What We're Reading & Watching
Quality in Action – Quality Matters – May 3 (Online)
Take your online teaching and course design to the next level by participating in the Quality in Action conference for higher education. The curated selection of sessions provides hands-on, practical experience that will put you on a path to designing and teaching learner-centric courses that support learner success.
Digital Universities US – Inside Higher Ed and Times Higher Education – May 6–8 (St. Louis, MO)
This three-day event ─ designed exclusively for higher education leaders ─ examines how institutions can break down silos within their own campuses, collaborate with industry and maximize resources to foster a human-centered, digital-first future. Join us for case studies of digital transformation initiatives, practical workshops, best practice sharing and networking.
EDTECH WORLD FORUM 2024 – May 13–14 (London, England)
EDTECH WORLD FORUM 2024 in London UK is one of leading education technology EdTech events based in London, UK. EdTech World Forum aims to be a leading global education conference in London.
Inching Toward the $100,000 Sticker Price – Inside Higher Ed
Some selective institutions are expected to hit six figures soon, though such pricing will likely have more of a psychological and political impact than a financial one.
Entry-level hiring predicted to remain steady during 2024 graduation season – Higher Ed Dive
Recent graduates and entry-level workers can bring new ideas and skills, a talent executive said.
FAFSA Whiplash: Education Dept.’s Latest Move Reveals the Tension Between Two Competing Forces – The Chronicle of Higher Education
The financial-aid process isn’t supposed to be a choose-your-own-adventure story, but the federal government’s latest decision essentially guarantees that, this year, it will be.
How Does Student Lifecycle Management Contribute to Institutional Success? – Ed Tech Magazine
A centralized approach to data collection and analysis can help institutions retain students, from recruitment to graduation and beyond.
Biden’s new income-driven repayment plan faces another legal challenge – Higher Ed Dive
Seven Republican-controlled states filed a lawsuit against the plan, arguing that it amounts to an unauthorized grant program.
The Grade Inflation Conversation We’re Not Having – The Chronicle of Higher Education
GPAs are going up, but colleges aren’t talking about it.
Education Department’s final Title IX regulations draw mixed reactions – Higher Ed Dive
Advocates for sexual assault survivors praised the rule, though some groups said it will undermine due process and free speech.
2024 AI Breakout Report: Perceptions of Planning and Readiness – EDUCAUSE
In this breakout report, EDUCAUSE provides a closer look at higher education professionals’ sentiments toward their institution’s strategic planning and readiness, examining similarities and differences based on respondent position and areas of responsibility. By understanding areas of consensus and divergence, institutional leaders can better decide how to involve stakeholders in AI planning and initiatives and determine what targeted communication and collaborative efforts may be needed as part of this.
If AI takes over more work of college graduates, where does that leave higher ed? – EdSurge
Experts at the Higher Learning Commission’s annual conference shared strategies to help institutions navigate an increasingly automated world.
AI Guidelines for K-12 Aim to Bring Order to the ‘Wild West’ – EdSurge
A coalition of 14 education organizations, helmed by the nonprofit Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, released sample guidelines earlier this month that walk teachers and administrators through potential pitfalls to consider before using an AI tool in the classroom or for other tasks. That includes things like checking the accuracy of AI-generated content, citing AI-generated content, and judging which types of data are safe to enter into an AI program.
New Data Consortium Wants Colleges to ‘Own’ Their AI Future – Inside Higher Ed
American Council on Education will lead global effort to pool data on tens of millions of students to improve learner success and collaborate on AI tools.
Faculty Unions Seeking Formal AI Guidelines – Inside Higher Ed
Most faculty union contracts make no mention of artificial intelligence, but rising concerns about faculty autonomy and job security are starting to shape discussions about labor protections.
Google Introduces New AI Training Course – Forbes
Google has announced a new major training initiative designed to increase AI skills throughout the workforce.
The project includes a new Google AI Essentials Course that will be offered on Coursera, the online learning platform, in addition to a $75 million AI Opportunity Fund to make the course more widely available.
Higher Education Generative AI Readiness Assessment – EDUCAUSE
The Higher Education Generative AI Readiness Assessment, done in partnership with Amazon Web Services, a 2024 EDUCAUSE Mission Partner, is designed to provide a sense of your institution’s preparedness for strategic AI initiatives. Use the assessment to develop an understanding of the current state and the potential of generative AI at your institution, and as an opportunity for discussion with others.
8 Tips To Nurture Creativity In eLearning – eLearning Industry
Here are top tips to boost creativity in eLearning by encouraging experimentation, fostering collaboration, incorporating multimedia, gamifying learning experiences, and providing constructive feedback.
Balancing Interactivity and Accessibility in eLearning: The Tradeoffs and Solutions – ELM Learning
In the world of eLearning, the quest for engaging and interactive content often takes center stage. Learners benefit from immersive experiences, interactive modules, and simulations that promote active participation and deep learning. However, this drive for interactivity can sometimes clash with the equally important goal of accessibility, especially in the context of 508/WCAG compliance for learners with disabilities. Achieving the right balance between interactivity and accessibility in eLearning is a challenge that instructional designers and organizations face.
The Podcast Revolution: Audio Learning In The Digital Age – eLearning Industry
We live in a world where digital advancements are constantly transforming the educational landscape. With this progression, podcasts remain a strong and popular medium of audio learning.
Review: Adobe Helps Educators Create Customized Virtual Learning Environments – EdTech Magazine
The platform allows educators to configure their virtual classrooms to encourage maximum student engagement for even the most complex subjects.
Why Faculty Should Be Part of Technology Decision-Making – EdTech Magazine
To accelerate ed tech adoption, higher ed leaders need faculty trust.
New Tech Tools to Try
Make active learning part of your lectures with the click of a button. Ace’s AI-powered lecture enhancer makes it faster and easier to add low stakes assessments to in-class sessions, creating evidence-based learning experiences for your students.
Figma is a collaborative interface design and prototyping tool. It allows multiple users to work together in real-time on the same project. It offers a range of features, including drawing and vector tools, a library of components, and integration with tools like Sketch and Adobe XD.
“Remember the Why: Designing Meaningful Learning Assignments, The Teaching Online Podcast, University of Central Florida, Episode 160
Guest Dr. Jean Mandernach joins hosts Tom and Kelvin to discuss how faculty and instructional designers can design more meaningful and engaging learning assignments for students, online or anywhere.
“Adjusting your Sails in Online Ed Based on the Data”, The Teaching Online Podcast, University of Central Florida, Episode 159
Hosts Kelvin and Tom talk through the importance of consulting trusted sources of data and information as the basis for sound decision making in online education, no matter what role one holds.
“Is it Time for a National Conversation About Eliminating Letter Grades?”, The EdSurge Podcast, April 2, 2024
There’s a growing movement to drop letter grades in favor of new systems that focus on mastery of material rather than chasing points. But opponents worry about losing rigor. A new book hopes to start a national conversation about the issue.
Hiring Resilience Showcase – EDUCAUSE
In the latest Showcase Series by EDUCAUSE spotlights Hiring Resilience in the latest installment, which explores strategies for addressing hiring challenges through three recent EDUCAUSE reports that map the current contours of recruiting and retaining talent among technology leaders, the teaching and learning workforce, and cybersecurity and privacy professionals.
State Opportunity Index – Strada Education Foundation
The State Opportunity Index was developed to give states a quantifiable set of indicators that support a stronger connection between education and opportunity. While there are still gaps in available date, this inaugural effort establishes a baseline for how states are doing in five priority areas: Clear Outcomes, Quality Coaching, Affordability, Work-Based Learning, and Employer Alignment.
Protecting Our Futures: Challenges & Strategies for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies – National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA)
This report, supported by the National Women’s Studies Association, addresses the current state of Women’s, Gender, and Sexualities Studies departments and programs across the United States. In particular, the report focuses on changes in support, resources, and enrollment, as well as the impact of anti-DEI legislation being passed across the country at this time.
2024 Higher Educations Trends Report – Deloitte Center for Government Insights
What are the challenges and opportunities shaping US higher education? Deloitte’s report explores 5 trends that are shaping US higher education in 2024 and beyond. Check out these insights and read about strategic advice for college and university leadership teams.
2024 Survey of College and University Chief Academic Officers – Inside Higher Ed, May 15, 2024, 2:00pm EDT
Join an esteemed panel featuring George Justice, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and professor of English at The University of Tulsa and Julian Vasquez Heilig, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Western Michigan University, to hear their thoughts on the exclusive findings from the latest 2024 Survey of College and University Chief Academic Officers.
Putting Students First: Technology Decision-Making Keeping Students at the Center – Educause
Join this webinar to discover how we’re reshaping higher education technology through our focus on student success. We’ll show how prioritizing student needs in technology decisions can radically transform educational environments, ensuring a more inclusive and personalized learning experience. Attendees will gain valuable insights into creating supportive, student-centered educational landscapes and learn how placing students at the heart of technology choices can make a significant difference in their educational journeys.
Advancing Education: Documenting Learning Journeys for the Modern Learner – Forward Edge, On-Demand Webinar
Dive into the world of digital portfolios and discover how these interactive platforms empower students to curate and showcase their academic growth, accomplishments, and reflections. Explore strategies for creating engaging digital portfolios that encourage self-assessment, metacognition, and collaboration, enabling students to take ownership of their learning journey in the digital age.
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Module Objectives allow students to build their understanding and mastery, in a scaffolded manner, toward the broader-level Course Objectives.
