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
March 2015 | Volume 2, Issue 3

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

3. Welcome to the next issue of “The Guzman Monthly”.
Sorry for the delay this issue but too many conferences
and proposals to work on caused a backlog. 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
FCC now states that Internet providers are “common carriers” under Title II.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/02/26/fast-fair-and-open-fcc-
proclaims-internet-a-utility.aspx
This article shares on how the Internet, and the way we connect to it, is
changing in 2015. Any surprises?
http://uk.businessinsider.com/internet-of-everything-2015-bi-2014-12?r=US
This article shares the views of the research director at technology research
company Gartner regarding the wearable computer market in 2015 and
beyond.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/02/26/wearable-market-
outlook.aspx

6. News (cont.)
This article shares some excellent tips on how to make your work day
more productive.
http://time.com/3729977/morning-routine-for-peak-productivity/
This article shares Gartner’s results from the “Top 10 Strategic
Technologies Impacting Education in 2015” report. The one that
intrigues me the most is social learning. Others?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/03/adaptivity-tops-
gartner-ed-strategic-tech-list.aspx
This recent research indicates that for the segment of student
population studied, attending four-year institutions provided higher
graduation rates than attending two-year institutions. Thoughts?
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/college_bound/2015/03/sat.html

7. News (cont.)
Apple introduced its new MacBook. It will be a tough choice when I
have to upgrade my laptop to either go this route or Surface Pro.
http://www.wired.com/2015/03/new-macbook-hands-on/
Complete details on the three versions of the Apple Watch. Even the
lowest end model is too much for me to want to even consider, but the
18k gold version seems outrageous at a 10k price tag.
http://www.wired.com/2015/03/apple-watch-details/
A recent McGraw-Hill Education survey shares some interesting
results. Adaptive Learning tools tops the charts. Surprised?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/10/survey-adaptive-
learning-tools-most-effective-ed-tech.aspx

8. News (cont.)
A recent Gartner study share the Top 10 Business Trends influencing
education in 2015. Student Success and retention at top of the list. Do Higher
Ed. IT staff find any surprises here?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/11/gartner-student-success-
driving-education-it-more-than-anything-else.aspx
This article shares an interview with Florence Hudson, Internet2’s new senior
VP and Chief Innovation Officer.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/24/internet2-building-a-
community-for-innovation.aspx
Dartmouth researchers are working on a way to end username/password
combinations for passkeys. Interesting approach but not sure it can be widely
used.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/25/dump-user-names-says-
dartmouth-research.aspx

9. Apps & Tools
This article shares some free online resources for audio recordings.
How many have you used already?
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2015/02/5-browser-based-tools-
for-creating.html
This article helps you determine the best layout for the type of
infographic you may be creating.
http://piktochart.com/layout-cheat-sheet-making-the-best-out-of-
visual-arrangement/
This article lists over 3 dozen apps that any iOS 8 user should consider
&/or be aware of.
http://www.fixithere.net/list-of-38-apple-ios-8-features-every-apple-
fan-should-know-about/

10. Apps & Tools (cont.)
U. Michigan has developed an open source virtual intelligent personal
assistant, Sirius, to compete with Siri, Cortana and Now. It will be interesting
to see the long-term ramifications of this.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/12/u-michigans-sirius-sees-
things-siri-is-blind-to.aspx
This article shares a 10 point social media strategy guide. Anyone using these
points already?
https://www.proactivereport.com/pr-tech-tools/social-media-strategy-
template/
This article and video tutorial help anyone interested in setting up and using
Google Hangouts.
http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2015/03/01/how-to-setup-a-google-
hangout-on-air-march-2015/

11. Apps & Tools (cont.)
This infographic shares some excellent information for bloggers on how to
increase your audience/followers.
http://socialmarketingwriting.com/13-blogging-statistics-probably-dont-
know-infographic/
In this short article and video advertisement learn how you can leverage a
texting free tool to obtain Internet info. This is a great tool for anyone with
limited data plan, or no data plan.
http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2015/03/get-smart-by-texting-w-
textengine.html
The OCR feature in Google Drive now lets you make copies of PDF files that
can be edited and annotated. Anyone use this yet?
http://nuzzel.com/sharedstory/03302015/feeds.feedblitz/free_technology_fo
r_teachers_convert_pdfs_to_google_docs_to

12. Online Learning
Michigan State uses telepresence robots to have their online students feel
more as part of the learning community in their face-to-face courses.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/02/24/michigan-state-tests-
telepresence-robots-for-online-students.aspx
Embry-Riddle has opened up its online courses for their dual enrollment high
school students. Anyone taking these yet?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/03/embry-riddle-expands-
dual-enrollment-to-online-courses.aspx
This infographic shares 8 excellent tips on how to keep your online learners
engaged.
http://elearninginfographics.com/8-ways-engage-elearners-infographic/

13. Online Learning (cont.)
This article shares some excellent questions when considering to teach online.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/three-questions-
reframe-online-learning-conversation/
This article shares some tips on how to add a Facebook group to your online courses
for extra level of engagement. How many have done this already? If yes, how has the
experience been for you?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/using-facebook-enrich-online-
classroom/
This article shares interview responses from Michael Cottam (of Webster University)
where he shares his thoughts on how student success is tied to faculty success. We
strive to do just what he recommends here, how about others?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/17/faculty-success-means-student-
success.aspx

14. Online Learning (cont.)
This article helps address the question: How can
instructors create successful collaborative learning
communities online?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/instructional-
design/best-post-wiki-tool-promoting-collaborative-
learning-higher-order-thinking/
This article shares some excellent tips on how to improve
online discussions within your courses.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-
education/coaching-strategies-to-enhance-online-
discussions/

15. MOOCs
New coding and development MOOCs being offered on edX by
Microsoft staff for the first time.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/10/edx-and-
microsoft-launch-it-development-moocs.aspx
New ways that MOOCs are being used at U. Michigan and Harvard.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/11/innovative-moocs-
take-learning-in-new-directions.aspx
Coursera’s Julia Stiglitz shares her thoughts on MOOCs and its
revolution.
http://www.educationdive.com/news/courseras-stiglitz-mooc-
revolution-is-just-beginning-sxswedu-2015/374642

16. MOOCs (cont.)
Excellent article on how MOOCs still continue to
serve a diverse population with many
educational needs. Congratulations to my
colleagues, Lisa Stephens and Christine Kroll, on
being interviewed for this article.
http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/tens-
of-thousands-take-first-massive-open-online-
course-offered-in-western-new-york-20150328

17. ADA/SARA
In this video recording; from a recent Open SUNY Summit conference presentation
conducted by Dr. Marshall A. Hill, executive director of the National Council for State
Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA); Dr. Hill gives a great update on the
current status of SARA.
http://sysadm.mediasite.suny.edu/Mediasite/Play/bc9f5a61205b4f36a9694de05af0dc
001d
Recent lawsuits based on non-compliance of ADA requirements are bringing
accessibility issues to the forefront.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/11/opening-doors-to-
accessibility.aspx
This article shares an impressive initiative at Temple University that significantly
improved ADA compliance across their entire institution. Wish this idea could be
implemented at all institutions.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/18/building-university-wide-it-
accessibility.aspx

18. Faculty Development
This article shares some insights on the question of whether
instructors will teach any differently in 10 years. Any surprises?
https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/world-view/will-professors-
teach-differently-10-years
This article shares some potentials challenges an instructor can face in
a cohort based program.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/cohort-
groups-can-present-special-challenges/
This article shares the importance of questions from faculty and how
they influence the quality of the student questions.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/power-
teachers-questions-lies-ability-generate-students-questions/

19. Student Learning
This article shares the benefits of creating team charters when using group work
within your courses.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/instructional-design/use-team-charters-
improve-group-assignments/
This article helps clarify the differences among some of the main type of group work.
Anyone using these methods in their classrooms?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/different-types-group-
work-clearing-confusion/
This article shares on the importance of obtaining critical and soft skills in your college
years and how to accomplish this even in an online school. I do not agree with the
statement that business schools do not require any writing courses, any school worth
its weight will need to have certain general education requirements which include
English and Critical Thinking but the struggle is when the institution puts more weight
on the content of the assessment rather than the level of communication. Thoughts?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/thoughts-
professionalism-communication-skills-content-reigns/

20. Student Learning (cont.)
This can be a heated topic among faculty: to allow electronic note taking in
class or not. I see benefits to both but tend to lean towards hand written
notes. Others?
http://chronicle.com/article/The-Benefits-of-No-Tech-Note/228089/
This article shares some ideas on how to enhance student learning during
class. Has anyone tried these methods?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/instructional-design/using-context-
deepen-lengthen-learning/
This article shares how students who study abroad perform better
academically than their counterparts. This could very well have to do with
most study aboard programs requiring a certain GPA or higher to be
considered. Thoughts?
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/mobile-students-get-top-
marks/2019152.article

21. Student Learning (cont.)
Most faculty would agree that using cumulative exams benefits the students
but they usually hate the concept. Here are some tips on how to better
present the idea to them.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/using-
cumulative-exams-help-students-revisit-review-retain-course-content/
This article addresses the importance of a professional relationship between
student and faculty. How many cultivate that relationship in the classroom?
Does this article resonate with you?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/philosophy-of-teaching/practical-tips-
for-cultivating-a-learning-relationship-with-students/
This article shares the importance of autonomy, competence, relatedness,
and relevance in getting students to be self-motivated. Thoughts?
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/strategies-helping-students-motivate-
themselves-larry-ferlazzo

22. New Ways of Learning
How has blended learning changed over the past decade? This article helps
identify some of the ways it has.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/suren-ramasubbu/the-evolution-of-blended-
learning_b_6666284.html
This article shares some very interesting conversations regarding, and fueled,
by flipped learning. Have you used any of these in your classrooms?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/three-
critical-conversations-started-sustained-flipped-learning/
U. Michigan is investing in innovative teaching technologies. Which other
higher education institutions are doing similarly?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/02/michigan-invests-1.4-
million-in-innovative-instructional-technologies.aspx

23. New Ways of Learning (cont.)
This article speaks to the need to leave multitasking behind for mindfulness
instead and how this helps our students overall learning. How many use
mindfulness in their classrooms already?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/moving-
multitasking-mindfulness/
Drexel has reconfigured a couple of computer classrooms to increase
collaboration among students and provide additional teaching and learning
options for instructors. Others doing similar efforts at your institutions?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/11/cutting-edge-student-
centric-classrooms-handle-many-pedagogies-at-drexel.aspx
Rutgers business school executive education program offering a marketing
course on how to make your videos go viral. Thoughts?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/09/rutgers-offers-online-
course-on-video-sharing.aspx

24. New Ways of Learning (cont.)
This article list some important skills anyone needs in the 21st century.
Anything missing?
http://thoughtfullearning.com/resources/what-are-21st-century-skills
A sleep patterns research project hopes to instill STEM career desires
in fourth and fifth grade students.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/03/13/improving-stem-
ed-through-sleep.aspx
This video shares the 2015 Atwell Lecture from Stanford President,
John L. Hennessy. During his lecture he eludes to the “unbundling” of
degrees. Thoughts?
https://youtu.be/QLLMLG-jqxc

25. New Ways of Learning (cont.)
This article shares how Finland is changing how they teach children
and adults. This is similar to the comments I recently shared from
Stanford’s president. Thoughts?
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/finland-schools-
subjects-are-out-and-topics-are-in-as-country-reforms-its-education-
system-10123911.html
This article introduces an assessment named “student-generated
reading questions” (SGRQs) which seems to help ensure students are
reading their assigned materials in the course. Has anyone tried this
type of assessment?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/educational-assessment/using-
student-generated-reading-questions-to-uncover-knowledge-gaps-2/

26. Upcoming Movie & TV Trailers
Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron Trailer, Release Date: 5/1/2015
http://youtu.be/JAUoeqvedMo
Mad Max: Fury Road Trailer, Release Date: 5/15/2015
https://youtu.be/hEJnMQG9ev8
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=PLp4nJo9D2kEs3McWG18x5Um
IcSsVhNjq0

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