Jan 12
Most of the time a new year is accompanied by a fresh perspective. It allows everyone to take a look back and plan for a better future. Maybe to change your ways, add new skills, improve relationships or decide to "make things happen"! In 2010, eLearningToolBox is determined to make things happen! We are planning great things and can't wait to share with you what is on the horizon.
While the political power hangs in the balance, as the economy see-saws and the housing market flip flops, when education budgets are being slashed, as unemployment stabilizes, one thing remains...if you keep doing what you've always done, then you'll keep getting what you've always gotten. It's time to look at things differently in 2010.
As we work hard in 2010, to close out this decade, it is time to ramp up our efforts to increase product awareness, establish closer relationships with clients, and find more meaning in the services that we provide. We are ready to make 2010, look different...are you?
Oct 15
Recently we held our first READI Best Practices Webinar and it was by all accounts a success! With over 70 participants there was a great showing from our current users. The READI Best Practices Presentation was designed to give clients new ideas of how to implement READI, how to monitor data, and what to do with the READI student data. The case studies were by far the most popular element of the presentation. Christine Lustik, long time client Western Wyoming Community College, demonstrated how READI is used in their orientation process and gave specific examples of how they get remedial helps to their students. Ray Mercer from Columbus Technical College, showed how his students use READI integrated in their OLE orienation system (Online Learning for Everyone).
The majority of participants agreed that they came away with new insight and ideas of how to better utilize READI. One client said "READI is going to the top of their to-do list!". When asked if clients would like to participate in this kind of webinar on an annual basis most everyone said YES! One client offered a great suggestion to schedule the webinars two times a year corresponding with beginning of terms.
During the presentation we briefly discussed a list serv or discussion loop. Based on the positive feedback received we've decided to create a new product related forum. It will debut in our next newsletter due out next month. Watch for details coming soon about how you can register and subscribe!
Thanks to all those who participated! We have the best clients and appreciate your time and feedback.
Sep 16
eLearningToolBox is proud to announce, this month READI usage has reached an all time high. Almost a half million students have taken READI to find out if they are good fit for distance learning! These numbers reflect our continually growing client base. Schools are continuing to place priority in helping students succeed online and offering READI is the first step. Understanding the education climate and the increasing popularity of alternative learning environments signals READI usage will reach the 1 million mark in record time!
Sep 10
One of our newest READI clients, American Sentinel University, has just launched a press release announcing their implementation of READI. ASU recognized the need to implement a tool that would help students gauge their skills, measure technical proficiencies, and provide resources for support. Dr. Richard Oliver, CEO of American Sentinel University said, "succeeding in an online university environment requires a different set of skills than in a traditional campus-based setting". To read the complete article click here.
Aug 19
It is no secret that in order to be successful, companies must watch for market trends, legislation, and world events to guide their product and service development. eLearningToolBox is no different. From the beginning we have researched trends in distance learning and technology initiatives. Paying close attention to mandates from accrediting bodies and new legislation that governs what schools have to incorporate in their curricula and processes.
ACCSCT Standards of Accreditation Substantive Standards states that, “The institution must have clear, consistent policies, measures, and procedures to evaluate the performance and needs of faculty members, and to assess faculty effectiveness in distance education programs or courses of study.” Recently we have launched PostCourse 2.0 which is a tool for efficiently designing, deploying and disseminating the results of faculty and course evaluations. Through a tiered, role-based process faculty and administrators can immediately see the input from their students.
In addition to accrediting bodies, many states pass legislation that dictates what direction a school must go in planning their future course offerings, technologies, and practices. Recently in Texas, a new law has been passed that expands on the requirement from ACCSCT in regards to having a documented process of how to collect and evaluate data in regards to elearning. The law states "Relating to requiring a public institution of higher education to establish uniform standards for publishing cost of attendance information, to conduct student course evaluations of faculty, and to make certain information available on the Internet". The last part "make certain information is available on the Internet" adds a new layer to the process for Texans.
As PostCourse continues to evolve to meet our clients' needs, we will be considering how we can assist Texans with meeting the demands of the recently passed law that will be effective next Fall. In the meantime, be aware of your local law makers as they make decisions that will affect the way your school does distance education.
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