Dot Learnt

Back in October, I talked to you all about how much I just love, love, LOVE infographics. This love has only been reinforced after I came across this gem – a visual depiction of the rise, adaption and necessity of Wikipedia.

As a blogger exploring the realm of technology in emerging markets, I have long found the efforts of Wikipedia to be inspiring for students around the world. In More Arabic Content – Wiki-ed! I took a look at how Wikipedia is expanding its Arabic content by working with Egyptian university students, who, will submit articles to the encyclopedia powerhouse as classroom assignments.

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It was only a month ago that I was exploring the need and necessity for more Arabic content in the December 27^th piece, “The Internet Needs More of This.”

After issuing that piece one month ago, I am happy to report that Wikipedia is expanding its Arabic content via an educational initiative.

The pilot program in Cairo is a portion of the bigger push to encourage student editors to participate in the collaborative educational site.

Students at Ain Shams University and Cairo University, the country’s most prestigious public institutions, will be writing for the encyclopedia as a part of their required class assignments and syllabi.

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The school year is fast approaching and Bon is picking up right where we left off. Take a minute from your busy schedules and find out about the latest and greatest in edtech around the world!

Tech Talk

Online? Free? Two words that Bon loves to hear being used in the same sentence. The 2011 Global Education Conference will be held November 14-18 bringing together educators and experts from countries around the world. The sessions will take place in several times zones and in different languages in order to cater to the needs of a global audience. In an effort to increase opportunities for globally connected education projects, the organizers are seeking volunteers, commercial and non-commercial sponsors and an international advisory panel. Don’t miss out on this convenient and enlightening opportunity!

When it comes to graduation requirements, students in Pune, India have to look no further than Wikipedia. As of recent, over 843 students from the College of Engineering (PUNE) will be obliged to contribute to Wikipedia as part of their first semester bachelors technology degree course. Students from the electrical, computer, electronics and telecom, mechanical and production engineering fields will work alongside their professors at the university to contribute to the site. Wikimedia has also approached the Symbiosis School of Economics and Modern College of Engineering for similar programs. Wicked!

The World Innovation Summit for Education has recently announced twenty finalists for the 2011 WISE Awards, “Transforming Education: Investment, Innovation and Inclusion.” Some of Bon’s favorite projects include Freda Wolfendan’s Teacher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa which looks to improve school-based learning for teachers through open educational resources in twelve African countries and Teachable Solutions’ Scientifically Tailored Employability Program (STEP) providing Indian students with soft-skill computer training for job search. To find out about the rest of the finalists, check it out, here.

New Horizons

Blackboard, the well-known LMS and education technology solutions company, has recently announced new partnerships in Brazil and the Middle East. In hopes of meeting the demands of those interested in edtech in the region, “Blackboard has partnered with BME Holding S.A.L. (BME), a local company with offices in Beirut and Riyadh, to work closely with six partners to support clients throughout the Middle East.” While In Brazil, “Blackboard has partnered with Grupo A, a leading distributor of education publishing content, to expand access to Blackboard solutions.” Move over chalkboards, Blackboard is making waves.

MIT once again is reinventing the concept of schooling. Famous for its Open Course Ware initiative that provides learners around the world with free and open access to course content, they are now making access to knowledge even more convenient. This August, MIT Media Lab announced the establishment of the MIT Center for Mobile Learning. This institution will focus on using new mobile technologies and applications in order to allow people anywhere the ability to learn. Reach for your cell, it’s time get to class.

It All Comes From the STEM

The annual FIRST Robotics Competition looked to spark youth interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). During the contest, over 11,000 students on 600 teams from 29 different countries had a go at designing, building and competing with robots. With a focus on “gracious professionalism,” the competition attempted to show students that competition and mutual gain are not separate concepts. Will.i.am, front man for the Black Eyed peas, came out in full support of the competition. His interview can be found, here!

I myself am more of a visual learner, so when I came across this infographic I could not help but be captivated by the graphics that depicted the current “STEM Dilemma.” The diagram represents the current problems that America faces in terms of STEM education and provides viewers with several statistics. It is crucial to maintain and recruit quality STEM teachers in order to ensure success for the youth.

In typical fashion, if you got something to say, say it! We love hearing your feedback and comments.

Keep Calm and Learn On,

Nora

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Image Available Under CC Licensure by gcouros