Page 3 - Campus Technology, January/February 2019

Campus +Industr y TECHNOLOGY HAPPENINGS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
OER AWARENESS ON THE RISE.
The use of open educational resources (OER) could be at a turning point: It’s beginning to shake off its fringe reputa- tion and gain greater recognition among faculty and department heads. A Bab- son Survey Research Group study found “steady growth in awareness” among these individuals and predicted that adoption growth could accelerate. Out of 4,000 faculty members surveyed,
46 percent now know what OER is, up from 34 percent in 2014-2015.
Read the full story online.
MOOC PAYWALL. In an effort to develop a “sustainable long-term business model,” massive open online course provider edX has made changes to both its free and paid course models. On the free “audit track” side, participants will be able to view videos, do readings, participate in prac- tice problems and discussion forums and track their progress. But only paid “verified track” students will be able to gain unlim- ited course access for as long as the class
exists on edX. The course and its materials will be closed to audit students once the course has ended. Also, only verified track customers will be able to get graded as- sessments and verified certificates.
Read the full story online.
AI PROS AND CONS. Will artificial intel- ligence make most people better off over the next decade, or will it redefine what free will means or what a human being is? A report by the Pew Research Center has weighed in on the topic by conferring with some 979 experts, who have, in summary, predicted that networked AI “will amplify human effectiveness but also threaten human autonomy, agency and capabili-
ties.” For the education field in particular, expected changes in formal and informal teaching and learning systems include “more options for affordable adaptive and individualized learning solutions,” such as the use of AI assistants to enhance learn- ing activities and their effectiveness. Read the full story online.
ZERO TEXTBOOK COSTS. A com- munity college in New York City has introduced a criminal justice associate’s degree that will use only open education- al resources. The Borough of Manhat- tan Community College said the move is expected to save each student about $2,500 in textbook costs. The OER work was funded by a two-year grant from Achieving the Dream, as part of a broad initiative to boost college access and completion by underserved students. Read the full story online.
DATA PROBLEMS. There’s no consistency in how employment outcomes data is collected or reported,
according to a report produced by
the Institute for College Access & Success. The result is a “patchwork” of data that makes comparing programs and colleges “nearly impossible.” The Institute has called for creation of job rates that are “consistent, accurate and transparent enough to inform decision- making.” Read the full story online.
MOBILE PRIVACY RISKS. When you allow an app to identify your current location through your mobile device, is
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CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY | January/February 2019
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