goo.gl URL shortener

Google has just released its goo.gl URL shortener to the public. They created a standalone website so that anyone can use Google to shorten and track the URLs they share via social media sites and e-mail (... and Course Management Systems!)  Check it out... http://goo.gl/ 
-LT

The Evidence on Online Education

Online learning has definite advantages over face-to-face instruction when it comes to teaching and learning, according to a new meta-analysis released ... by the U.S. Department of Education.

The study found that students who took all or part of their instruction online performed better, on average, than those taking the same course through face-to-face instruction. Further, those who took "blended" courses -- those that combine elements of online learning and face-to-face instruction -- appeared to do best of all. That finding could be significant as many colleges report that blended instruction is among the fastest-growing types of enrollment...

Read the whole article: Inside Higher Ed 6/29/2009

See the full report:  Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies

California Enacts Law to Ease Community College Transfer

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger ... signed legislation that will ensure admission to the California State University System for students who earn a newly established transfer degree from one of the state's community colleges. SB 1440 requires each community college district to create an associate degree for transfer and guarantees admission to Cal State for any student who earns one of those degrees. A second measure, AB 2302, directs the University of California to develop a better transfer pathway to its campuses.  From Inside Higher Ed 9/30/10

Your thoughts on how this will affect distance education?  Post your comments...
-LT

What is Wolfram Alpha?

Wolfram Alpha (http://www.wolframalpha.com) is a computational knowledge engine.  It generates output by doing computations from its own internal knowledge base, instead of searching the web and returning links.  Check it out!  It is great for math but also a wide range of other subjects.
http://www.wolframalpha.com/screencast/introducingwolframalpha.html

Have you used Wolfram Alpha in your class (face-to-face or online)?  Let us know!
-LT

Blackboard Down

Important Notice

PCC’s Blackboard System will be undergoing scheduled maintenance and will be unavailable beginning Sunday, October 3rd at 9:30 PM, for a total 12 hours.  The system will available no later than 9:30 AM on Monday, October 4th.  

Thank you for your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
-LT