The new IPEDS data for Fall 2016 are out, and first look shows continued growth in distance education in US colleges and universities.
Big Picture
The "Big Picture" category covers larger trends and topics that influence both the problems that technology can help address in education as well as the barriers to implementing high-quality technology-supported education. This includes research-based topics such as learning science and program effectiveness studies, philosophical discussions such as outcomes definitions, and macro-forces such as government policy, markets, and business models.
Good Enough vs. Better Enough: The Macmillan Example
Macmillan’s new white paper on their approach to efficacy is an illuminating counterpoint to Cengage’s Unlimited strategy in the battle that’s unfolding in the curricular materials industry.
A Note on Data Used for LMS Market Analysis
Our data from LISTedTECH used for LMS Market Analysis is based on 8,000+ schools internationally. Here are some more details on data collection.
WCET: Clarity into the successful transition of UF Online
Great discussions at #WCET17 conference help clarify how UF Online sheds hubris and continues to transform into growing and healthy online program
WGU Is Not Off the Hook
There have been justifiable complaints that the OIG’s rejection of WGU’s courses was arbitrary. That may be true, but the fact that the judgment was arbitrary doesn’t automatically mean that it was incorrect.
WGU Audit: Likely impacts for fragile movement of competency-based education
Even if IG’s audit recommendations on WGU are not adopted by Dept of Ed, the findings will likely have a big impact in California and in the fragile movement of CBE.
WGU Audit Findings: Interpretations of “regular and substantive” and “self-paced”
The inspector general of the dept of education audits Western Governors University and under hyper-literal interpretation of regulations finds that WGU should not receive Title IV federal funding.