This commentary reflects on the contributions to learning analytics and theory by a paper that describes how multiple theoretical frameworks were woven together to inform the creation of a new, automated discourse analysis tool. The commentary highlights the contributions of the original paper, provides some alternative approaches, and touches on…

The intent of this article is to introduce long-time "Online Learning" readership to the field of K-12 online learning while also providing direction for the K-12 online learning scholars about where the field is going or should be going in terms of meeting the needs of K-12 stakeholders. Recently an interview was conducted with Dr. Joe…

This article presents an interview with Joe Freidhoff, the director of online learning research and innovation at the "Michigan Virtual University"[R] ("MVU"[R]), a nonprofit corporation in Michigan. He publishes and presents frequently in the area of K-12 online and blended learning research. Dr. Freidhoff completed his…

The stone age of college and university admissions was characterized by paper, snail mail, large file rooms, and cumbersome admission processes. Even more frightening to recall is that only fourteen short years ago, approximately 36,000 applications for admission to Michigan State University arrived hand printed on paper in sealed envelopes. Mere…

In this commentary, James W. Fraser, a noted historian of education, cites examples from several teacher education programs at more than 30 universities partnering with the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowships in various ways. Additionally, Fraser reviews decades of challenges to traditional teacher preparation, looks at some current reforms, and…

When it comes to building and maintaining a cutting-edge infrastructure on a limited budget, nobody knows more about the pain points, challenges, and workarounds than the IT professionals tasked with overseeing campus IT. In a recent roundtable discussion with "Campus Technology" contributing writer Charlene O'Hanlon, four IT…

Since 2007 the author has been teaching a hybrid Information Literacy course at Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, Michigan. It combines an online information literacy focus with real-world library work experience in her media center. This blended course has just been revised so that high school graduates will be able to fulfill Michigan's…

This article presents an interview with Peter J. Young, Director of Technology at Rockford Public Schools in Michigan. In the interview, Young talked about how his district has done a lot more automation to integrate its disparate systems. He also discussed how they streamline their systems, how parents and community benefit from these efforts,…

This article presents a roundtable discussion by a panel of professionals--Carl Larson, Scott E. Little, James Reny, and Roger Young. They share creative solutions to many of the facilities and business operations challenges faced by education institutions nationwide. Among the issues discussed is the effect of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) on…

Retired this past January, John Camp was deputy CIO and then CIO at Wayne State University (MI) for the past 10 years and in IT leadership positions there since 1985. Active professionally and now chair of the Educause Current Issues Committee (www.educause. edu/issues), Camp thinks hard about the leadership role of the CIO and the strategic…

This article describes the application of technology in Reggio Emilia inspired early childhood and teacher education programs at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. We have found that technology used in a Reggio inspired program can be a valuable tool for the representation and organization of ideas, collaboration among a specific learning…

Ann Arbor schools seem to have decided to focus on two goals: embracing computer technology and closing the achievement gap between white and non-white students. These two goals have come together in the "Scarlett Emphasis" program that has placed laptop computers in the hands of all students. Having the lowest scores on standardized…

The puzzlement that followed Justice O'Connor's convoluted opinion in "Grutter" is evolving into a remarkable consensus by players on both sides of the question on the use of race/ethnicity in academic settings. George R. La Noue examines new guidelines from The College Board: Science, Technology, and Mathematics professors; and major…

Robotics (robot usage) is discussed from a historical perspective with regard to its role in employment and education. Part 1 examines the transition from an industrial to an information society and speculates what the future might hold, particularly in terms of employment. Part 2 gives a historical overview of the robotics industry and discusses…

Multi-Media Detectives was a project where fifth graders in three Michigan school districts were linked to a children's bulletin board. The goal was to have students "think global but link local" by using online resources to search for local facts and local celebrities and to bring them to life via technology. (JMV)