Educational Content Development Process in "CleverUniversity": Our Dynamic Adaptive Hypermedia Environment
Ahmed Bouchboua, Rabah Ouremchi, Mohammed El Ghazi, International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (IJET), 2016/12/08

This is a pretty good paper, though readers will no doubt find significant flaws. The authors propose an architecture for a CleverUniversity learning management system based on modeling and then matching resources across three sets of models: the domain model, which classifies and orders the subject of enquiry; the learner's model, which classifies learning styles, and the pedagogic model, which proposes a set of teaching frameworks. Now none of these models is without problems (I have argued in the past that the model is just the wrong sort of approach for this sort of work). But surely the mapping across these three dimensions isn't flawed, not even (and perhaps especially not) for informal and self-directed learning. By the same authors see also this article on learning styles and this article on learner models.

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Frederick County’s Call to Administrators: Focus on the “Innovator” and “Early Adopter” Teachers, First
Kevin Cuppett, EdSurge, 2016/12/08

I am asked this question a lot: how do we convince staff in our institution or district to adopt an innovation? This article describes exactly the response I give: focus on the early adopters and enthusiasts, support them by bringing them together and providing resources, and have them serve as the model and insiration for the remainder of the staff. It's only when people decide for themselves to implement change that new technology or processes can be implemented. Sure, you can force people to comply, but you can't force innovation and enthusiasm. Related: Change takes time.

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CoverGirl's Influencer Chatbot Is Smart, Funny and Responsive
Emma Hall, Advertising Age, 2016/12/08

These developments usually ripple into education. "Mobile commerce will be colossal using bots," said David Jones, former Havas global CEO and founder of You & Mr Jones. "In 12 months there will be thousands of these. Traditional ads can cost thousands per click -- this is a conversation on Kik." Take a teaching chatbot, give it the background intelligence of something like Wolfram Alpha, and you have a wonderful teaching tool for young learners.

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