Helge Scherlund's eLearning News Blog

eSchool Top News and Site of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:08:33 PST

Here's what's new on eSchool News site today.

Top News

New research on gaming design and brain plasticity offers more perspectives on educational gaming

By Meris Stansbury, Associate Editor

According to a recent paper by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), games, when developed correctly and used appropriately, can engage players in learning that is specifically applicable to school curriculum—and teachers can leverage the learning in these games without disrupting the worlds of either "play" or school.

A report from the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, "Game Changer: Investing in digital play to advance children's learning and health," claims that on an average day, children as young as eight spend as many hours engaged in media activity as they spend in school. Seventy-five percent of American children play computer and video games, it says.
The report, said Michael Levine, executive director of the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop, aims to help answer the question: "Can digital games, especially well-designed education games, help reshape our nation's approach to learning and growing?"
Read more...

Look at the New CMC Video Today at the Top of My Weblog

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:08:22 PST

About Helge Scherlund's CMC Video Today

Watch this video produced by the W.T.F. Group - Computer Mediated Communication.
The team members are Nicole Horn, Nik Silver, Payten Rayferd, Quinten St. Clair and Martha Myrick.

Related link
MarthaAnnMyrick's Channel

Source: YouTube

Free Mobile Learning E-Book

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:13:16 PST

Don't miss this second book in AU Press’s Issues in Distance Education Series.

The book offers both theoretical and very practical insights into the diverse uses of mobile devices for formal and informal learning.

This collection is for anyone interested in the use of mobile technology for various distance learning applications. Readers will discover how to design learning materials for delivery on mobile technology and become familiar with the best practices of other educators, trainers, and researchers in the field, as well as the most recent initiatives in mobile learning research. Businesses and governments can learn how to deliver timely information to staff using mobile devices. Professors can use this book as a textbook for courses on distance education, mobile learning, and educational technology.

The entire e-book is available for download via the AU Press website or

just the individual chapters.

About the Editor

Mohamed Ally is a Professor in the Centre for Distance Education at Athabasca University, where he teaches and researches the educational uses of mobile technology, mobile libraries, and workplace learning. Dr. Ally is on the boards of the International Federation of Training & Development Organizations and the International Association of Mobile Learning.

Source: Athabasca University Press

Live Webcast - Web Attacks: How Hackers Create and Spread Malware

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:20:12 PST

Participate in this exciting live event and gain insight into how hackers create and spread malware.

Photo: Dreamstime

Wednesday, December 16, 2009
2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT / 7:00 PM GMT

The web has become the key vector for online attacks and even trusted websites are no longer safe. With hackers continually changing tactics, the majority of businesses are left unprotected against modern web-based malware. Businesses can no longer get by with just protecting their email and endpoint systems.
Read more...

FREE Registration is required

Source: Sophos

Tech & Learning eNews - December 8, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:38:33 PST

Take a closer look at this Upcoming Webinar

• Engaging Students in Video Production and Movie Making in the Classroom

TOMORROW! Dec 9 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST– Sponsored by Sony

Click here to register for this FREE event

Source: Tech & Learning

Solar Cell Phone Charger

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:41:58 PST

Today I have Valery Bowen guest blogging. Please be sure to check out her unique guest post.
Guest posts are always welcome, please contact me.

How does the solar cell phone charger work?
Simply put a solar cell phone charger works by converting the sun's energy into use for a cell phone battery. The charger stores the sun's energy inits internal battery for later use. The cell phone is plugged into the solar charger in the same manner as an electrical charger.

How much energy could I save each year using a solar cell phone charger?
By using a solar cell phone charger, electricity is saved. A normal cellphone charge using electricity will use approximately 2 watts of electricity per day. This translates into roughly 730 watts or one kilowatt of electricity per year. Many households have several cellphones, so the electrical savings adds up even more.

How much time does it take for a solar cell phone charger to charge a phone?
The amount of time a solar cell phone charger takes to charge a cell phone depends on the wattage of the charger. The formula for estimating total charge time in direct sunlight is amperes per hour of the battery dividedby the amperes per hour of the charger plus ten percent.
Using this formula a 2 watt solar phone charger with direct sunlight will fully charge a cell phone in approximately three hours. An 18 watt charger with direct sunlight will fully charge a cell phone in about 30 minutes. A good portable device will produce anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes of talktime with one hour of charge.

What are the best solar phone chargers?
There are several good solar cell phone chargers on the market today. Solio Universal Charger has made several top ratings. It is compact, gives 20 minute call time in an hour and is portable. Some other well-recommended solar chargers, both large and small, are isun, Global Solar Sunlinq and Powermonkey Explorer Solar Emergency Charger.
Because all solar chargers are not compatible with all phones, a careful check should be made to insure that the phone and charger will work together before any solar cell phone charger is purchased.

How much waste is produced by manufacturers who produce those "green"solar chargers?
There is a big environmental controversy surrounding the manufacture of solar charger. Solar panels are manufactured with silicon and other toxic chemicals.
A wake up call has been sent out to these manufactures and steps to correct this problem are being taken.

Related link
Mediterraneanbook's Channel

About the Author
Valery Bowen writes for 12voltsolarpanels.net a non commercial blog focused on his energy efficient story to help people understand how and why they should save energy starting from small devices.
She writes on SolarCell Phones Chargers to help people learn how to start save energy from the scratch and then apply those experience to the next level.

Many thanks to Valery Bowen.
Enjoy your reading!

Learning On The Go

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:35:33 PST

This is is a very good summary of how innovative educators think about the possibilities of technology in teaching and learning.

When it comes to cellphones in the classroom, some educators have changed their thoughts and are now changing their worlds.

Read Learning On The Go to see how.

The AT&T Learning On The Go handbook focuses on those who are embracing this technology. Real-life examples of innovative programs are profiled, particularly smart-phones as an instruction and collaboration tool. The reader will see how this technology is being used today to engage digital natives, promote customized instruction, and differentiate the school to attract the best and brightest students.

Read more...

What's Inside the handbook:

Source: Converge

Free Access to All Online Learning Courses in eLearning Portal iLearnsmart.com

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:04:01 PST

Take the opportunity to try out all the courses in iLearnsmart free throughout the month of December as a New Year Festival Offer.

Ilearnsmart currently offers academic courses in Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for K-12 students along with the courses on Management Skills and IT skills for professionals. Ilearnsmart being a Software-as-a-Service e-learning portal, all these courses are offered on subscription model.
The courses available to subscribe for free.
Read more...

About WHBS
WHBS is a multinational learning technology company having more than 1 million man-hours of experience in developing e-learning content and solutions for various educational institutions, enterprises and government organizations. Through the years of working various educators across the globe, WHBS has devised solutions and approaches that enhance students’ learning experience and education at large.
WHBS is an ISO 9001-2000 Complaint Company certified by Bureau Veritas Certification, and adopts CMM level 4 Development standards, key process and quality assurance.
For More Information Visit: http://www.ilearnsmart.com

Enjoy this free month!

Source: BigNews.biz

A strategic vision for online learning

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:02:50 PST

Take a closer look at this Guest Columnist Denise Herrenbruck.

As more students turn to Oregon virtual charter schools, there's a brewing conflict between educators and parents in the K-12 community.

Photo: Dreamstime

Those who are inexperienced with online learning often guess it means only one thing: a student sits alone at a computer interacting with a digitized textbook at his own rate, taking online quizzes and emailing assignments or questions to a course facilitator.

This is primarily what current virtual schools are offering, but it's only one model of online learningProfessional education associations such as the International Association for K-12 Online Learning and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills have developed a robust framework for blended and online learning to address the new educational needs that have emerged recently because of the electronic revolution. The central role for online learning is to leverage the richest instructional practices that educators have been using on the ground in order to prepare students with new digital literacies.
Read more...

Related links
Denise Herrenbruck
International Association for K-12 Online Learning and the Partnership
Partnership for 21st Century Skills

About Denise Herrenbruck

Denise Herrenbruck of Portland is an online college instructor in the teacher license programs at UCLA Extension and the University of San Diego. She has taught online students in China, Africa, Australia, Mexico and Oregon.

Source: The Oregonian

Classrooms Without Walls: Using Social Media in Training

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:34:45 PST

Date: Thursday, Jan 14, 2010

Time: 10:00 AM Pacific / 1:00 PM Eastern

The advent of Web 2.0 has brought us a dazzling array of free, easy-to-use social networking technologies. These can help trainers stay connected with our learners, facilitate the growth of learning communities, and help us get into the spaces between formal training events where REAL learning often occurs.

Jane will in this session provides an overview of several popular social networking sites (including Facebook and Twitter) with ideas for ways of using each to support learning.
Register for this free webinar

Related links
http://bozarthzone.blogspot.com/2009/11/social-media-in-training.html
Join Jane Bozarth there for a live "Twitter learning event" from the conference floor.
Watch for details at http://www.trainingonference.com

About Jane Bozarth, M.Ed.

She is North Carolina's self-appointed "E-Learning Goddess". While her specialty is in finding ways to cut the high costs of e-learning, Jane is also a popular classroom instructor and motivational speaker. Recent work travels have taken her to Ireland, Canada, and Australia. She enjoys business writing; her book reviews appear monthly in Training Magazine. She has additionally published feature articles in Training, Journal of Educational Technology and Society, Law Enforcement Trainer Magazine, and Creative Training Techniques Newsletter.

Add live video eSeminars within Moodle LMS

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:48:37 PST

For Moodle LMS users - PresenterCast announces 2.0 release of its eLearning application tool at www.presentercast.com.
Free Moodle plug-in module for giving live online video seminars - offering a professional, high quality tool for the Moodle eLearning platform.

Moodle is an open source course management system, also known as a Learning Management System (LMS). Moodle has become hugely popular among educators and training groups around the world as a tool for creating dynamic eLearning web sites for their students. Moodle PresenterCast may be easily installed into the LMS to enable teachers and private tutors to communicate live, interactively.
Read more...

A demo and more information is available at www.presentercast.com

Source: PitchEngine

International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET)

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:16:40 PST

Just look at this interesting line-up in this current issue Volume 4, No 4 - 2009 of the International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning.

This interdisciplinary journal aims to focus on the exchange of relevant trends and research results as well as the presentation of practical experiences gained while developing and testing elements of technology enhanced learning.
Read more...

Happy reading to all of you!

Source: International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning.

FREE WEBINAR: mLearning Goes Mainstream

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:02:24 PST

You are cordially invited to the first in a series of one hour FREE webinars concerning the emergence of Mobile Technologies and its game-changing effects on how we learn.

FREE WEBINAR: mLearning Goes Mainstream

TUESDAY (DEC. 15th)1:00 p.m. - 2:00 pm (ET)

The first event, "mLearning Goes Mainstream", will include two presentations:

“Key Findings on Mobile Learning Products and Services”

Mobile Learning has gone mainstream and entered the wide adoption phase. Drawing from key findings of Ambient Insight’s report on Mobile Learning Products and Services: Forecast and Analysis 2008-2013, Tyson Greer CEO of Ambient Insight, will discuss market trends, catalysts, and opportunities in Mobile Learning.

She will review advances in development tools and platforms, and also highlight two types of products: brain trainers and location-based learning products and services. “Educational Mobility” Mobility is defined as “the quality of being able to move freely”. The combination of a sound pedagogy and an understanding of morphing “mobile” technologies and environments can help us better understand and deliver mobile learning solutions that actually work.

This presentation, by Supra Manohar EVP Emantras, defines the meaning of Educational Mobility and introduces MOBL21 as a cost effective and unique mLearning platform.

“Educational Mobility”

Mobility is defined as “the quality of being able to move freely”. The combination of a sound pedagogy and an understanding of morphing “mobile” technologies and environments can help us better understand and deliver mobile learning solutions that actually work.

This presentation, by Supra Manohar EVP Emantras, defines the meaning of Educational Mobility and introduces MOBL21 as a cost effective and unique mLearning platform.

Webinar Registration

Strategies for K-12 Technology Leaders

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:13:34 PST

Be sure to check out SCHOOL CIO: Strategies for K-12 Technology Leaders

The Top 5 Most Read Stories on SchoolCIO.com

1. Make your own Newspaper »
2. iPods in the Classroom »
3. 10 Most Dangerous Things Users Do Online »
4. Ten Tips for Internet Safety »
5. 8 Tips for Going Paperless »

Tech & Learning Top Stories: The Hottest Stories That Everyone's Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:21:56 PST

Please, take a closer look and find out what is hot right now?

Check out the Top 10 Most Read Stories on TechLearning.com

1. We Are All Technology Teachers »
2. Bloom's Taxonomy Bloom's Digitally »
3. The Life of Mammals »
4. Selling Their Wares »
5. Project 2007 »
6. 21st Century Skills: Will Our Students be Prepared? »
7. Why Wordle »
8. Light Right – A Crash Course In Lighting Video »
9. Sweet Searching With Google »
10. 10 Hot Tips: Getting the most out of Final Cut Express »

Tech & Learning eNews - December 3, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:07:10 PST

Take a closer look below:

Top Stories - 12.03.09

• An interview with math innovator Colleen King
• Top online resources for teaching with tech
• What will EdTech look like in 10 years?
• SIS survey results
• Top site: influential Americans

Source: Tech & Learning

Thousands of LinkedIn Professionals Boast Fake College Degrees on Resumes

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:55:48 PST

Rochville University, an online college lacking proper accreditation, awarded an MBA to a dog earlier this year.

Yet Rochville diplomas continue to be touted by professionals on the resumes they post to the LinkedIn networking site, warns GetEducated.com.

Besides Rochville, many other online colleges lacking proper accreditation are listed by LinkedIn users on their resumes.
About 457 LinkedIn professionals tout diplomas from Rochville.
Read more...

Related link
Dog Gets Online MBA
Pug Dog Earns Online MBA - A Cautionary Tail

Source: PR-inside.com

Clock's Ticking Down to Flagship Ed-Tech Conference!

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:15:16 PST

The clock is ticking down to one of the nation’s oldest and largest conferences and expos devoted to educational technology.

In just six weeks, educators, administrators, Web 2.0 gurus, bloggers and educational technology experts will converge on FETC 2010, which runs Jan. 12 – 15 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

FETC is known for being one of the most comprehensive and progressive ed-tech conferences in the country. This year’s conference will present more than 200 concurrent sessions and 80-plus ticketed workshops focusing on hot-topic areas such as 21st century skills, accountability, community connections, digital content, future and emerging technologies, virtual learning and many more.

In addition, educators will be able to find solutions for working with tight budgets, improving curriculum and effectively integrating technology into the classroom.

Read more...

Max Impact introduces online learning center

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:53:52 PST

Today Max Impact of Rochester Hills announced the roll-out of a new online learning center featuring thousands of online courses.

The online learning center offers the complete catalog of online classes from Skill Soft, The Par Group, Coastal, Aurora Engineering, Global Mindset, and New York Institute of Financial. This makes it a one-stop educational website for certification programs, continuing professional education, legal compliance, workplace compliance, and certification exam preparation. Courses include Business, IT, HR, Federal Government, Environmental, Safety, Health, and Transportation.The learning center, powered by Latitude Learning, is one of the most comprehensive available.
Max Impact continues to offer proprietary facilitated classes as stand-alone classes or spaced-repetitive programs.
Read more...

Related link
Try a Free Courses

Source: Examiner.com

Webinar Tomorrow: Discover how to implement lecture capture that can be scalable, flexible and easy to use!

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:38:12 PST

Free 2009 Webinar Series
Date: Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009 Time: 2:00 pm EDT / 11:00 am PSTDuration: One hour (15 mins for Q&A)

Lecture capture demand is growing at an amazing rate. Hear from institutions that are using this technology today with great results. See how this tool can be flexible to administer and easy for faculty to use. You will learn how a lecture capture solution can grow with your institution as demand for lecture recording grows. – Limited training needed!

Attend this webinar and you'll learn:

New technology does not have to mean large amounts of staff training
Lecture capture technology can be scalable and affordable
How lecture capture technology can keep colleges going in the event of an H1N1 outbreak
How the University of Minnesota and Seattle Pacific University have implemented lecture capture in their classrooms.

http://techsmith-esnblast1.eventbrite.com

Hurry to sign up if you want to participate in this free webinar!

Source: eCampus News

Tech & Learning eNews - December 1, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:42:00 PST

Take a closer look at this Upcoming Webinar

• Engaging Students in Video Production and Movie Making in the Classroom

NEXT WEEK! Dec 9 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST – Sponsored by Sony.

Visual, interactive learning gets results. Students today have become accustomed to using technology in every facet of their lives and this drastic lifestyle change has affected the way students learn. Today’s students know how to use digital tools to get information, solve problems and communicate.

This webinar will detail how to integrate video production and moving making into your curriculum, and what tools are needed. Whole class cross curriculum examples will be discussed and best case examples shown. See, Hear and experience how video in the classroom can enhance learning.

After participating in this webinar you will have the necessary knowledge to create a cost effective interactive digital video solution for your school.

Click here to register for this FREE event

Upcoming eLearning Events Brandon Hall

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:06:58 PST

Check out these exciting upcoming online events below:

Online Learning Technologies: Past, Present, and Future

Wednesday, December 2 — 1:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S. & Canada) (GMT-5:00)

In this presentation, Dr. Gary Woodill will review past learning technologies, sketch his theory of innovation lifecycles, and place the various emerging learning technologies that he has identified on a lifecycle curve to show which ones are now peaking, which are maturing and even declining, and what is in the pipeline that will become available in the next five years. The purpose of the talk is to help both users and vendors gain a perspective on developing learning technologies, glimpse the near future of the learning industry, and make strategic investment decisions accordingly.

Read more...

Register to attend this event

Designing Mobile Learning: Principles and Practices

Wednesday, December 9, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S. & Canada) (GMT-5:00)

The workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Gary Woodill, director of Research and analysis at Brandon Hall Research, who will present an approach to designing for mobile learning based on his latest research. The workshop will demonstrate a variety of instructional and self-directed approaches and will include opportunities to experience new approaches to mobile learning.

Read more...

SPECIAL BONUS:
Attend this workshop, and receive a FREE copy of our report,

Mobile Learning Comes of Age: How and Why Organizations are Moving to Learning on Mobile Devices, a $295 value.

Duration: Two hoursCost: $195

Register to attend this event

How to Make Training Engaging in the Live Online Classroom (with minimal PowerPoint)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 1 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S. & Canada) (GMT-5:00)

This two-hour workshop will be facilitated by Janet Clarey, Analyst, Brandon Hall Research and covers the following:

Pros and cons of training in the live online classroom
Collaborative media in the live online classroom
Design elements for interacting in the live online classroom
Tips for creating engaging activities
Worked examples

Read more...

Attend this workshop, and receive a copy of our report,

How to Design for the Live Online Classroom, a $245 value.

Duration: Two hoursCost: $195

Register to attend this event

Source: Brandon Hall Research

New Tools for Personal Learning by Stephen Downes

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:19:11 PST

If you are interested in how new technologies are being designed in order to adapt to a rapidly changing and complex world take a closer look at Stephen Downes excellent presentation delivered to MEFANET 2009 Conference, Brno, Czech Republic.

New Tools for Personal Learning

View more presentations from Stephen Downes.

Enjoy this presentation!

Related link
If you want to hear the presentation:
http://www.downes.ca/presentation/234

Source: Stephen Downes

Coggno Introduces Addition of Branded Diplomas Sent From Clients Learning Platforms.

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:25:19 PST

Coggno introduces a new feature set within their Learning Management platform to assist content creators in delivering learner’s diplomas upon completion.
This new feature was created to provide documentation for the learners and verify their participation and completion of online training and education via Learning Management System for employment and higher education purposes.

Coggno is pleased to implement such features into their system to aid learners in verifying completion of accredited courses from their Learning Management System. Such documentation will aid in confirmation for future employment or higher education.

About Coggno
Based in San Jose, CA, Coggno is an LMS/LCMS toolkit and marketplace which facilitates the transfer of intellectual property between course creators and those who wish to acquire it. Coggno designs and delivers online solutions for e-learning, training, assessments, and courseware for organizations, corporations, associations, academic institutions, and subject matter experts.
For more information, visit www.coggno.com

Source: PR-inside.com

elearningeuropa.info Newsletter - November 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Helge Scherlund) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:31:34 PST

The e-learning Newsletter brings you news about current issues, open calls, forthcoming events and e-learning resources.
Take a look at this interesting line-up below.
'
CALL FOR PAPERS: NEW LEARNING FOR A NEW SOCIETY.
eLearning Papers is looking for contributions about tomorrow’s learning. Articles addressing topics such as learning trends, scenarios, new skills, efficiency and sustainability are especially welcomed. The submission closes on 14 December 2009.
Read more...

PROJECT OF THE MONTH.
“DOLCETA – Online Consumer Education” is a European Commission initiative financed by DG SANCO (Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection), aimed at developing a website on consumer issues with lots of educational material and interactive tools.
Read more..

PUBLIC CONSULTATION: "Green Paper on Promoting the Learning Mobility of Young People".
The European Commission is calling upon all stakeholders, from governments to individuals, to support its efforts to make youth mobility the rule rather than the exception. While recognising that this is challenging objective in the current economic context, learning mobility is a key element in the overall strategy to equip Europe with the skills needed for the future.
Read more...

ONLINE EDUCA BERLIN 2009, 2-4 December 2009, Berlin (Germany).
This year’s key theme is “Innovate, Share, Succeed”. Participants taking part in OEB will meet over 2,200 colleagues and like-minded people from more than 90 countries.
Read more...

Source: elearningeuropa.info