Good morning and happy Monday! This week we look at the perceived roles and values of the uses of technology in education. Technology’s many advances have helped shape the world that we learn from and live in today. But how will it  shape our future?

Today, we begin as most children do,  with the wonderful world of pre-school. Pre-school and pre-kindergarten (aka: pre-k) classrooms have always been filled with crayons, finger paints, toy instruments, miniature firetrucks-ways that encourage students to put their energy into hands-on and fun activities. But now, pre-k classes are also starting to see a new kid in class. And this one is no stranger to their students as it often seems like these newer generations are practically born with the newest iPad in their hands! Yes, ladies and gentleman, and children of all ages, technology is here and it has now arrived into the classrooms of our littlest ones. But the question is, what role should technology play in such early stages of a child’s development? Some educators exclaim, “It’s not any different from a pencil, or a pen, or a glue stick!” They believe that monitored uses of technology geared towards learning can not only aid in development, but also begin the formation of a good comfort level with it. However, others fear that the encouraged use of addictive gadgets like the iPad, or other tablets could impede the development of typing, computer mouse skills that are necessary for many other forms of “computer technology”. Still,  some teachers (and often parents alike) are wondering which methodologies would be  the best way to help children learn. Whose side are you on?

Proper Role of Ed-Tech in Pre-K a Rising Issue

States’ Online Testing Problems Raise Common-Core Concerns (Ed.Week)
Some have questioned the role that technology should play in the examination world of high school students, as “technical interruptions and failures” have plagued the state testing sessions of all 46 that have adopted the Common Core. As a result, invalid scores are a feared but very possible consequence. Additionally, this has caused many to become suspicious of the use of online testing.

Surveying ICT use in education in Europe (World Bank Group’s Edutech Blog)
This World Bank blog entry features European policymakers in the world of ICT use in education. Surveys say that they want to learn from the experts, the “most advanced” countries of the world. Still, others have noted the all-too-evident digital fault-lines that have prevailed in such countries (like the U.S.) and have widened their scope to other places. Instead, they have focused on countries in the Scandanavian and Eastern European regions. But the real question is,  how does this influence our European policy makers?

The Apprentices of a Digital Age (NYT)
Back in the U.S., digitally inclined students are becoming more and more enticed with Enstitute. Bored by a lack of stimulation in expensive campus classrooms certain techy pupils have found solace and motivation from this school, which teaches IT skills “via on-the-job experience.” This could be a cheaper and more professionally rewarding method to acquire that invaluable college degree. But is it effective?

U.S. News Ranks Best Online Programs for Veterans (U.S. News & World Report)
And last but least, a popular university ranking system, U.S. News & World Report has come out with some rankings to help our service men and women find the best post-secondary and graduate education while deployed abroad. One of our partners, Charter Oak State has been ranked #15 in the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs category. Affordability, admissions selectivity, and reputation were commonly used factors in this ranking system. Categories also include graduate education, business nursing and IT programs.

Well? Which perceived roles and values seem speak to you? Do you disagree with any of them? Got any other thoughts or comments that you want to state? Please feel free to comment below! We’d love to hear from you!

Have a great week! In other news…
Google Glass Picks Up Early Signal: Keep Out (NYT)
Skills From High School Don’t Match College Demands (Ed. Week)
Some remedial math classes unnecessary at community colleges, study says (Washington Post)

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