In a recent article, published in Ventura County Star, serviceman Wallace Larson earned his MBA from California Lutheran University taking online classes while serving in Germany and Iraq.  Technology allowed him access and with flexible assignments and instructors, Larson was able to obtain a degree in finance that gave him a new career path after retiring from the military.

In a similar story, The University of Wisconsin-Stout, reports their military students as a whole seem to have a higher level of commitment to complete their online classes.  Targeting these students could be a good move for retention in online programs. 

With new government funds from the GI bill to support soldiers in their quest to further educational goals, it is becoming a viable option for military personnel. Some analysts report having soldiers engaged in schoolwork, can help them stay connected to their lives they left behind.  Also, continuing to pursue one's life goals in the midst of chaos, can increase morale and limit discontentment.  Success stories are unlimited of opportunities soldiers have to complete or continue their education even though they've been deployed out of the country.

Fighting for an Education

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?

2010 Looks Different

Edutopia is an organization founded through The George Lucas Educational Foundation. According to their mission, "no previous generation has experienced anything like the current pace of transformational societal change. Yet, in light of extraordinary advancements in how we interact with each other and the world, our system of education has been frustratingly slow to adapt.

The George Lucas Educational Foundation was created to address this issue. Our vision is of a new world of learning. A place where kids and parents, teachers and administrators, policy makers and the people they serve, all are empowered to change education for the better. A place where schools have access to the same invaluable technology as businesses and universities -- where innovation is the rule, not the exception. A place where children become lifelong learners and develop the technical, cultural, and interpersonal skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. A place of inspiration, aspiration, and an urgent belief that improving education improves the world we live in.

We call this place Edutopia. And we provide not just the vision for this new world of learning but also the leading-edge interactive tools and resources to help make it a reality."

When I first read this it kind of sounded like, well, a perfect educational world.  Then it hit me...hence the name, Edutopia! 

Designed to support educators in their role to transform education, their website and publications provide resources and include a multitude of research to back the claims. Edutopia's success stories revolve around six Core Concepts.  If you are looking for new ways to open a world of learning to your k12 students, Edutopia is the place to be.

Perfect World of Education

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. 

READI Best Practices Webinar Feedback

Recently I've been doing some reading about the evolution of online learning.  I stumbled upon a study conducted by U.S. Department of Education called Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning.  It immediately sparked my interest as it seemed to be just the verification I've been looking for to confirm a set of facts that many educators have believed to be true for over a decade. The report is full of concrete findings despite some critics reaching for arbitrary arguments based on limited samplings, which is completely unfounded.  The report stands on it's own and includes some unique findings.  In particular students who took all or part of their class online performed better, on average, than those taking the same course through traditional face-to-face instruction.  Noting in addition that learners who took blended courses performed the best.

In reading the report, one of the most interesting points I found was online learning can be enhanced by giving learners control of their interactions with media and prompting learner reflection.  Learning in 2009, is about creating one's own environment to explore and glean from.  Providing students with access to options and collaborative activities sets the stage for personal path learning.  Personal path learning bring to light an unrestricted environment where one can expand their mind to include unlimited information and knowledge.  Further proof that traditional text book teaching without integrated technology and veteran instructional design techniques is less about learning and more about regurgitating facts in a restricted milieu. 

Sitting in an old fashioned desk does not prevent a student from 21st century learning however.  It is crucial that face-to-face traditional learning include team assignments to foster independent thinking and an appreciation for diversity.  While online learning work through the challenge of creating a personal experience that involves human interaction and accountability.

No doubt having the report released from the US Department of Education provides credibility and reinforcements to those that have worked hard to create a strong reputation of alternative learning styles and environments.  Nevertheless, the sigh of relief will be short lived as online proponents continue to press forward delighting in innovative technology and discovering new ways to engage learners.

U.S. Department of Education Does Their Homework