EdTech 10: U.S. Open (Educational Resources)

What stood out in this week’s EdTech news was an emphasis on open educational resources, aka OER. Developing news surrounding OER should be expected since the passing of ESSA, as the bill includes specific language that allows states and local education agencies to channel grant money focused on technology toward OER. In the spirit of OER, consider this resource of weekly news open and ready to share with fellow EdTech heads in your PLN.

Blended Schools & Tools

WFH. With digital technology, and devices becoming ubiquitous in classrooms, NPR’s Anya Kamenetz examined what an entire work from home day would look like for high school students. Featured in the article was the use of Schoology — read our review.

Study In Your PJs? What A High School ‘Work From Home Day’ Looks Like https://t.co/saxeyjK9s0 Via @NPR

— tyler (@post_west) March 1, 2016

Online CTE. Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin is a new online option launched by K12 Inc. for students interested in CTE. Teachers licensed by the state of Wisconsin will lead courses. Fellow Sconies GPS Education Partners are leading in blended, competency-based CTE — See Next Generation Career Pathways: A Manufacturing Case Study for more.

.@K12Learn launches Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin for online students interested in #CTE https://t.co/j5xSryoxJz #Edtech10
— tyler (@post_west) March 1, 2016

Digital Developments

Opening up. The US Dept. of Ed announced the launch of 14 statewide #GoOpen initiatives that support districts and educators in utilizing OER in schools. Are you navigating OER decisions? Here are three steps for taking advantage of OER.

.@usedgov recognizes 14 states and 40 districts committing to #GoOpen with #OER https://t.co/EpXCWxdM83 #EdTech10

— tyler (@post_west) March 1, 2016

Open for reading. Digital Public Library of America, The New York Public Library, and First Book have partnered to launch Open eBooks. The initiative is making over $250 million worth of reading material available to students.

Today marks the launch of @OpenEBks, bringing access to free books for students across the country. #ReachHigherhttps://t.co/1fRsZ9tFXv
— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) February 24, 2016

Rule of three. This week there are three news stories to note from Pearson. Intelligence Unleashed: An Argument for AI in Education is a new report that examines #AIed. Another new reported dubbed On Track: Redefining Readiness in Education and the Workplace explores how to help educators cut through the noise and determine the best strategies and interventions for college and career readiness. Pearson also announced its “Learning Makes Us” Professional Development webinar series.

AIed (Artificial intelligence in education) Defined by @pearson https://t.co/PJL4xlsIxI #AI pic.twitter.com/J9VTLroUfi

— Getting Smart (@Getting_Smart) March 1, 2016

Now hiring. The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants released the 2016 BlueSteps Job Outline Report. The report shares that the number of professionals seeking a new opportunity continues to increase, reaching its highest point since 2010 – 90.2 percent. This is a must-read for GenDIY professionals.

As job market optimism ↓, Executives turn to digital training to stay relevant https://t.co/fe5Rl6tdIe #EdTech10 via @BlueSteps
— tyler (@post_west) March 1, 2016

Self-helping. Daily Bits Of launched a new course on self-compassion. In the spirit of Happify, that utilizes the science of emotional wellbeing, the course teaches users to be kinder to themselves.

Latest from @Laninge & @dailybitsof, new course on self-compassion https://t.co/Qrqac7kTkz #Edtech10

— tyler (@post_west) March 1, 2016

Turn it up. Upgraded by Hobsons is a new monthly podcast aimed at helping students, families, and educators connect learning to life. Speaking of podcasts, subscribe to the Getting Smart Podcast where we unpack what’s new and innovative in education.

For your podcast app, ‘Upgraded’ by @Hobsons https://t.co/qaoCN4zEom #podcasts #EdTech10
— tyler (@post_west) March 1, 2016

Smart Planet

Bollywood boom. Online education companies in India are gearing up for a predicted market growth of $40 billion by 2017. Technology and learning innovations are in the process of boosting global IQ. Here are 20 categories where new tools are beginning to, or likely to, make a big difference in access to quality learning opportunities.

Revolutionizing #onlinelearning in India https://t.co/dfBXZa2eHu via @oneindia #EdTech10

— tyler (@post_west) March 1, 2016

Higher, Deeper, Further, Faster Learning

For the record. The Comprehensive Student Record Project is a new partnership between American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education that’s working to advance different methods of tracking students’ academic progress. This makes us think… will the way that students share skills someday be through data backpacks?

‘Transcript of Tomorrow’ by @carlstraumsheim https://t.co/qXT7Cqm5HF via @insidehighered #HigherEd #EdTech10
— tyler (@post_west) March 1, 2016

For more EdTech 10’s check out:

• EdTech 10: 20 Years from Now, Learning Will Look Like This
• EdTech 10: Digital Learning Day is Every Day
• EdTech 10: America’s Got Talent(ed) Teachers

Stay in-the-know with all things EdTech and innovations in learning by signing up to receive the weekly Smart Update. This post includes mentions of a Getting Smart partner. For a full list of partners, affiliate organizations and all other disclosures please see our Partner page.