Education IT News — March 14, 2014
By Amy Taylor, contributing writer
While data unlocks a wealth of data, protecting that data is of the utmost importance. Loop in the data of students and the privacy concern increases exponentially, as discussed at the Microsoft in Education Global Forum. Also in the news, Hellman & Friedman is acquiring Renaissance Learning for $1.1 billion.
Education Technology Company Is Acquired for $1.1 Billion
Renaissance Learning is being acquired by Hellman & Friedman for $1.1 billion, in one of the largest exits in education technology said Inc.com. The education technology company makes student assessment software for K-12 schools that assist teachers in fine-tuning their lessons based on student needs. Renaissance Technology began nearly 30 years ago and recently made headlines for raising $40 million from Google Capital.
Software Giant Stresses Data Privacy Concerns In Schools
Eweek reports that Microsoft is pushing privacy in education, protecting kids from risks to their personal information. The Microsoft in Education Global Forum took place in Barcelona, Spain, this week, presenting a forum for the software company to reiterate data privacy concerns among children within modern technology.
Students To Receive Laptops and iPads in Chicago
Third- through eighth-grade students in the Orland School District 135 will have personal computers by 2016, according to The Chicago Tribune. The four-year investment of $9.1 million was approved, allowing for take home laptops for junior high students and iPads for middle school students.
Education IT Talking Points
Tyler Nickerson of The Daily-Cardinal reports that Education progression relies on technology. The evolution of the “digital divide” applies readily in the classroom.
In his column The Sky isn’t Falling, Paul Fain made the case that adaptive learning, digital badges, and free online courses don’t jeopardize colleges. In light of information from two recent higher ed conferences — the annual meeting of the American Council on Education, and SXSWedu — he examines how education technology can help higher education.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Education IT Resource Center.