Monthly Archives: February 2014

6 New Facts About Facebook

New Pew Research Center survey findings show how people are using Facebook and what they like and dislike about the site.  Find out who’s using Facebook and who’s not.

Facebook Facts

Find out more.  See the article and research at  – http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/02/03/6-new-facts-about-facebook  What are your thoughts?  How do you use Facebook?  Also, what about Facebook in education.  Does Facebook have a place in the classroom?

Performance Funding Making Its Way into Higher Education

Very interesting and compelling research and presentation by AACU (American Association of Colleges and Universities), Loyola, and Taskstream looking at what employers and legislators (funding) are demanding from Higher Education in preparing students to become innovative, productive, contributing members of society.  Legislators are sending the funding message to Higher Education, “If you want more money, prove you deserve it.”  They’re frustrated about completions, transfers, and students taking over six years to graduate.

Employers expect students to

  • complete a significant project before graduation that demonstrates their depth of knowledge in their major AND their acquisition of analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • complete an internship or community-based field project to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences
  • work through ethical issues and debates to form their own judgments about the issues at stake.

They want to be assured that students develop the skills to research questions in their field and develop evidence-based analyses.  They want proof.

The Loyola ePortfolio Continuum (developmental, scaffolded, and progressive build) is presented with the AACU’s LEAP Program’s High Impact Practices and the Value rubrics.  The Loyola model begins with eportfolios started in the University 101 gateway courses and continues with Service Learning and Internships to the capstone Career ePortfolio.  Please review.  I was impressed right from the start with Loyola’s Motto –  Preparing people to lead extraordinary lives.

This is a compelling study and presentation that all educators (faculty, staff, and administration) need to consider and ask the question, “Are we preparing our students to lead extraordinary lives?”

STIMULATING INNOVATION WITH E-PORTFOLIOS
http://www.umkc.edu/provost/facet/Eportfolios01-31-13.pdf

  • Dr. Terrel Rhodes, Vice President, Office of Quality, Curriculum, and Assessment
    Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) rhodes@aacu.org
  • Dr. Patrick Green, Director, Center for Experiential Learning
    Loyola University Chicago pgreen@luc.edu
  • Ashley Kehoe, E-Portfolio Program Manager Loyola University Chicago akehoe@luc.edu
  • Taskstream, events@taskstream.

Find more information on the AACU study and ensuring employer involvement program at  https://you.stonybrook.edu/eportfolioconsultants/2014/01/17/do-employers-value-eportfolios  

IT TAKES MORE THAN A MAJOREmployer Priorities for College Learning and Student Success
An Online Survey Among Employers Conducted On Behalf Of:
The Association Of American Colleges And Universities
By Hart Research Associates
April 10, 2013

We encourage your thoughts, suggestions, and opinions on this topic.  Please post your reply.  If you have more resources to contribute, post them in a reply.  This is an important topic and your participation is important.

 

Missing Visual Editor

I was able to restore my missing visual editor and kitchen sink!  How?  I read the directions…novel idea, eh?  – http://help.edublogs.org/2013/02/28/missing-visual-editor.  In your profile, there is a check box that allows you to disable the visual text editor when writing.  Mine was checked and the Visual button and Kitchen Sink disappeared.  Fortunately, I know HTML, but writing in code breaks the fluidity of blogging.  Got everything back, including the kitchen sink by following the instructions (DAH!) and clearing the checked disable box.   The Edublog Help and Support site is excellent.   It’s easy to find solutions to questions and problems with your blog.  Training folks, no need to reinvent the wheel … it’s all there.  The layout and visual organization of the site make it easy to find your answer and get back to blogging.  Before calling Rich, try the site  – http://help.edublogs.org.  Blog on, Stony Brook.