USDLA Newsletter 2017 (05-22-2017)

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Dr. Farhad Saba Founder, Editor USDLA Hall of Fame Inductee Dr. John G. Flores, USDLA CEO / Executive Director Associate Editor OFFICIAL USDLA SPECIAL EDITION FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE WEEK Download Report The Promise and Peril of Predictive Analytics in Higher Education Predictive analytics–using massive amounts of historical data to predict future events–is a practice that’s making it easier and faster for colleges to decide which students to enroll and how to get them to graduation. But using data in this way may make decision-making processes harder, […] Keep Reading Share this article: RESEARCH-BASED ARTICLES OF THE WEEK A Comparison of Learning Outcomes for Adult Students in On-Site and Online Service-Learning As noted by Kolb’s (1984) experiential learning theory, adults learn best through experiences. Typically delivered in a traditional, face-to-face classroom setting, service-learning integrates the knowledge learned in the classroom with real-world experience and community service. E-service-learning, service-learning delivered in part or entirely online, is uniquely positioned to provide adult students in online programs with access […] Keep Reading Share this article: Does Online Learning Deliver? A Comparison of Student Teacher Outcomes from Candidates in Face-to-Face and Online Program Pathways Although a growing number of students are accessing online learning programs, there are concerns about the quality of these programs. Multiple reports examined online program quality, but many of those studies had methodology and design issues that make it difficult to interpret the findings conclusively. This study attempted to address the methodological concerns by comparing […] Keep Reading Share this article: Talent Management Implementation at an Open Distance E-Learning Higher Educational Institution: The Views of Senior Line Managers The war for talent remains a challenge that many organisations face but more so for distance education institutions to deliver on its mandate to provide effective online academic offerings. The question that remains is: How can intellectual capital be managed effectively in order to recruit and retain talent that is necessary for success? This study […] Keep Reading Share this article: Improving the K-12 Online Course Design Review Process: Experts Weigh in on iNACOL National Standards for Quality Online Courses Within the K-12 online learning environment there are a variety of standards that designers can utilize when creating online courses. To date, the only research-based standards available are proprietary in manner. As such, many jurisdictions have begun adopting online course design standards from the leading advocacy organization, which that have yet to be validated from […] Keep Reading Share this article: IN THE NEWS Modernizing Document Recordation The U.S. Copyright Office is proposing to amend its regulations concerning the recordation of transfers of copyright ownership and other documents pertaining to a copyright under 17 U.S.C. § 205, and notices of termination under sections 203, 304(c), and 304(d). The current recordation process is a time-consuming and labor-intensive paper-based one, requiring remitters to submit […] Keep Reading Share this article: Glacial Progress’ on Digital Accessibility Data from 700,000 classes show digital course materials have gotten only slightly more accessible to students with disabilities over the last five years. Inside Higher Ed Keep Reading Share this article: Student Success Handbook for Higher Education With higher education enrollment rates steadily declining, it’s more important than ever for institutions to invest in student success. Higher education is an increasingly crowded, competitive landscape, one in which retention and graduation rates are an ever-increasing blip on any institution’s radar, particularly tuition-dependent institutions. Putting solid support behind student success can be a key […] Keep Reading Share this article: Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft Battle for K-12 Market, and Loyalties of Educators If there’s a common thread that unites the rival technology giants Apple, Google, and Microsoft in the education market, it’s this: They’re big. The three major tech companies”along with Amazon, a relatively new player on the scene”go head-to-head in vying for big chunks of school business, most notably in sales of devices and operating systems, […] Keep Reading Share this article: Benefits of a Pro Supporter 2x More Newsletters Monthly Abstracts Archived Content Support & Subscribe

United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), 76 Canal Street,Suite 301, Boston, MA 02114

USDLA Newsletter 2017 (05-15-2017)

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Dr. Farhad Saba Founder, Editor USDLA Hall of Fame Inductee Dr. John G. Flores, USDLA CEO / Executive Director Associate Editor OFFICIAL USDLA SPECIAL EDITION FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE WEEK View Recorded Webinar View Recorded Webinar: Identifying and Supporting At-Risk Students in Online Courses One of the most successful measures of a course is how many students retain, and the online environment is no exception. Yet online education also poses unique challenges for instructors when it comes to promoting retention, as students grapple with challenges like busy schedules, […] Keep Reading Share this article: RESEARCH-BASED ARTICLES OF THE WEEK On the Recognition of Quality Online Course Design in Promotion and Tenure: A Survey of Higher Ed Institutions in the Western United StatesWhat constitutes excellence in teaching for university faculty when they are expected or required to create quality online courses? This is a question that will increasingly be asked of members of promotion and tenure committees as market pressures demand entire degrees be delivered online. Developing a quality online course is a significant commitment in time […] Keep Reading Share this article: Examining Perceptions of Online Faculty Regarding the Value of Emotional Intelligence in Online ClassroomsDue to the growth of interest in soft skills and personality traits in education, the perceptions of the value online instructors place on emotional intelligence (EI), warrants scholarly attention. Organizations have embraced the value of emotional intelligence in employees. If online professors are instrumental in preparing students to be successful in the business world, their […] Keep Reading Share this article: The Online Student Connectedness Survey: Evidence of Initial Construct ValidityThe Online Student Connectedness Survey (OSCS) was introduced to the academic community in 2012 as an instrument designed to measure feelings of connectedness between students participating in online degree and certification programs. The purpose of this study was to examine data from the instrument for initial evidence of validity and reliability and to establish a […] Keep Reading Share this article: Employing the EPEC Hierarchy of Conditions (Version II) To Evaluate the Effectiveness of Using Synchronous Technologies with Multi-Location Student Cohorts in the Tertiary Education SettingAs e-learning maintains its popularity worldwide, and university enrolments continue to rise, online tertiary level coursework is increasingly being designed for groups of distributed learners, as opposed to individual students. Many institutions struggle with incorporating all facets of online learning and teaching capabilities with the range and variety of software tools available to them. This […] Keep Reading Share this article: IN THE NEWS OU brings ‘Internet of Everything’ to everyone with free online courseThere has been considerable interest in the Internet of Things (IoT) recently, and whether connecting data, people, processes, and things is beneficial or a risk to data protection. Either way, the IoT is here to stay and our society needs to develop the skills to process the vast amounts of data being generated. The Open […] Keep Reading Share this article: D2L Signs Loyola Marymount, St. Catherine and DePaul Through Internet2Internet2 members continue to choose D2L as their learning management system provider. Three high-profile institutions, Loyola Marymount University (LMU), St. Catherine University and DePaul University, are using the learning technology leader Brightspace platform to reach every learner. D2L Keep Reading Share this article: edX Welcomes Brown UniversityWe are honored to announce that Brown University, an institution recognized for the quality of its teaching, research, and unique curriculum, has joined edX. edX Keep Reading Share this article: 4 major changes our colleges should undergo right nowThe information age and development of the internet have changed every aspect of human life from dating to journalism. Education did not escape this revolution. From 100 percent online courses to interactive lecture styles, the college experience has changed dramatically in the last couple decades, but some believe that the structure of higher education needs more […] Keep Reading Share this article: Benefits of a Pro Supporter 2x More Newsletters Monthly Abstracts Archived Content Support & Subscribe

United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), 76 Canal Street,Suite 301, Boston, MA 02114

USDLA Newsletter 2017 (05-08-2017)

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Dr. Farhad Saba Founder, Editor USDLA Hall of Fame Inductee Dr. John G. Flores, USDLA CEO / Executive Director Associate Editor OFFICIAL USDLA SPECIAL EDITION FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE WEEK Download Report The Future of Jobs and Jobs Training As robots, automation and artificial intelligence perform more tasks and there is massive disruption of jobs, experts say a wider array of education and skills-building programs will be created to meet new demands. There are two uncertainties: Will well-prepared workers be able to keep up in the race […] Keep Reading Share this article: RESEARCH-BASED ARTICLES OF THE WEEK Reaching Students in Online Courses Using Alternative Formats This research was conducted to explore whether students enrolled in graduate level courses found some Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies useful and if they actually used them. The strategies we investigated were presenting course information in alternative formats including PowerPoints with voiceover, screencasts, and videos as an alternative to text resources. In addition, students […] Keep Reading Share this article: Networked Scholarship and Motivations for Social Media use in Scholarly Communication Research on scholars’ use of social media suggests that these sites are increasingly being used to enhance scholarly communication by strengthening relationships, facilitating collaboration among peers, publishing and sharing research products, and discussing research topics in open and public formats. However, very few studies have investigated perceptions and attitudes towards social media use for scholarly […] Keep Reading Share this article: Social media in undergraduate learning: categories and characteristics This study investigates the core categories and characteristics of the social media technologies (SMTs) that undergraduate students choose to use in their own learning, outside of the formal curriculum. Within a mixed method research methodology, this inquiry employed 30 semi-structured interviews and an online survey (N=679) to explore why and how undergraduates across disciplines view […] Keep Reading Share this article: Identity and agency in school and afterschool settings: Investigating digital media’s supporting role This study documents opportunities for identity and agency experienced by students in urban school and afterschool contexts, with a focus on digital media’s role in shaping these opportunities. We conducted focus groups and interviews with 43 students and six teachers affiliated with an urban public high school and a network of afterschool programs in the […] Keep Reading Share this article: IN THE NEWS House favors adding state to online learning compact BOSTON — The $40.3 billion budget that cleared the House last week includes language higher education officials say will make it easier for colleges and universities to offer online learning programs. Lowellsun.com Keep Reading Share this article: USDLA 2017 International Awards Presented for Excellence in Distance Learning for Individuals, Organizations and Companies Honoring their Outstanding Achievements. The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented its 2017 International Distance Learning Awards in conjunction with the 2017 National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. USDLA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association, founded in 1987, as the nation’s leading distance learning organization. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing […] Keep Reading Share this article: 5 Invisible Barriers Preventing Change in Higher Ed Everyone has an opinion when it comes to issues facing higher education. But there are a few things we know for certain: Textbook and tuition costs are too high, student engagement is too low, and students want choice in how they learn. Plus, there are new literacies that are not yet addressed in formal curriculum. […] Keep Reading Share this article: Small College Conversations and the Big Purdue / Kaplan Online Learning News How might online learning align with the mission of your (small) college? Inside Higher Ed Keep Reading Share this article: Benefits of a Pro Supporter 2x More Newsletters Monthly Abstracts Archived Content Support & Subscribe

United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), 76 Canal Street,Suite 301, Boston, MA 02114

Press Release: USDLA 2017 International Awards Presented for Excellence in Distance Learning for Individuals, Organizations and Companies Honoring their Outstanding Achievements.

Note that there are a few K-12 winners among this group – not as many as I have seen in some years though.

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Press Release USDLA 2017 International Awards Presented for Excellence in Distance Learning for Individuals, Organizations and Companies Honoring their Outstanding Achievements. World’s most prestigious distance learning awards were presented yesterday in Indianapolis, Indiana for excellence in distance learning to individuals, organizations and companies. Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) May 2, 2017 — The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented its 2017 International Distance Learning Awards in conjunction with the 2017 National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. USDLA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association, founded in 1987, as the nation’s leading distance learning organization. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market. These prestigious International Awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs. Included in the recognition ceremony were awards for 21st Century Distance Learning, Outstanding Leadership, Innovation, Excellence in Teaching/Training, Global Impact, Quality Research Paper, Hall of Fame, and Eagle. The USDLA International Awards are closely followed by the distance learning community. “As the premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, USDLA enjoys honoring leaders within the industry,” said Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director of USDLA. “Each year these recognized leaders raise the bar and exceed best practice expectations for the industry as a whole and we are truly honored by their contributions within all distance learning constituencies.” The USDLA Awards were created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight those distance learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite and blended learning delivery technologies. “This year’s USDLA Award recipients represent the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field.  The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K-12, industry, military, and government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning.  We are so proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence,” said Mr. Ken Conn, President of USDLA. For the 2017 International Awards program, USDLA focused upon several major areas that exemplify the dynamic nature of distance learning. Please join us in honoring the following 2017 USDLA Award Winners, which include the following: ============================================== USDLA 21st Century Distance Learning Award Southern New Hampshire University College of Online and Continuing Education Online Technology ~ Higher Education University of Central Oklahoma Center for eLearning and Connected Environments Online Technology ~ Higher Education Western Governors University Online Technology ~ Higher Education ============================================== USDLA Outstanding Leadership Award Michelle Duran, Ph.D. Online Technology ~ Higher Education Thomas Cavanagh, Ph.D. Online Technology ~ Higher Education ============================================== USDLA Innovation Award Algebra By Hand™ Online Technology ~ Education Constellation for Ashford University Online Technology ~ Higher Education The Cleveland Museum of Natural History Online Technology ~ Education Oral Roberts University Reaching Every Persons World Augmented and Virtual Reality Online Technology ~ Higher Education University of Central Oklahoma Center for eLearning and Connected Environments Online Technology ~ Higher Education Triseum’s Variant: Limits Online Technology ~ Education ============================================== USDLA Excellence in Teaching/Training Award Dr. Connie Reece Online Technology ~ Higher Education Julia Cronin-Gilmore, Ph.D. Online Technology ~ Higher Education Professor Kinda Wilson Spears School of Business Online Learning Oklahoma State University Online Technology ~ Higher Education Lisa Ullmann AP Mathematics Florida Virtual School Online Technology ~ Education Madison Lyn Kingsford Online Technology ~ Education ============================================== USDLA Global Impact Award Quality Matters and Fudan University For the Development of Online Course Quality Standards for China Online Technology ~ Global Education ============================================== USDLA Quality Research Paper Award Charles D. Dziuban, Patsy Moskal, Jeffrey Cassisi, and Alexis Fawcett Online Technology ~ Higher Education ============================================== USDLA 2017 Hall of Fame Dr. Arletha McSwain Bethune-Cookman University ============================================== USDLA 2017 Eagle Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) State of New Jersey Mr. George Collins, Chair of USDLA Board of Directors noted that, “This year’s award winners represent many of the most innovative leaders in the field of distance learning.” He continued, “I also look forward to seeing these leaders again during National Distance Learning Week, November 6-10, 2017.” About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market.  USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. http://www.usdla.org # # # Contact: USDLA HQ United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) E-mail: info@usdla.org http://www.usdla.org 1-617-399-1770

USDLA, 76 Canal Street, Suite 301, Boston, MA 02114

USDLA Newsletter 2017 (05-02-2017)

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Dr. Farhad Saba Founder, Editor USDLA Hall of Fame Inductee Dr. John G. Flores, USDLA CEO / Executive Director Associate Editor OFFICIAL USDLA SPECIAL EDITION FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE WEEK Download Report Completing College: A National View of Student Attainment Rates by Race and Ethnicity Supplement to National Student Clearinghouse’s Signature 12 report provides six-year completion rates, including degree and certificate completion, disaggregated by race and ethnicity for students who began postsecondary education in fall 2010. Lumina Foundation Keep Reading Share this article: RESEARCH-BASED ARTICLES OF THE WEEK Building Reflective Practice Through an Online Diversity Simulation in an Undergraduate Teacher Education Program This paper discusses preservice teachers’ perceptions of an online, in-house diversity simulation in an undergraduate teacher education program conducted over a 3-year period. The diversity simulation was a nontraditional capstone experience for 193 preservice teachers in majors ranging from early childhood to secondary education. The diversity simulation included scenarios at the kindergarten, middle school, and […] Keep Reading Share this article: Student success and retention using new definitions created for nonterm, direct assessment CBE Nonterm, direct assessment competency-based education gives students unique options for tailoring their coursework to fit their individual needs. These options invalidate traditional measures of student retention and success (such as such as yearly retention, grade point average, or 4-year graduation rates) that assume all students will complete courses at the same rate and will remain […] Keep Reading Share this article: Development of an interactive mathematics learning system based on a two-tier test diagnostic and guiding strategy Mathematical skills have been recognised as a core competence for engineering and science students. However, learning mathematics has been recognised as a difficult and challenging task for most students, in particular, calculus for first-year students in university. Consequently, the development of effective learning strategies and environments for mathematics courses has become an important issue. To […] Keep Reading Share this article: Using PeerWise to develop a contributing student pedagogy for postgraduate psychology The importance of the role of peer and self-assessment in developing formative and sustainable assessment practice in higher education is increasingly becoming evident. PeerWise is an online software tool that engages students in contributing to their own and others’ learning by authoring, answering and providing feedback on multiple choice questions. Using a mixed methods approach, […] Keep Reading Share this article: IN THE NEWS FCC asks whether to ‘keep, modify, or eliminate’ net neutrality rules A U.S. Federal Communications Commission proposal to scrap the foundation for its own 2015 net neutrality rules nevertheless asks for public comment on whether it should “keep, modify, or eliminate” basic protections. Macworld Keep Reading Share this article: Purdue’s Bold Move Purdue University’s acquisition of Kaplan University is an unexpected tectonic shift in American higher education, revealing both the changing roles of public universities and the dwindling fortunes of for-profit colleges. Inside Higher Ed Keep Reading Share this article: The dark side of higher ed’s ePortfolios-what really happened Pre-dating the widespread use of blogs and personal websites, the 1990s era ePortfolio inspired storytelling about lifelong learning and everything that entails: formal schooling, personal reflection, career planning, presentations of evidence to assist in life transitions, and snapshots of abilities and character. This generalized uses the ability to do many things reasonably well made the ePortfolio a […] Keep Reading Share this article: Professional Certificate Programs: Delivering real job impact and critical skills you need to stand out Today, we are proud to announce the launch of Professional Certificate programs, the latest offering to further our mission to increase access to education that today’s global, connected learner demands. edX Keep Reading Share this article: Benefits of a Pro Supporter 2x More Newsletters Monthly Abstracts Archived Content Support & Subscribe

United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), 76 Canal Street,Suite 301, Boston, MA 02114