XplanaZine

Incubating Next-Gen.Edu
Given a blank slate, what should the 21st century college classroom look like, and how should it be operated? Two newly launched initiatives-one at a large public university and the other at a smaller, private institution- demonstrate the unique journey incubator spaces take from conception to setup and use, even when they’ve been designed with similar goals. In both cases profiled here, many of the actual trappings are almost laundry-list: flexible seating and tables, portable computing devices that can be stashed away, broadband connectivity, collaboration software, interactive whiteboards, and easily viewed displays. — Campus Technology

Drexel Online Launches New Library and Information Science Concentrations to Increase Educational Career Options for Librarians
Drexel University Online, a pioneer in distance education, has increased its degree offerings with the addition of three new concentrations within the Master’s in Library and Information Science program: Competitive Intelligence and Knowledge Management, School Library Media, and Youth Services. These innovative online concentrations will increase the educational opportunities for library and information professionals. — eMediaWire

The rise of ‘virtual schools’ divides education world
Online learning will become the norm and expand a learner’s choices, says Adam Urbanski, a vice president with the American Federation of Teachers. In Minnesota, online enrollment last school year climbed 50 percent over the previous year, though the figures are minuscule, compared with the 840,000 who attend public school. The North American Council for Online Learning says 42 states have significant part- and full-time learning programs serving about 1 million kids, up from about 45,000 in 2000. Still, public schools are concerned that for-profit organizations run online schools. There is also the competition factor: an online school from out of state competing against Minnesota school districts for students and the state dollars that stay with them. — Minnesota Post