Higher Ed Tech News and Research ~ Ray Schroeder, editor. The exorbitant cost of higher education is a recurrent topic of conversation, concern, and discontent these days. Against that backdrop, an announcement from edX and Arizona State University caught my attention last week. ASU and edX announced a program called Global Freshman Academy. More...
E-learning may replace snow days in Illinois
Higher Ed Tech News and Research ~ Ray Schroeder, editor. A proposal moving through the General Assembly could bring an end to snow days for Illinois school students. State Sen. Michael Connelly, R-Lisle, is the Senate sponsor of legislation that would create a three-year pilot program for selected school districts. The program would give students of three chosen districts up to five days of online learning while not at school instead of a snow day or other reasons that cause a school to close. More...
Class is in session — with Dustin Hoffman and Serena Williams
Higher Ed Tech News and Research ~ Ray Schroeder, editor. A recent startup sells online classes by big name celebrities. Aspiring actors already look to Dustin Hoffman for how to perform in front of cameras. Now they can get a more formal acting lesson from the Oscar Award winner. MasterClass, a startup premiering Tuesday, sells online courses about a variety of topics taught by experts and, in some cases, celebrities like Hoffman and tennis star Serena Williams. More...
The Online Paradox at Community Colleges
Higher Ed Tech News and Research ~ Ray Schroeder, editor. Two weeks ago I wrote about the overwhelming research evidence that community college students aren’t doing as well in online classes as they are in face-to-face traditional classes. Students are failing in higher numbers and getting lower grades. That remains true, but it isn’t the whole story. More...
Human connections important for online courses
Higher Ed Tech News and Research ~ Ray Schroeder, editor. New research into the most effective elements of massive open online courses and other digital learning models find the human elements to be critical. eCampus News reports peer interaction improves outcomes and instructor input, through course design or the actual teaching and facilitation of course concepts, is essential. More...
Creating a Culture Conducive to Integrative Learning
Higher Ed Tech News and Research ~ Ray Schroeder, editor. Our experience has reinforced one overriding lesson: integrative learning is as much about pedagogy as about curriculum, as much about the culture of learning and collegiality as about specific programs. At Carleton, integrative learning thrives when faculty and staff working collaboratively and with strong administrative support see themselves as collectively responsible for the learning of their students in ways that transcend specific courses, departments, or programs. More...
"Low Hanging Fruit" for Respecting Adjuncts
By John Warner. A recently published study, “Supporting the Academic Majority: Policies and Practices Related to Part-Time Faculty’s Job Satisfaction,” revealed that while the vast majority of adjunct faculty suffer from underemployment, one of the things they most want is “respect.”
No one who has been an adjunct or involved with issues of adjunct labor was surprised by the findings. A career as full-time “contingent” as opposed to part-time “adjunct” faculty at four different schools, I know the experience of working with and without respect from the institution and the people within it, and it makes a significant difference. Read more...