Converting learning materials with CORRE
Vic Jenkins, Open Educational Resources, February 9, 2011.

The CORRE Model is a framework for the conversion of existing materials into open educational resources (OERs). Vic Jenkins discusses his experience using the model to convert a Moodle unit on Academic Writing. More experiences adapting materials using the model here and here from Andy Ramsden. Here's the University of Leicester page where the model is described in detail (here's the PDF download).

[Link] [Comment] [Tweet]

Free Tools Bootcamps Starting with Google Docs at 3:30 pm Today
Vicki A. Davis, Cool Cat Teacher Blog, February 9, 2011.

They're not full courses, but they're free and open, which makes them worth listing here. And they're useful: 'boot camps' on Google Docs, Elluminate, Wikis, Diigo, and more. The first session has passed (actually, as I write, it started 17 minutes ago), but the rest of the sessions, which are offered online via Elluminate, are still in the future. "These projects are not only great opportunities for students but also as an embedded professional development opportunity for teachers - we meet, discuss, learn, and then the teacher DOES IT." Good stuff.

[Link] [Comment] [Tweet]

Key Factors to Ed-Tech Success
Katie Ash, Education Week, February 9, 2011.

Katie Ash writes, "The Project RED research team, which has strong ties to the One-to-One institute, recently released a report that identifies best practices for implementing technology in schools to see improvement in student achievement and cost savings." According to the report, "the nine practices are:
1. Technology is integrated into all intervention classes;
2. Principals and school leaders set aside time for professional learning and collaboration for teachers;
3. Students use technology to collaborate;
4. Technology is integrated into core curricula at least once a week or more;
5. Online formative assessments are administered at least weekly;
6. The lower the student-to-computer ratio, the better;
7. Virtual field trips are used monthly;
8. Students use search engines every day; and
9. Principals receive training on how to encourage teacher buy-in."
One-to-One has a news list here; someone should encourage them to create an RSS feed.

[Link] [Comment] [Tweet]

Integrating A Network Mindset Into Your Daily Work
Beth Kanter, Beth's Blog, February 9, 2011.

I think that in general it's a good idea to think about how you are using networks in all your activities. That's why I like this post and slide show from Beth Kanter. The network mindset emphasizes creating direct connections - "closing triangles" - rather than working through more structured lines of communications, and while not suitable for everything (like negotiations and contracts) is ideal for informal communications. Encouraging a network-friendly perspective - like encouraging multiple perspectives or working transparently - is also encouraged (I write about this sort of thing once in an old article, Seven Habits of Highly Connected People).

[Link] [Comment] [Tweet]

PBS and Grunwald National Research Indicates Lack of Technology Infrastructure in Classrooms
Unattributed, PBS, February 9, 2011.

Forget the official media. "Teachers spend 60 percent oftheir time using educational resources in the classroom that are either free or paid for by teachers themselves." The major way they access media in the classroom is via streaming online media. Three-in-four teachers (76%) stream or download TV and video content, up from 55% in 2007." Meanwhile, they turn to online networks for support. "One in four K-12 teachers (26%) report membership in an online teacher community, such as PBS Teachers, citing connection, collaboration and shared resources as reasons to join." They do this despite a lack of adequate classroom technology; the report (full PDF version) from PBS and Grunwald National Research " indicates an insufficient capacity of computing devices and technology infrastructure to handle teachers' Internet-dependent instructional activity." Via EdTech Digest.

[Link] [Comment] [Tweet]

The US Market for Self-paced eLearning Products and Services
Sam S. Adkins, Ambient, February 9, 2011.

Ambient has released the summary of a report the gist of which is that the e-learning market is growing rapidly. "The US market for Self-paced eLearning products and services reached $18.2 billion in 2010. The demand is growing by a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% and revenues will reach $24.2 billion by 2015... growth is much higher in specific segments. For example, growth rates in the PreK-12, healthcare, and association segments are 16.8%, 16.3%, and 14.3%, respectively." Via EdTech Digest.

[Link] [Comment] [Tweet]