Howdy, folks! Welcome to another in a series of periodic ed tech news roundups. We hope you enjoy this one, and if you have a story you’d like to see included, let us know.
Learning Online and In-Person
As blended and online learning becomes seemingly universal, the distinctions and benefits of both virtual and in-person learning are beginning to emerge.
- On the one hand, digital teaching can greatly empower teachers and students, even potentially boost a teacher’s ability to convey information, even outside of class. One example comes from Wyoming, where a history teacher has created her own online course. [Sheridan Press]
- On the other hand, new research shows that, the benefits of digital learning notwithstanding, many students still prefer learning face to face. [EdSurge]
- And despite signs of a potential slow down, online learning, especially in higher education, continues to grow. [Education Drive]
- As the new methods of flexible learning grow and evolve, a new set of standards for online learning, the first since 2011, has been released. [Education Week]
Learning Out of This World
The expansion of online learning makes sense in the context of ever-growing digital technology. Some tech breakthroughs, though, like the tech that makes travel and communication into space possible, still have the ability to inspire.
- In New Mexico, hundreds gathered for a rare lesson: having their questions answered in real time from crew aboard the International Space Station. [Albuquerque Journal]
- All it took was a trip or two around the Earth for this California science teacher to help create a space camp for English language learners. [The Signal (Santa Clara Valley)]
- In China, space agency officials are looking to expand cooperation around space and space tech education. [Xinhua]
- You don’t need a rocket to study space. Students in North Dakota recently took part in an educational challenge to study near space (as opposed to outer space) with balloons. [Cavalier County Republican]
… And Finally
Have you ever had a teacher whose antics, energy, or enthusiasm kept your attention no matter what? Virginia physics professor David Wright is one of those educators. And now, his boundless love of teaching (and fun teaching aids) has gone viral, thanks to a video shared by one of his students. [Buzzfeed]
Blake Lisk