News: Blended Learning Combining Technology and Tradition

From SmartBrief:

Blended-learning models allow students to progress at their own pace through a mix of online lessons and in-class interactions with teachers and peers. More schools are turning to the high-tech method, according to this article. "[W]e've seen how technology has the power to enable this new learner-centered form of education in effective and efficient ways," said Andy Calkins, deputy director of Next Generation Learning Challenges, which awards grants to blended-learning programs.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2014/0420/Blended-learning-revolution-Tech-meets-tradition-in-the-classroom

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News: How will technology affect higher education?

From SmartBrief:

Integration of social media and blended learning are among the top technologies that are expected to transform higher education in the next five years, according to a report released by the New Media Consortium and the Educause Learning Initiative. A panel of 56 experts convened by the two groups concluded that teachers and administrators must learn how to leverage social media across disciplines; find the right mix of online, hybrid and collaborative learning; and expect a shift toward "learning by making and creating rather than from the simple consumption of content."

http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/6-technologies-will-change-colleges-in-coming-years-experts-say/50053

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News: Hidden Costs of Blended Learning

From SmartBrief:

With education budgets shrinking, many school districts have turned to blended learning as one solution for reducing costs. In some cases, it's been effective, allowing for shared resources, increased class sizes and the replacement of textbooks with some free or low-cost online materials. In other cases, blended learning has come with new costs, including the cost of new devices and infrastructure, as well as professional development for educators.

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/01/29/19el-cost.h33.html

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