Via: OnlineSchools.org

The History of Online Schooling

Pearson, the education giant, recently launched their Pearson Partner Network page which allows partners to add pertinent information about tools and services that relate to the Pearson LearningStudio.  Mark Sperat, Pearson's Technology Partner Manager, wanted to create an organized space that would be user friendly and highlight partner solutions. Check it out! SmarterMeasure is fully integrated with Pearson LearningStudio (formerly eCollege).  For more information click here.

Pearson Launches Partner Page

February 1, 2012, marked the first ever Digital Learning Day!  It was national event and the National Town Hall meeting featured U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Federal Communications Chairman Julius Genachowski.  Creating a day to focus on digital learning uniting states across the country allowed schools, teachers and students to embrace the digital age of learning and share new ideas.  Alabama is one of only five states that have chosen to continue this effort all month long.

To learn more about how Alabama is leading their state to digital excellence, click here. Pointing to ALEX, ACCESS, and other state-wide initiatives, Alabama is highlighting many forms of digital education in our state. One of the most notable and interesting resources is the "ALEX Resource-A-Day" calendar they have created as a resource for teachers.

Alabama's Digital Learning Story

Via: OnlineSchools.org

Student Debt - Something To Think About

Recently I read the most intriguing article.  I love learning new things and especially hearing something from a different perspective. At SmarterServices we believe in lifelong learning and this article by GeekDad really spoke to the whole idea that we should always be learning and sometimes we need to examine how we actually learn. 

For years, traditional schools have tossed out information to students to learn, memorize, retain, and recite.  The student learns to take notes, record the lecture, and memorize the content to make an acceptable grade on the content.  In some cases the art of truly learning about information, life, and how to connect the two has become more of a checklist.  While getting basic skills is crucial to a child's success; it is equally important that they understand how to apply what they learn and have a desire to learn more. 

I like the article because it reminds us that it's ok to forget what we have practiced in learning in many traditional settings.  It's ok to think outside the box.  Whether you agree with Robert A. Bjork from UCLA or not, he makes you think.  Read the article...don't you want to learn something new today?

Forget What You've Learned About Learning