In this publication I will collect and list some recent articles on higher education issues, online learning best practices, deliver some tools/app suggestions and links to interesting news/videos on the web published in the past month. Planned release schedule is between the last week of the past month and the first full week of the current month.

1. The Guzman Monthly
May 2015 | Volume 2, Issue 5

2. Index
• Welcome
• About the author
• News (2 slides)
• Apps & Tools (2 slides)
• Online Learning (2 slides)
• MOOCs
• Administration Issues
• Faculty Development (2 slides)
• Student Learning (4 slides)
• New Ways of Learning (3 slides)
• Upcoming Movie & TV Trailers

3. Welcome to the next issue of “The Guzman Monthly”.
In this publication I will collect and list some recent
articles on higher education issues, online learning best
practices, deliver some tools/app suggestions and links to
interesting news/videos on the web published in the past
month. Planned release schedule is between the last
week of the past month and the first full week of the
current month.
To view previous newsletters please visit my slideshare
page: http://www.slideshare.net/TJtheTiger

4. My name is Tony Guzman and I serve as the Director of Online
Programs at the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Social
Work (SSW).
I also oversee the UB SSW Podcast series: inSocialWork®, and
the Technology in Social Work Resource Center. Feel free to
listen to some of our podcasts and review our resources.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tguzman/
Scoop.it!: http://www.scoop.it/t/the-future-of-higher-
education-by-tony-guzman-1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/professor_tg

5. News
This article shares some of the best features in Microsoft’s next
operating system, Windows 10.
http://www.popsugar.com/tech/Windows-10-Features-35841091
This story seems like a tragic incident and while it is a small class, it is
shocking to see an entire class leave a program because of the
breakdown in the program and its running. Shameful.
http://www.artandeducation.net/school_watch/entire-usc-mfa-1st-
year-class-is-dropping-out/
Microsoft Office and Skype will be pre-installed on new Sony and LG
Android tablets. Interesting development indeed.
http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/26/8661983/microsoft-apps-
preinstalled-sony-lg-tablets

6. News (cont.)
This article shares some incredible ideas on how the wiring in our
computers could be replaced similarly to how network wiring was
replaced to fiber optic cables, giving us a tremendous boost in power
for our devices in the future. Wow!
http://phys.org/news/2015-05-breakthrough-heralds-super-efficient-
light-based.html
This article, and its accompanying data and research, shares some
distressing information about “the short end of the stick” community
colleges get in the US compared to 4-year institutions. Thoughts?
http://www.tcf.org/blog/detail/how-higher-education-funding-
shortchanges-community-colleges

7. Apps & Tools
This article shares 5 tools that can be used for anyone interested in doing
content curation. How many of these were you aware of, and how many are
you using?
http://blog.talkwalker.com/en/5-best-tools-content-curation-experts-view/
This article and video share an excellent package available for free to teach
basic computer science skills. This would be an excellent way to introduce
anyone interested in programming so they can master the basics and then
start to dive into specific programming languages.
http://csunplugged.org/
New service from Amazon is provided for free to educators and students to
prepare future IT staff to maintain and develop cloud services.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/05/14/amazon-launches-free-
aws-service-for-educators-and-students.aspx

8. Apps & Tools (cont.)
As Virtual Labs become more prevalent in higher
education settings, this article provides four tips to keep
in mind to help your rollout succeed!
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/05/13/tech-
leaders-from-three-universities-share-their-experiences-
with-virtual-application-management.aspx
This article shares some web tools you can use to create
posters for your classrooms. I only had heard of a couple
of them so some new tools to consider here.
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/02/the-best-
10-tools-to-create-posters-for.html

9. Online Learning
This article shares 5 tools and 5 tips for instructors teaching in an online
modality. How many of these do you use already?
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/the_startup_blog/2015/04/5_tools_and_ti
ps_for_working_with_students_remotely.html
The Stanford president, John Hennessy, shared his views on online education
and its future in higher education during a recent talk titled, “Technology in
Teaching and Learning”.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/05/04/stanford-prez-sees-
distinct-role-for-online-ed-in-future.aspx
This article shares about open-book testing and how it can help deter
cheating within online courses. Anyone using this technique?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/educational-assessment/why-open-
book-tests-deserve-a-place-in-your-courses/

10. Online Learning (cont.)
I will be very interested to see the results of this
study on Florida Virtual Schools when it is
available. Others?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/05
/22/researchers-receive-grant-for-study-of-
virtual-schools.aspx

11. MOOCs
edX partners with Qualcomm to enhance its
mobile delivery.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/05
/14/edx-taps-partner-to-build-out-mobile-
learning-capacity.aspx

12. Administration Issues
A recent report for financial aid offices indicates that new compliance reporting and
higher need requests are becoming a burden on them providing strong customer
service.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/04/23/financial-aid-offices-burdened-
with-compliance-seek-federal-relief.aspx
This article shares some of the financial difficulties in public higher education systems
today. What will public higher ed. look like in 10-15 years? I would suspect less
locations and program options which is sad to think but the most likely outcome.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-brian-c-mitchell/public-higher-education-
a_b_7203484.html
This article shares the view that blogging is becoming an important component of the
learning process. Thoughts?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/05/27/why-blogging-is-key-to-the-
future-of-higher-ed.aspx

13. Faculty Development
This article shares a faculty’s experience in taking their first MOOC. They
figured instead of dismissing these types of courses, might as well try one.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-with-technology-articles/i-
took-a-mooc-and-i-think-i-liked-it/
This article shares ways to help faculty discover their teaching persona.
Thoughts?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/developing-a-
teaching-persona/
This article and infographic shares 10 evidenced-based research strategies to
help teach your students. This is a really good resource for any faculty
member to review and consider.
http://www.evidencebasedteaching.org.au/evidence-based-teaching-
strategies/

14. Faculty Development (cont.)
This article shares the importance of being
somewhat of a risk taker as a faculty member.
How many of you take measured risks in your
teaching?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/faculty-
development/taking-risks-in-your-teaching/

15. Student Learning
This article shares some research and tips on how to help your
students truly pay attention in class.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-
strategies/why-cant-students-just-pay-attention/
This interactive web site shares the “elements of thinking”.
http://www.criticalthinking.org/ctmodel/logic-model1.htm
Recent results from the College-Bound Market Update report show
that incoming high school graduates prefer blended and online options
to the traditional face-to-face classes.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/04/30/college-bound-
high-schoolers-finding-favor-with-online-options.aspx

16. Student Learning (cont.)
This article shares some results from a study on how to highlight texts more
effectively. Any surprises?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/lost-is-a-sea-
of-yellow-teaching-students-a-better-way-to-highlight/
This article shares ideas on how to help relieve some of the anxiety students
can feel about speaking in public. This specific examples can also help develop
a sense of community among your students. Has anyone tried this yet?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/an-exercise-to-
reduce-public-speaking-anxiety-and-create-community-in-the-classroom/
This article shares some excellent tips on how to make guest speaker sessions
in your classroom most effective to your students.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/curriculum-development/getting-the-
most-out-of-guest-experts-who-speak-to-your-class/

17. Student Learning (cont.)
I am not sure where I land on this yet. It was first a shock but I would like to know the students feedback
and wonder if any of the improved feedback was due to having specific scripts and shorter video lengths
more so than an actor instead of the faculty recording. What do others think?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/05/13/when-actors-replace-instructors-as-on-camera-
talent.aspx
The survey results here are not surprising to me, most students go to college to obtain a degree in a
field of their interests and passion and want to have a successful career. The difficulty comes in striving
to ensure that there are viable career choices for as many of your students as possible. That takes a
wide strategic plan at the higher education institution to only offer programs that will have careers for
their students and not offer “everything under the sun”.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/05/07/global-survey-students-want-a-bigger-focus-on-
career-outcomes.aspx
This infographic helps students see the value of innovation within their learning. Most of the ideas
shared apply beyond the classroom as well.
http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/11/29/27-ways-to-inspire-students-to-innovate/

18. Student Learning (cont.)
This article shares some excellent tips on how you can make your
classrooms more student-learner focused.
http://www.edutopia.org/article/new-teachers-designing-classroom-
learning-environment-resources
This article shares the idea on how all learners are not the same, we
need to strive to teach to all their styles as best possible.
http://gettingsmart.com/2015/05/changing-the-mindset-of-education-
every-learner-is-unique/
This article shares the value of debates in increasing our students
learning in the classroom.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/instructional-design/fostering-
student-learning-through-the-use-of-debates/

19. New Ways of Learning
This infographic shares some statistics of how technology is used for learning
by K-12 students and instructors, in and out of the classroom.
http://elearninginfographics.com/technology-transforms-learning-teaching-
infographic/
This article shares 4 models of blended learning. Have you used any of these?
How was your experience?
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2014/04/the-four-important-models-
of-blended.html
This article shares some testimonials regarding personal learning from faculty
and students who participated in the model at their higher education
institutions.
http://www.impatientoptimists.org/Posts/2015/05/Students-and-Faculty-
Talk-about-Personalized-Learning

20. New Ways of Learning (cont.)
This article shares some insights from a recent workshop on digital citizenship
and how they can prepare to help their students become good digital citizens.
Thoughts?
https://whatedsaid.wordpress.com/2015/05/08/can-you-teach-digital-
citizenship-if-you-are-not-an-active-digital-citizen-yourself/
This article shares some thoughts on how faculty should be prepared for
higher number of digital natives being in their classrooms this coming
semester and moving forward.
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/05/07/how-digital-natives-are-
killing-sage-stage
An Old Dominion University senior created an app that helps students
succeed in school. The app accomplishes this through a gamified format.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/05/12/student-built-app-
gamifies-learning-at-old-dominion-u.aspx

21. New Ways of Learning (cont.)
This article shares information and videos from Professor Philip LaRocco and
how he “flipped” his course and the benefits to his students.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-with-technology-
articles/professor-and-students-share-reactions-to-the-flipped-classroom/
This article shares the value of having students summarize the previous class
session as an assignment, helping them connect one class session to the next.
Anyone using this in their classroom already? Thoughts?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/let-students-
summarize-the-previous-lesson/
This article shares some solid strategies and tools to help you reach today’s
“texting” student. How many of these are you using already?
http://www.emergingedtech.com/2015/05/strategies-tools-for-engaging-the-
texting-generation/

22. Upcoming Movie & TV Trailers
Jurassic World Trailer, Release Date: 6/12/2015
https://youtu.be/ZXiahojLbOw
Inside Out Trailer, Release Date: 6/19/2015
https://youtu.be/seMwpP0yeu4
Terminator: Genisys Trailer, Release Date: 7/1/2015
https://youtu.be/jNU_jrPxs-0
Full Favorite Trailer playlist on my YouTube channel
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp4nJo9D2kEs3McW
G18x5UmIcSsVhNjq0

23. Thanks for checking this monthly newsletter out
and hope to see around again next time!