Are discussion forums in online classes effective or beneficial? As with any tool that could be deployed during a course, the answer is not as simple as “yes” or “no.” Just like any other tool, it depends on how it is used. Here is the good, the bad, and something to consider about discussion forums. […]
Online versus traditional education. Which is best? I have seen many debates over this. However, the truth might just surprise you. First, let’s examine the word “education.” Education is really just an enlightening experience through the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction on a given subject (Education, 2020). It boils down to transferring information […]
Do Learning Management Systems (LMS) limit creativity? That’s a tough and opinion-based question to answer. However, to fully answer this question and understand what is at stake, we must first understand creativity itself. Creativity is the ability to solve problems, envision, create ideas or alternatives, or create something original or unusual (Morr, 2019). Often associated […]
Do instructional design methods make teaching and learning too rigid? That is a challenging question to answer simply. Let me say that it depends on both the application and perspective. Allow me to start with a quote. David Greene, a former field supervisor for Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education, said, “Imagine your brain surgeon […]
I contend that the only way we can unify is to face some uncomfortable truths. We must look at ourselves in the mirror and see reality for what it is. However, we will never be able to do that if we do not learn from our past. Much of what you read will be presented […]
Charter School or Public School? It may not be that easy of a decision. As someone who is not an “educator” in the traditional sense, I admit that my opinions of Education Secretary DeVos and her policies likely differ from some and probably for different reasons. I am also acutely aware that any leader will […]
Have you ever given any real thought to the party system? Have you ever wondered why things continue to get worse? A reader contacted me with the following. “I often wonder why, out of the 327 million people in America and the billions spent in Post-Secondary schools, you have the choices for president that you […]
In her paper titled Change in Higher Education: Not Enough, or Too Much? Adrianna Kezar explores the many elements that both encourage and impede change regarding higher education as a whole. Her analysis demonstrates the obstacles colleges of all sizes will continually have to hurdle while providing suggestions on how to overcome these obstacles moving […]
Across educational settings, there has been a significant push to standardize. Local interests complain that such efforts rob decision-makers and educational institutions of making relevant and appropriate decisions for their constituency. Arguably, the most significant undertaking of this type has been the advent of the Common Core Standards. Forty-one U.S. states have approved these standards […]
You Took Out the Loan – Repay It! Is that really the best way to look at student loans? Let’s break down how this happened. After all, we cannot fix a problem unless we identify the problem first. Let’s start with the fact that we sent our kids to government institutions of learning. We ensured that they spent most […]
