Dot Learnt

• Best individual Blog: Good.is/category/education
  • Liz Dwyer, GOOD’s education editor, continually inspires me. Her posts explore the hottest and freshest topics, and have a unique way of appealing to individuals across sectors.

• Best group blog: http://blogs.worldbank.org/education/blog
  • In an effort to explore global education policy, the World Bank writers delve into the most crucial issues unfolding across emerging markets in terms of education. Their lucid global perspective helps link the development process across the globe.

• Best ed tech blog: http://mobileactive.org/blog
  • This blog taps into the mobile tech developments unearthing in the global community. By doing so, readers instantly begin to understand the true ability of technology to both enhance and reinvent the learning process. (more…)

“What is possible when we change the design and delivery of traditional education for the children that teachers find hard to teach?“

These are the words that greet viewers on the Innovation for Learning (IFL) homepage.

An Illinois-based nonprofit formed in the early nineties, IFL looks to develop innovative technologies to improve early elementary education. Think low-cost-special-purpose handheld devices that allow K-2 teachers to easily differentiateinstruction for all students.

More recently, IFL has launched a computer program that helps teachers track student success. These simple handheld computer devices provide teachers with reports about which kids are learning what, when and how much.  In hopes of going global, IFL has initiated a partnership with Stanford University to bring the computer system to rural communities around the world. (more…)

Happy October, International EdTechies! We are here to share with you the most tweeted, blogged and talked about topics in the realm of edtech in emerging markets:

Keeping Up With the Tech-tashians

Attention Blackberry nation! Ditch adding new BBM contacts and find out how Quick Response (QR) codes can revolutionize education. In a crash course, Good.is explores the newest and most innovative ways that barcodes can help educators reach out to more students. Opportunities range from digital portfolios for students to connecting with parents. For a crash course on how QR codes can enhance the education realm, read the full article here.

We’re loving the new weekly section in SmartBrief on EdTech brought to us by the Educators Professional Development and SmartBrief partnership. A quick visit to the news section will fill you in on the latest conferences, workshops and technology tools that are changing the realm of education. To find out how e-readers can encourage students to read more and other tidbits from the vanguard of education technology, read (or sign up) for the SmartBrief newsletter here.

Think like a Techy

Robert Beichner, Mitchel Resnick and Julie Young, three talented science educators, were recently rewarded the 2011 McGraw Jr. Prize in Education for integrating technology into the science and transforming education. These edtech pioneers have developed virtual learning worlds, online schools and blended learning environments that provide transformational education experiences for students from primary school through college. To read  about Robert Beichner, Mitchel Resnick and Julie Young’s projects in full, take a look here.

Emerging education markets Brazil and India may soon have a partner in Pearson PLC. The British learning company is looking to expand its client base by reaching out to global markets. Pearson has recently purchased a US-based online schooling network, Connections Education, that is dedicated to providing students with tech-based solutions for academic success. For more on Pearson’s world wide education aspirations, read the full piece here. (more…)

For edtech enthusiasts in the audience, here are a few blogs, online publications and resources to add to your radar.

Good.is

Good things make the world go round. At a loss to where all the good has been hiding? Check out Good.is, a site that looks to push the world forward with positive thinking. We’re digging education editor, Liz Dwyer’s pursuit of edtech issues. Her boldly fun topics take readers out of the black and white headlines and into the world of Twitter essays and Skype classrooms.

These are good: Columbia Business School Only Wants 200-Character Application Essays; Skype’s New Education Platform Connects Classrooms Around the Globe

The Middle East Educator Magazine

In recent months, the Middle East has made itself comfortable, gracing the covers of magazines and newspapers on a day-to-day basis. When you’re tired of politics, head to The Middle East Educator Magazine for the latest on education and development in the Arab world. Each monthly issue puts forth international and local education news briefs that keep education fans in the loop of MENA developments.

Got a minute? It’s all you need. Explore: Islamic countries turn focus to science and technology innovation; Jordan Education Initiative

GeSci

ICT? Emerging Markets? Education? Sounds like our kind of discussion. GeSci, founded by the United Nations Information Communications Technology force, is dedicated to providing emerging markets with ICT tools that will assist in enhancing education systems. Curious to find out about their successes, downfalls and general experiences? So are we.

Pass the technology driven solution: Report Reveal Status of the Knowledge Society in Africa; Haiti ICT in Education Summit

Education for Global Development

In a battle for human development Education for Global Development is a blog that explores issues regarding international education development. Enjoy reading about the latest tech projects? Have a knack for private industry in emerging markets? Don’t really know what your interest is, but know you want to follow the latest and greatest in ed development? Look no further.

Worth the Read: Opening Education Data: EdStats Unveils StatPlanet an Interactive Mapping Tool from World Bank ‘Apps for Development Winner; Are Alternative Pathways into Teaching Bad for Students?

MobileActive.org

Trying to make the world a better place? Head to MobileActive.org – you’ll find like-minded people, doing like-minded things. As a global network of individuals who are craving to make a social impact through the use of mobile technology, these blogs acutely explore the nexus of technology and developing education initiatives.

Take a Peek: From Somalia to the UK, 24-hour Audio News Coverage via Mobile; Mobile Games for Education and Development: What is the Score?

Have a publication to add to the list? We welcome your comments and suggestions below.

Keep Calm and Learn On,

Nora
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