Education IT News For VARs 2-12-15: A New Look At Data Management
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In news this week, higher education institutions are rethinking data management and online learning is slowing its pace, but still outpacing traditional enrollments. Also, an article reports how robotic systems are making home-bound learning easier.
Higher Ed Rethinking Data Management
According to this article from eCampus News, with the explosion of data in higher ed and the potential value of information mined from it, many institutions are beginning to rethink the way they have traditionally managed their data. The article shows that outsourcing, modular storage units, and hybrid cloud computing are among the top trends in higher ed data center management. As schools have moved much of their administration and instruction online, the data, combined with the advancements in technology, have created real opportunities for data mining of such information. Cost also drives decisions about data center management, which is leading many institutions to turn to outsourcing and cloud management of data.
Survey Shows Online Learning Leveling Off, But Still Outpacing Traditional Enrollment
The new 2014 Survey of Online Learning conducted by Babson Survey Research Group has found that online enrollment increased 3.7 percent over the past year, which marks the smallest increase in the survey’s 13 year history. Nevertheless, although online learning seems to be leveling off, it still is outpacing enrollment in traditional enrollment figures. The survey also found that 74.1 percent of academic leaders rated online learning outcomes the same as face-to-fact options, with 70.8 percent reporting that it is essential to long-term strategies, but only 20.8 percent said faculty think it has “value and legitimacy.” An infographic highlighting the survey's findings may be found here.
Using Robots For Home And Hospital Learning During Extended Absences
This article from eSchool News examines how a new robot developed by VGo communications could make learning easier for those forced to take extended absences for health reasons. Piloted in Prince George’s County, MD, the VGo robotic system helps ill student attend classes remotely. VGo (the robot) is controlled via laptop or remote control and is equipped with microphones and video technology, allowing two-way communication between classrooms and patient rooms.
Education IT Talking Points
As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) debates Wi-Fi access, some institutions of higher education remain confused about what it will mean for them. This article from Inside Higher Ed explains that higher ed CIOs are waiting for clarification on the FCC block on jamming personal hotspots is extended to their institutions as well. The FCC’s stance is based on the ban on willful or malicious interference with radio communications established in the Communications Act of 1934, Inside Higher Ed reports, and was also made in the interest of protecting consumers’ rights to utilize services they have already purchased.
This article from Education Dive presents some advice for creating successful online degree programs from Pearson senior vice president of online learning services Todd Hitchcock, who provided five key strategies: be aware of your brand; align cost and value with the students in the program; ensure demonstrable outcomes for online programs; online degree programs should be unique and not duplicate other institutions’ offerings; and institutions must be adaptable. This advice is crucial for institutions who want to differentiate their offerings and stay competitive in the growing online learning marketplace.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Education IT Resource Center.