The Guzman Monthly

March 2016 | Volume 3, Issue 3

Index

• Welcome

• About the author

• News (6 slides)

• Apps & Tools (4 slides)

• Online Learning (2 slides)

• Administration Issues (5 slides)

• Faculty Development (4 slides)

• Student Learning (2 slides)

• New Ways of Learning (3 slides)

• Upcoming Movie & TV Trailers

Welcome to the next issue of “The Guzman Monthly”. In this publication I will collect and list some recent articles on higher education issues, online learning best practices, deliver some tools/app suggestions and links to interesting news/videos on the web published in the past month. Planned release schedule is between the last week of the past month and the first full week of the current month.

To view previous newsletters please visit my slideshare page: http://www.slideshare.net/TJtheTiger

My name is Tony Guzman and I serve as the Director of Online Programs at the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Social Work (SSW).

I also oversee the UB SSW Podcast series: inSocialWork®, and the Technology in Social Work Resource Center. Feel free to listen to some of our podcasts and review our resources.

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tguzman/Scoop.it!: http://www.scoop.it/t/the-future-of-higher-education-by-tony-guzman-1Twitter: https://twitter.com/professor_tg

News

This article shares some initiatives that are looking to help K12 students be ready for college.https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/03/03/growing-number-colleges-reach-k-12-help-students-prepare-college-and-their-careers

This article is a solid follow-up to the NMC 2016 Horizon Report released last month.http://www.fastcompany.com/3057576/the-future-of-work/the-six-tech-advances-in-higher-ed-that-are-preparing-students-for-the-fu

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher highlights SUNY Resources During National Open Education Week. #openeducationwkhttp://www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/03-2016/3-9-16/chancellor-zimpher-highlights-suny-resources-during-national-open-education-week.html

News (cont.)

In light of the recent Apple v. FBI discussions, it is important we start to understand what digital rights are.http://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/11/what-are-your-digital-rights-explainer/

This article talks about the “Internet of Things” (IoT). Lately the scenarios shared here seem to be closer to reality. Thoughts?http://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21693901-clever-way-forward-powering-internet-things-redesigning-wi-fi-may-let?fsrc=scn/fb/te/bl/ed/redesigningwifimayletdevicescommunicatemoreeasily

This article is an excellent follow-up to my previous one on the “Internet of Things”. Very informative graphic included.http://www.businessinsider.com/iot-ecosystem-internet-of-things-forecasts-and-business-opportunities-2016-2

News (cont.)

This article shares the ambitious model used by University of Maryland to be textbook free. They started this past fall with their undergraduates and this coming fall the same will be true for their graduate students. This can certainly be a positive game changer within higher education.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/09/textbook-free.aspx

James Kvaal, key higher education adviser in the Obama Administration, is resigning.https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/03/11/obama-adviser-who-shaped-higher-education-policies-leaving-white-house

RIT to develop new cybersecurity curriculum thanks to a gift from Intel.http://www.ecampusnews.com/curriculum/rit-cybersecurity-courses-027/

News (cont.)

This article shares some excellent early results from the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) formed back in 2014.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/03/universities-boost-student-grad-rates-by-20-percent.aspx

Monroe College will host their first annual Tech Challenge in late April to help encourage high school students to pursue careers in technology.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/24/monroe-college-to-host-tech-challenge-to-boost-student-interest-in-it.aspx

University of Massachusetts launches its first non-credit badge program within Project Management.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/17/u-massachusetts-launches-its-first-online-badge-program.aspx

News (cont.)

This article shares eight tips on how to implement social gamification to attract customers to your brand.http://digitalmarketingmagazine.co.uk/digital-marketing-content/gamification-how-to-turn-gaming-into-sales

This article shares how USC has decided to help with the Syrian Refugee crisis by providing 3 qualifying students scholarships to attend their university.http://dailytrojan.com/2016/03/28/usc-provide-scholarships-syrian-students/

UCF has implemented new tools designed by Evolution Labs to help with student engagement.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/23/u-central-florida-adopts-new-tools-to-engage-admitted-students.aspx

News (cont.)

This article shares about two institutions receiving awards for their online teaching preparation programs.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/23/2-universities-recognized-for-tech-in-teacher-prep.aspx

While this article is from last Fall, I am pleased to see someone who is so willing to support and fund innovative ideas such as the stationary bikes that can provide electricity to basic appliances in your home for free. I wish we had more people like him in this world.http://news.nationalgeographic.com/energy/2015/10/151006-energy-drink-billionaire-wants-to-power-homes-with-bikes/

University of Toronto is making their course evaluation tool available for other institutions to consider using.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/28/u-toronto-makes-course-eval-system-available-to-other-institutions.aspx

Apps & Tools

USC School for Cinematic Arts is looking to help make virtual reality our new storytelling medium.http://www.edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2016/02/academia-tackles-storytelling-virtual-reality

This is follow-up to a previous article which shared a new portal tool Wayne State University rolled out back in 2015. They are now looking to make it widely available.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/02/sharing-a-new-way-to-collaborate-and-communicate.aspx

This is certainly not for the casual movie goer but interesting concept.http://www.techinsider.io/prima-cinema-digital-first-run-movies-2016-3

Apps & Tools (cont.)

This article shares about a new online tool: Pindex (dubbed “Pinterest for Education”).http://www.openculture.com/2016/03/stephen-fry-launches-pindex-a-pinterest-for-education.html

This is exciting to see a major company like Amazon step into providing potentially free resources for educators to use in their classroom. Looking forward to the long run on this news item.http://techcrunch.com/2016/03/11/amazon-eyes-up-education-plans-a-free-platform-for-learning-materials/

This article shares seven free resources to consider when look for images to use on your social media and blogging platforms.http://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2016/03/7-free-image-sources-for-your-blog-and-social-media.html

Apps & Tools (cont.)

This article lists some tools you can use to add audio/video capabilities into your classroom and then distribute them via QR codes for easy student consumption.http://learninginhand.com/blog/qrclone

This article shares some ed. tech highlights from SXSW.http://www.educationdive.com/news/8-pieces-of-ed-tech-news-to-note-from-sxswedu-2016/415595/

This article is great for anyone considering adding or replacing video technology into their classroom within the near future.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/23/go-big-or-go-small-the-future-of-av-displays.aspx

Apps & Tools (cont.)

This article shares two infographics that can help anyone become a power Google user.http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.ca/2016/03/two-infographics-with-tips-for-becoming.html

This article shares about “the rise of virtual reality” devices that are about to bombard us in the coming months, starting with the Oculus Rift.http://www.theverge.com/2016/3/14/11206552/vr-oculus-rift-htv-vive-valve-sony-psvr-GDC

Online Learning

This article title first shocked me but as you read along I suspect many will agree with their thoughts on where education is moving towards over the next decade.http://www.universitybusiness.com/article/death-“online”-learning-higher-ed

This article shares results from a recent study conducted by Penn State and UCF which shows that additional support for instructors of MOOCs helps improve the student experience.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/04/report-mooc-instructors-need-more-support.aspx

This article lists some solid MOOC course options to help anyone looking to learn how to code using different computer languages.http://www.techrepublic.com/article/my-favorite-moocs-for-learning-to-code/

Online Learning (cont.)

Cornell launched a new portal that shares their online course offerings in “one-stop shop”.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/10/cornell-expands-online-learning-through-new-portal.aspx

This article shares some great insights on how to improve student engagement in online courses.http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/student-engagement-how-to-help-students-succeed-in-the-online-environment/

Administration Issues

This is an important article for any educator to read and wrestle with on how to best serve our students and their needs during their college stay.http://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2016/mar/02/student-mental-health-a-new-model-for-universities

This article brings to the forefront something every higher education institution should wrestle with and make sure to always keep themselves “on the up and up”.http://www.thenation.com/article/universities-are-becoming-billion-dollar-hedge-funds-with-schools-attached/

This post shares slides and a video of a recent talk given by renown speaker and educator, Stephen Downes, discussing the future of educational media.http://www.downes.ca/presentation/376

Administration Issues (cont.)

This article shares what happened at UC Berkeley and the importance of data security on college campuses more now than ever.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/03/while-80000-uc-berkeley-students-and-staff-suffer-breach-campus-may-suffer-suit.aspx

While this is a smaller data breach it has a more direct and immediate impact within another institution.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/07/direct-deposit-breach-strikes-illinois-state.aspx

This article shares some excellent tips on how to help bridge the gap between Academics and IT Professionals in higher education settings.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/10/6-ways-to-bridge-the-gap-between-faculty-and-it.aspx

Administration Issues (cont.)

This story shares some astonishing facts about the growth in higher education within China, this growth is both of institutions and students.http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35776555

This article shares about an effort among 20 community colleges who used funding from Lumina to arrive at a unified form of credentialing.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/15/20-community-colleges-work-on-unifying-credentials.aspx

USC has selected UniCAS from Liaison as their new graduate student application tool for their liberal arts college and 10 graduate schools.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/16/u-southern-california-selects-new-grad-application-processing-tool.aspx

Administration Issues (cont.)

This article helps shed some light on the increasing need to help improve graduation rates among minorities in our country.http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2016/03/18/help-needed-more-minority-college-grads

This article shares about the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) role and with the CDO from Harvard leaving their post 5 years in, what does the future hold for the role?https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/18/harvard-chief-digital-officer-moves-to-nonprofit-ithaka.aspx

This interview article shares insights on the latest book from W.G. Bowen and M.S. McPherson.https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/03/22/authors-discuss-new-book-higher-educations-problems-real-and-imagined

Administration Issues (cont.)

This blog entry shares some positive results from two institutions that have new ways to serve at-risk students.https://www.gatesnotes.com/Education/What-Makes-a-College-Great

This article addresses recent decisions at Columbia College Chicago regarding their change to number of credits in courses and its affect on faculty paid by the total credits taught. Interested to see how this progresses over time.https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/03/28/nlrb-rules-college-must-negotiate-union-changing-credit-hours-courses

Faculty Development

This article shares the digital divide among faculty and students. While there may not be specific solutions presented, certainly we need to help our faculty be more adept at mobile technology and how to apply it appropriately in their classrooms.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/08/faculty-alert-you-cant-put-the-mobile-genie-back-in-the-bottle.aspx

This article shares about a simulator used to help prepare teachers in classroom management and course delivery within a virtual setting.http://www.edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2016/03/virtual-classrooms-vision-future-training-teachers

This article provides three quick tips to keep in mind if you plan on introducing video projects in your classroom.http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2016/03/three-tips-for-planning-video-projects.html

Faculty Development (cont.)

This article continues some previous discussion on teaching persona and how it influences the learning environment.http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/philosophy-of-teaching/between-the-lines-of-our-pedagogy/

This article shares excellent criteria to keep in mind if you use class participation as part of your grading metric.http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/clear-criteria-a-good-way-to-improve-participation/

This article may focus on a sociology course but hands-on activities in the classroom can be applied in various disciplines so this authors insights can benefit many.http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-with-technology-articles/hands-on-assignment-awakens-student-creativity/

Faculty Development (cont.)

As teachers we often struggle with the question: Am I teaching an easy or hard course? This article redirects the question to: Am I designing my course for optimal student learning experiences?http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/its-not-about-hard-or-easy-courses/

This article shares some of the benefits of using grading rubrics so that the overall grading process is clearer to your students.http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/instructional-design/rubrics-as-a-defense-against-grade-appeals/

This article shares a template and tips on how to create a Writing Journal template within Google Docs for your class.http://alicekeeler.com/2016/03/20/google-docs-writing-journal/

Faculty Development (cont.)

This article shares a common frustration among faculty, forgetting some valuable insight or discussion question because it was not recorded. While the solution provided seeks for you to write it all down, today’s technology can help us record it, type it, store it and even curate it for future review and learning.http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/youre-going-to-want-to-write-this-down/

This article lists a number of great social media sites any academic should consider following.http://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2016/mar/23/follow-the-leaders-the-best-social-media-accounts-for-academics

This article provides a great checklist to keep in mind when developing your course to ensure you are meeting ADA compliance.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/30/your-course-accessibility-checklist.aspx

Student Learning

This article shares from a recent study on forms of electronic communication with students. Anyone already texting their classes? Other forms of communication being used?https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/03/02/study-explores-impact-social-media-texting-email-use

This article shares key skills necessary for any student in the 21st century.http://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/03/21st-century-skills-future-jobs-students

This article shares a little bit on how the masters became the new job search metric. What does this mean for the average student who might be struggling to complete their bachelors?http://www.fastcompany.com/3057941/the-future-of-work/how-the-masters-degree-became-the-new-bachelors-in-the-hiring-world

Student Learning (cont.)

This article describes different types of discussion that can be held in the classroom. Which one do you use most often?http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/when-students-lead-the-discussion/

This article helps us wrestle with the question: What is active learning?http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/active-learning-in-need-of-deeper-exploration/

New Ways of Learning

This article shares some excellent research on why we should encourage global collaboration and learning in our classrooms.http://www.researchinlearningtechnology.net/index.php/rlt/article/view/26497

This blog shares almost two dozen ideas for professional development in today’s digital age.http://etale.org/main/2016/03/01/20-ideas-for-professional-development-in-the-digital-age/

This article explains what a flipped classroom is and helps solve some of the common issues that may come up when implementing a flip.https://globaldigitalcitizen.org/how-to-face-the-most-common-flipped-classroom-difficulties

New Ways of Learning (cont.)

This article lists eight reasons to have gamification in higher education. Many of my colleagues could list more than these eight, but they are certainly a good start.http://www.emergingedtech.com/2016/02/8-reasons-why-higher-education-should-adopt-gamification/

This article shares how game-based learning has helped students from various institutions improve their writing skills. Interesting results, thoughts?https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/03/report-game-based-learning-helps-students-develop-writing-skills.aspx

This article list seven parts of what is called a digital mindset.https://www.peoplematters.in/article/hr-technology/7-characteristics-digital-mindset-12980

New Ways of Learning (cont.)

This link takes you to a recent presentation on Open Badges and how they are being used in higher education.http://www.slideshare.net/dajbelshaw/open-badges-in-higher-education-disruptive-desirable-and-democratic

This article shares on the lessons learnt after designing a contest for the “Worst Lecture” award.http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/the-worst-lecture-ever/

Penn State launches a course for educators to help them integrate games into their future course teaching.https://campustechnology.com/articles/2016/03/18/teaching-with-call-of-duty-world-of-warcraft-subject-of-new-penn-state-course.aspx

Upcoming Movie & TV Trailers

The Jungle Book, Release Date: 04/15/2016https://youtu.be/HcgJRQWxKnw

Orphan Black (Season 4), Premiere Date: 04/14/2016https://youtu.be/7kfh74Sy_pU

Full Favorite Movie Trailers playlist on my YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp4nJo9D2kEs3McWG18x5UmIcSsVhNjq0

Full Favorite TV Trailers playlist on my YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp4nJo9D2kEtMvp3l9Jx5HemMXMxIocwR

Thanks for checking this monthly newsletter out and hope to see around again next time!