MOOCS, Online Learning, and the Wrong Conversation

The fact that MOOCS and online courses have sparked new conversations on your campus about teaching and learning is a terrific development. We should be grateful whenever attention is paid to teaching. The problem is that neither MOOCS or online courses are, in themselves, a strategy to meet the challenges we all face in higher ed. MOOCS and online courses are a means, not an ends, and should be understood as such. Source: Inside Higher Ed

Link: http://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/technology-and-learning/moocs-online-learning-and-wrong-conversation

 

Free Software Courses

All working-age residents of Washington are eligible to access free online classes that teach how to use computer software programs. Over the last two years, the Employment Security Department has provided free access to online Microsoft courses. Now the free course selection includes instruction on software by Adobe, Apple, IBM, Intuit, SAP and others. Registrations are processed through WorkSource at http://www.wa.gov/esd/e-learning/default.htm

MOOC on MOOCs

The Canvas Network is offering a 1 week class on MOOCs that might be of interest to you or your faculty. Here is a link to the class information.

https://www.canvas.net/courses/mooc-mooc

Positions Open at SBCTC

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) is seeking applications from qualified candidates for the following three positions:
 

o   Policy Associate, eLearning and Open Education

o   eLearning Program Administrator

o   I-DEA Instructional Designer

These positions are based in Olympia, Washington – State Board has office locations in Bellevue, Olympia and Spokane – and are assigned to the Education Division of the State Board.  Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m., Friday, January 11, 2013, or until filled.  For more information about these positions and the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, see the attached recruitment announcement, visit http://sbctc.edu/college/_hr-jobs.aspx, or contact SBCTC’s Human Resource Office at (360) 704-4301.

 

Placement Tests and Cut Scores

November 2012
National Assessment Governing Board
Tests and Cut Scores Used for Student Placement in Postsecondary Education

"The data in this analysis suggest that postsecondary education institutions across the nation do not hold a single, common conception of "just academically prepared."

How to Use Canvas LMS

Explore on your own.  Canvas has a free open course that covers the ‘how’ of using Canvas.

Quality Matters Regional Conference

For those who are new to using Quality Matters and those who are diehard QM advocates -  there will be something for everyone at the Great Northwest Regional Quality Matters Conference.

 

QM Works! in the Great Northwest Regional Conference 2013

April 25-26, 2013, Vancouver, Washington

The Call for Papers is now open! Submit your proposal online  now.

The closing date for proposals is January 18, 2013.

 
The QM Program Mission
To promote and improve the quality of online education and student learning through:
1.    Development of research-supported, best practice-based quality standards and appropriate evaluation tools and procedures.
2.    Recognition as experts in online education quality assurance and evaluation.
3.    Fostering institutional acceptance and integration of QM standards and processes into organizational improvement efforts focused on improving the quality of online education.
4.    Provision of faculty development training in the use of QM rubric(s) and other quality practices to improve the quality of online/hybrid courses.
5.    Provision of quality assurance through the recognition of quality in online education.