What's Next for the ARS?

I read with interest the summary from John Medina's (Brain Rules) keynote at ISTE yesterday. He proposes a future where computers contribute to the analysis of learning and supporting learners. When talking about the idea he notes: giving computers (or software) the ability to perceive human comprehension by physical observation could be a bit too Orwellian for the average educator's taste.

I think there may be a middle ground--a technology solution that supports the human side of learning and teaching (educators) as well as the technology side. I think there will be advancements in classroom response systems that will take audience analysis to the next level.

At Acadium, we explore the interaction between teacher and student, trainer and trainee, presenter and audience member all of the time. What works? What doesn't? What would improve the experience?

All learners are individuals and the more we can tune-in and turn-on to their needs and unique gifts, the better we are positioned to support them.

Thoughts?

Happy Holidays

As 2010 comes to close, I must say I am happy to put this year behind us. 2011 is bound to be a more prosperous and productive year and I am excited about the potential as schools and companies begin to invest again in technology.

Based on a whitepaper produced by Metiri Group and Cisco System, Inc., the research done in the last 5-10 years proves that the use of technology supports learning. New research in cognition and brain functioning reinforces this outcome.

The report: Technology in Schools: What the Research Says, indicates that television and video are at the top of the “food chain” as well as personal computers. Learners who have access to a computer outperform those who do not. And anytime we can include video into the mix, retention and learning go up. This phenomenon explains the popularity of YouTube. As humans, our eyes are our number one sensory organ and the more we can be stimulated visually, the better.

At Acadium, we are interested in technology trends and how our products and those of other vendors can support the learning process, both in the classroom and in corporate training rooms. The support from the federal government on down is encouraging and 2011 should bring even greater strides in how we educate our young people as well as the life long learner in each of us.

Happy Holidays.

First Impressions of Technology Plan

I read the executive summary of the final release of the National Education Technology Plan: Transforming American Education, Learning Powered by Technology.

As the founder of an educational technology company, Acadium, I am excited to see the focus on technology and how it can support learning. At Acadium, we are convinced that the technology that supports corporations can also support learning. We are passionate about exploring the unique contributions technology, specificially mobile and cellular, can contribute to educators and corporate trainers.

In the report, there is a renewed focus on the individual learner and how we can address individual needs and learning styles both inside and outside of the classroom. Using technology for collaboration, feedback, and "just-in-time" information can transform education.

Our system, mClk, provides instant feedback to educators and learners as learners send in text messages in response to questions or submit comments and opinions.

Another system, Knowledge Factor, provides learners with not only feedback on how accurate they are, but also how confident they are regarding their answers. In high-stakes environments this additional feedback loop is critical.

The LMS developers are also looking at ways to improve feedback. Both Blackboard and Desire2Learn continue to move forward and introduce new ways to analyze student data and provide educators with the ability to support individual learners.

It will be interesting to see how the recommendations and goals of the report are implemented. Stay tuned!

Diversity in learning options

Learning is a way of life--not a pursuit. I think one of the changes we will see in the coming years is a diversity in learning options. I see a day when learning will take place at all times of the day and night, 7 days a week. Students will take face-to-face classes, online classes, synchronous virtual classes, and hybrid combinations. It will give learners the ability to customize their schedules and to pursue a wide range of interests. Learners in remote and rural areas will have access to the same resources as children living in thriving cities.

Technologies abound already to provide these opportunities. The changes that will create this new learning environment will be at the policy level. Education leaders will begin to honor the diversity of our learners rather than trying to make sure every one graduates with the exact same classes over the exact same time frame.

Going the Distance - Next Round

I am preparing to facilitate a webinar next week on Virtual Classrooms. It is my prediction that we are ready for the next evolution in distance learning and we are going to shift from asynchronous online learning to synchronous virtual learning.

My rationale—students still complain about not having face-time with instructors. Many take online classes because they have to, not because they want to. Also, Blackboard just acquired the two web conferencing tools (virtual classroom systems) that are used in education circles. They must see something coming.

I am intrigued by the possibilities. Students and teachers can now interact in a live, synchronous environment. They can instantly share documents, brainstorm, do group work, and provide feedback through their computer or their cell phone. I don't think LMS's are going away—they will just be a supplemental tool.

The technology may be a little cumbersome now, but as with all applications, it will become easier to use and more readily available. We will also have to see how colleges and universities begin to identify these courses in their schedules. For, unlike online classes, they will require a date and time to specified but not a location.

You heard it here—we'll have to see how soon it all comes around. Feel free to share your thoughts!