By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. Online learning in 2020: perfect vision in the Year of the Rat
Tony Bates, Online learning and distance education resources, 2020/01/01
Tony Bates offers three major prediction sets: first, that we may begin to see more online program managers (OPM) in Canada as the companies begin to lobby provincial governments; second, "we will certainly see a push from several right-leaning provincial governments in 2020 for better ‘metrics’ from universities and colleges, such as measures of ‘output’ (e.g. degree completion rates, graduate employment) as well as ‘input’ (finances, etc.)"; and third, while we may see more moves toward the use of learning analytics, the main issue here is measurement. More...

By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. E-Learning Policy and the 'Transformation' of Schooling: a UK Case Study.
Pretty hard to argue with the conclusion from this one, a study of system-wide policy in the British school system over the last decade (neat diagram of major studies and initiatives): 'An analysis of the UK case provides clear evidence that top-down approaches to technological innovation in the field of education can lead to an enhancement of current practice in the classroom and making administration of existing school systems more efficient. However if 'transformation' is to remain the aim, then strategies to reward innovation, even failed innovation, need to be considered to supplant a system of direction and control." More articles are also available from the current issue of EURODL. More...

By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. eLearning 07: an Exemplary Model of Elearning Practices
I wanted to make sure I didn't overlook this summary of the design of the eLearning 07 conference by Vivian Evans for TAFE NSW ICVET (Australia). The event is well-anticipated with a variety of online activities, and then the in-person conference breaks from the norm, using posters, panels and project demos. The online component at the conference was a bit less successful, with participants finding themselves a bit on the outside of the online activities involving people like Barbara Dieu, Alan Levine, Nancy White, Dave Pollard and others. The lesson here is that even if you're at a conference in person, you need to stay connected to the online world. More...

By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. Virtual Training, Real Teaching: The Promise of Distance Learning for Educators-to-Be
This has come up numerous times on discussion lists and elsewhere, but it still bears repeating: "By immersing themselves as learners in online courses, teachers can gain comfort and familiarity with tools they might someday use in their own classrooms." Just as a reality check: the tools they will use in later life will have completely changed. What they are getting comfortable with is the idea of using technology, adapting to new environments, and a learn-by-trying approach. More...