Interesting that 62.6% of respondents use social for informal learning, but only 26.4% use it to support formal learning. This gets to one of my key issues: we need to formalize the relationship between traditional institutions and emerging learning opportunities and the technology that supports them. Educators need to keep up with the latest technology so they can use the … [Read more...] about More early survey results->Formal vs. Informal Learning
Education
Why Colleges Need Better Connections with Technology Companies
If you look at the courses offered in many colleges and universities, they fall into two ends of a spectrum. They are either obsolete or nearing obsolescence, or they are advanced and theoretical. None of them is in the sweet spot of "I just took this course and can go apply my current skills to work, or use them to help me land a job." Technology suppliers need to take college … [Read more...] about Why Colleges Need Better Connections with Technology Companies
Are Teachers Under Fire?–A Must Listen from To the Point (NPR)
A must listen. Demonstrates how complex our education debate is. Program abstract: In this era of political polarization, public school teachers are getting heat from both sides: leftist reformers and right-wing union busters. We hear how demoralized teachers are responding to some of the harshest attacks. Listen here: … [Read more...] about Are Teachers Under Fire?–A Must Listen from To the Point (NPR)
More 2 Unlearn, Further thoughts on the paper: Retrieval Practice Produces More Learning than Elaborative Studying with Concept Mapping
I want to start with the conclusion of this paper by Karpicke and Blunt (Science, January 2011). Research on retrieval practice suggests a view of how the human mind works that differs from everyday intuitions. Retrieval is not merely a read out of the knowledge stored in one's mind – the act of reconstructing knowledge itself enhances learning. This dynamic perspective on … [Read more...] about More 2 Unlearn, Further thoughts on the paper: Retrieval Practice Produces More Learning than Elaborative Studying with Concept Mapping
New Social Media Targeted to Learners
Here is an article from The Chronicle of Higher Education that looks at new social media services aimed at learners. My sense is that we already have commercial sites that meet most needs. Do you think any of these services will take off? If so, which ones? Why? Read the article here: New Social Software Tries to Make Studying Feel Like Facebook The new services covered … [Read more...] about New Social Media Targeted to Learners