presentation software to:

  • Reduce travel expenses by replacing classroom instructions with online classes.
  • Improve productivity by shortening the learning cycle of new employees with web-based training.
  • Make it easier for staff to learn new skills by providing 24/7 online learning.

Read more...

Related link

Viasofia

Source: Qarbon

eLearning Papers publication launched


Third edition from elearningeuropa.info.

In this issue of eLearning Papers, you can read several articles giving practical examples about how blended learning is applied and used in different contexts and institutions across Europe.

Blended learning, also known as hybrid or mixed learning, is an approach that has developed with tenacity in the field of education. It is by no means a new term or methodology. To learn and teach in a blended way has been and continues to be an intelligent way of conforming to different training needs. However, when blended learning is analysed by comparing and contrasting it with e-learning, reflections and evaluations emerge that make it easier to comprehend the limitations and possibilities of the blended way of learning.

eLearning Papers publication launched


Third edition from elearningeuropa.info.

In this issue of eLearning Papers, you can read several articles giving practical examples about how blended learning is applied and used in different contexts and institutions across Europe.

Blended learning, also known as hybrid or mixed learning, is an approach that has developed with tenacity in the field of education. It is by no means a new term or methodology. To learn and teach in a blended way has been and continues to be an intelligent way of conforming to different training needs. However, when blended learning is analysed by comparing and contrasting it with e-learning, reflections and evaluations emerge that make it easier to comprehend the limitations and possibilities of the blended way of learning.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Blended Learning: an Ongoing Process for Internet: Integration

Take a look at this book.

Availability: In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served.

This book unites a wide range of experts who provide creative insights and solutions for online education. It is the first book to integrate accessibility features as an integral part of blended learning

Blended Learning: an Ongoing Process for Internet: Integration

Take a look at this book.

Availability: In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served.

This book unites a wide range of experts who provide creative insights and solutions for online education. It is the first book to integrate accessibility features as an integral part of blended learning

On-line tutoring for Math Achievement Testing: A Controlled Evaluation

Article appears in Volume 6, Number 1, Spring 2007 edition of The Journal of Online Interactive Learning.

Abstract
We report the results of a controlled evaluation of an interactive on-line tutoring system for high school math achievement test problem solving. High school students (N = 202) completed a math pre-test and were then assigned by teachers to receive interactive on-line multimedia tutoring or their regular classroom instruction. The on-line tutored students improved on the post-test, but the effect was limited to problems involving skills tutored in the on-line system (within-group control). Control group students showed no improvement. Students’ use of interactive multimedia hints predicted pre- to post-test improvement, and benefits of tutoring were greatest for students with weakest initial math skills.

About the Author(s)...
Carole R. Beal is Director of the Learning and Development Center at the Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California. She received her doctorate in Psychology from Stanford University in 1983, and was a faculty member of Dartmouth College and then the University of Massachusetts-Amherst until 2005, when she moved to USC. Dr. Beal’s research interests focus on technology-based learning for K-12 education, with a particular focus on the design of systems to reach students who have traditionally not been engaged with math and science. She may be contacted at
cbeal@isi.edu.

Rena Walles is a doctoral student in the Psychology Dept. at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The research described here was conducted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for her masters degree. Her research interests are in the cognitive processes contributing to individual differences in mathematics achievement.

Ivon Arroyo is Senior Post-doctoral Fellow in the Computer Science Department at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She received her doctorate in Education from UMass in 2003. Her research interests are in the design of intelligent tutoring systems.
Beverly Woolf is Research Professor in the Computer Science Department at the University of Massachustts-Amherst. Dr. Woolf’s research focuses on systems for on-line inquiry learning and technology to improve intelligent tutoring through machine learning.

Beverly Woolf is Research Professor in the Computer Science Department at the University of Massachustts-Amherst. Dr. Woolf’s research focuses on systems for on-line inquiry learning and technology to improve intelligent tutoring through machine learning.

On-line tutoring for Math Achievement Testing: A Controlled Evaluation

Article appears in Volume 6, Number 1, Spring 2007 edition of The Journal of Online Interactive Learning.

Abstract
We report the results of a controlled evaluation of an interactive on-line tutoring system for high school math achievement test problem solving. High school students (N = 202) completed a math pre-test and were then assigned by teachers to receive interactive on-line multimedia tutoring or their regular classroom instruction. The on-line tutored students improved on the post-test, but the effect was limited to problems involving skills tutored in the on-line system (within-group control). Control group students showed no improvement. Students’ use of interactive multimedia hints predicted pre- to post-test improvement, and benefits of tutoring were greatest for students with weakest initial math skills.

About the Author(s)...
Carole R. Beal is Director of the Learning and Development Center at the Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California. She received her doctorate in Psychology from Stanford University in 1983, and was a faculty member of Dartmouth College and then the University of Massachusetts-Amherst until 2005, when she moved to USC. Dr. Beal’s research interests focus on technology-based learning for K-12 education, with a particular focus on the design of systems to reach students who have traditionally not been engaged with math and science. She may be contacted at
cbeal@isi.edu.

Rena Walles is a doctoral student in the Psychology Dept. at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The research described here was conducted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for her masters degree. Her research interests are in the cognitive processes contributing to individual differences in mathematics achievement.

Ivon Arroyo is Senior Post-doctoral Fellow in the Computer Science Department at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She received her doctorate in Education from UMass in 2003. Her research interests are in the design of intelligent tutoring systems.
Beverly Woolf is Research Professor in the Computer Science Department at the University of Massachustts-Amherst. Dr. Woolf’s research focuses on systems for on-line inquiry learning and technology to improve intelligent tutoring through machine learning.

Beverly Woolf is Research Professor in the Computer Science Department at the University of Massachustts-Amherst. Dr. Woolf’s research focuses on systems for on-line inquiry learning and technology to improve intelligent tutoring through machine learning.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Innovation, Adoption, and Learning Impact: Creating the Future of IT


Here is another article by Rob Abel , appears in EDUCAUSE Review, March/April 2007 Volume 42, Number 2.



Leadership in IT requires a focus on current technology innovation, adoption, and impact on learning, but most important, leadership in IT requires understanding the alignment of external factors—access, affordability, perceived quality—to the core mission and integrity of the institution.

Innovation, Adoption, and Learning Impact: Creating the Future of IT


Here is another article by Rob Abel , appears in EDUCAUSE Review, March/April 2007 Volume 42, Number 2.



Leadership in IT requires a focus on current technology innovation, adoption, and impact on learning, but most important, leadership in IT requires understanding the alignment of external factors—access, affordability, perceived quality—to the core mission and integrity of the institution.

The Future of the Web, Intelligent Devices and Education

The following article by Howard Strauss, appears in EDUCAUSE Review, vol. 42, no. 1 (January/February 2007): 32–47.


Predicting the future cannot be done by anyone with any certainty. Most of us would be hard-pressed to predict with any accuracy what we will be eating for dinner a week from now. Predicting what twists and turns technology will take is far more difficult than ascertaining our future menus, but it is a task we all must undertake if we are to plan for tomorrow. And planning for tomorrow is something we all must do. The future has a way of arriving a little before we are ready to give up the present. Having some idea of what is coming won't take all the surprise and mystery out of the future, but at least we will be a bit better prepared.

The Future of the Web, Intelligent Devices and Education

The following article by Howard Strauss, appears in EDUCAUSE Review, vol. 42, no. 1 (January/February 2007): 32–47.


Predicting the future cannot be done by anyone with any certainty. Most of us would be hard-pressed to predict with any accuracy what we will be eating for dinner a week from now. Predicting what twists and turns technology will take is far more difficult than ascertaining our future menus, but it is a task we all must undertake if we are to plan for tomorrow. And planning for tomorrow is something we all must do. The future has a way of arriving a little before we are ready to give up the present. Having some idea of what is coming won't take all the surprise and mystery out of the future, but at least we will be a bit better prepared.

Research: Blended Versus Online Learning by David Nagel

A report by Eduventures, Sloan Consortium, and Babson College, shows a slow but steady decline in the percentage of blended courses offered by colleges and universities, while purely online courses continue to grow. At the same time, the report found that colleges and universities have not been meeting consumer demand for online course offerings.
Read more...








Source: Campus Technology