Education IT News — February 21, 2014
By Amy Taylor, contributing writer
In support of education technology, Google invests in cloud-based education software. Also in the news, a data breach at the University of Maryland affects 300,000 people, and a survey shows taxpayers are willing to pay more for schools to have faster broadband service.
Google Announces First Investment In Education
NDTV Gadgets reports that Google Inc.’s investment fund, Google Capital, bought a majority stake in Renaissance Learning, cloud-based education software. Other investments include SurveyMonkey and Lending Club, but this is the first investment in education for Google Capital.
Data Breach At The University Of Maryland Affects 300,000
Fox News said that the University of Maryland data breach affects 300,000 faculty members, staff, students, and others. The compromised database contains personal information from College Park and Shady Grove campuses, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and university identification numbers. State and federal law enforcement officials are still investigating.
Leading Education By Advancing Digital Technology Finds Support Among U.S. Voters
CFO World reported on a recent survey that found U.S. voters are willing to pay more for faster school broadband service. Nearly 70 percent would pay a higher tax on their mobile phone bills if they went to supporting faster broadband networks in schools. Of those surveyed, 83 percent would support efforts to bring higher-speed broadband to schools, and 69 percent would still support it if it meant a $4-per-year fee on mobile service.
Education IT Talking Points
Amid the recent flood of investors and education technology, Fortune Magazine posed the blanket question: "Is there an ed-tech investment bubble?" The momentum experienced in the past five years of ed-tech startups may culminate in the peak of ed-tech with $600 million invested by venture firms in 2012.
Another question comes from The Washington Post: “Does Common Core’s focus on "close reading" make sense?” A college professor of English at the New York City College of Technology critically examines the CCSS with firsthand insight.
Wall Street Journal said that state lawmakers in New York are questioning an administration proposal by Governor Andrew Cuomo that would create a new college for homeland security and emergency preparedness. Funds have been earmarked for the $15 million project, but higher-education advocates need more information before adequately assessing the plan.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Education IT Resource Center.