We discuss the trends and issues we observed during the weeks of April 6-19, 2015 as we flipped resources into our Flipboard magazine (http://bit.ly/trendsandissues). In this episode of our podcast, we discuss 2 trends and 1 smorgasbord. The first trend dealt with online learning and specifically MOOCs. There were a number of articles dealing with policy, research, and reviews about online learning. The second trend focused on No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and state standardized testing on the Common Core. There were several articles that focused on public opposition to the Common Core standardized testing. The smorgasbord area included articles on new tech and instructional design strategies. While we observed a number of articles in these areas, there were no organizing themes we observed.

We have five recommended readings for the week.

Thousands of Kids Opt Out of Standardized Common Core Testing Across the US by Christina A. Cassidy http://time.com/3827395/common-core-opt-out/
MIT Creates New Online Education Policy Initiative https://oepi.mit.edu/
The Must-Attend Educational Technology Event for Investors by Natasha Singer http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/04/09/education-technology-investors-converge-on-scottsdale/?_r=0
Blended Learning Research: The Seven Studies You Need to Know By Michelle Davis http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/DigitalEducation/2015/04/blended_learning_research_the.html
Smell-o-Phone Creator Attaches Scents to e-Books and Songs by Mariella Moon http://www.engadget.com/2015/04/17/smell-o-ebooks-songs/

To cite the Trends & Issues podcast:

Brown, A. & Green, T. (Producers). (2015, April 20). Trends and Issues in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, and Learning Sciences [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from http://trendsandissues.com/

Our next podcast episode will be May 4, 2015