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
October 2015 | Volume 2, Issue 10

2. Index
• Welcome
• About the author
• News (5 slides)
• Apps & Tools (4 slides)
• Online Learning (3 slides)
• MOOCs
• Administration Issues (3 slides)
• Faculty Development (4 slides)
• Student Learning (2 slides)
• New Ways of Learning (2 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
Google is funding research on “deep learning”. I will be curious to see how
this research develops since it seems very much an off shoot of big data.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/09/28/deep-learning-privacy-
research-gets-google-go-ahead.aspx
This article lists the winners in the Campus Technology 2015 awards.
Congratulations to all the winners!
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/09/30/campus-technology-
2015-readers-choice-awards.aspx
UK university Middlesex U. is giving one free digital textbook per course to all
their students. This is a good project to keep an eye on as time progresses.
Thoughts?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/02/middlesex-u-issues-free-
digital-textbooks-for-every-course.aspx

6. News (cont.)
Microsoft made some announcements of their new computing
devices. The Surface Book might very well be my new computer in the
next year. Thoughts?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/06/microsoft-makes-
surface-pro-tablet-faster-and-more-capable.aspx
This is an unexpected casualty of the gun debate.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/10/08/u-texas-
professor-emeritus-will-leave-teaching-job-over-campus-carry-law
A recent Pew survey shares that we have a lot of Americans using
social media and there is a surge in 65 years old and older. Interesting.
http://marketingland.com/pew-survey-nearly-two-thirds-of-all-
americans-use-social-media-146026

7. News (cont.)
This article shares some great tips for any graphic designer. Karla Elizabeth Herrera​,
pay attention to these, I am sure they will prove beneficial in your aspiring career :)
https://higheredrevolution.com/10-things-every-design-student-should-know-to-
succeed-bfc57d8c3356
This climb could be associated with the release of Windows 10 and updates in Mac OS
over the past few months. Generally once a new OS is released some of the older
systems no longer perform well so new purchases are done at that point in time.
Thoughts?
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/13/mac-and-windows-pcs-climb-in-
u.s.-as-worldwide-shipments-tank.aspx
This video shares how robots may soon become parts of our homes and businesses.
http://www.technology-in-business.net/here-are-the-robots-that-may-be-coming-to-
our-homes-businesses-soon/

8. News (cont.)
Four for-profits recently changed status to nonprofit institutions and it has
caught the attention of some of our senators.
https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2015/10/26/senate-democrats-
criticize-nonprofit-conversions
Race/ethnicity becomes part of a trio of factors for SAT scores in the state of
California.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/10/27/study-finds-race-
growing-explanatory-factor-sat-scores-california
The California State University system is making ePortfolios available to its
entire student body and 3 million alumni. WOW! that must cost them a pretty
penny but it may very well be worth it. Thoughts?
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/19/cal-state-u-offers-
eportfolios-to-students-alumni.aspx

9. News (cont.)
OLC has received a 2.5 million dollar grant from the
Gates Foundation to further their efforts in digital
courseware solutions.
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/1
4/online-learning-consortium-to-expand-digital-
courseware-initiatives.aspx
Seattle U’s law school to host a Social Justice
Hackathon next month.
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/2
0/seattle-u-holds-social-justice-hackathon.aspx

10. Apps & Tools
Will education bring 3D printing costs down? This article shares some astonishing
estimates on the number of sales of 3D printers over the next few years and if the
demand increases that much, it should bring costs down significantly. Anyone using
this tool in the classroom already?
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/09/30/report-education-use-driving-low-
cost-3d-printer-purchases.aspx
This infographic shares how Twitter is being used today around the world. Anything
that stands out?
http://www.marketingprofs.com/chirp/2015/28385/how-the-world-uses-twitter-
infographic
This article shares some of the wearable devices starting to gain momentum in the
marketplace today. Anyone have some of these already? How well do they work?
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/14/7-up-and-coming-wearable-
technologies.aspx

11. Apps & Tools (cont.)
This article shares about a search engine ideal for education: Bibblio.
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2015/10/bibblio-powerful-
search-engine-for.html
This article shares six iPad apps that will help you make educational
movie slideshows.
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2015/10/6-handy-ipad-apps-
for-creating.html
This YouTube video shares some interesting things teens (and quite a
few adults) should be considering with regards to their social media
presence.
https://youtu.be/sop5MN7Ilfw

12. Apps & Tools (cont.)
This article shares some website tools to consider for use in your classrooms.
http://blog.learn2earn.org/15-unusual-but-awesome-websites-to-use-in-the-
classroom/
Dell wants to increase the interest in data analytics among students and is
offering their tool for free in higher education settings.
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/27/dell-releases-statistica-
free-to-higher-ed.aspx
Penn State is piloting a tool that allows faculty and students to build their
own textbooks.
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/22/penn-state-technology-
allows-faculty-and-students-to-build-their-own-textbooks-from-oer.aspx

13. Apps & Tools (cont.)
New features in Bb Learn 9.1 help those
institutions adding Competency-based
education into their curriculums.
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/1
0/27/blackboard-learn-9.1-getting-updates-for-
competency-ed-more.aspx

14. Online Learning
This article shares something that I often preach, make your online courses
more social. Online students (and faculty) want a community where they can
learn together as a group. Have you found this to be true in your courses?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-with-technology-
articles/taking-the-tech-out-of-technology/
This article shares how to implement the learning paradigm in your online
courses.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/the-learning-
paradigm-in-online-courses/
MIT introduces the MicroMaster’s degree. This is an interesting hybrid
approach that I think can gain a lot of momentum in programs that would
benefit of the mix of modalities. Thoughts?
http://news.mit.edu/2015/online-supply-chain-management-masters-mitx-
micromasters-1007

15. Online Learning (cont.)
This article gives some ways to provide support for online students. Peer-to-
peer connection is one of the best but can be one of the most challenging in
this modality. Who has implemented these already? Any tips of your own?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/three-ways-to-
efficiently-and-effectively-support-online-learners/
While this article addresses early childhood education, some of the points can
be applied in other K12 and even higher education settings.
http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2015/10/10-ways-integrate-
screen-time-learning-time
This article takes the Mac vs. PC debate into the online classroom. Thanks
Charles Syms for forwarding it to me.
http://chronicle.com/blogs/profhacker/managing-macs-pcs-in-online-courses

16. Online Learning (cont.)
This article shares from an interview with Judith Boettcher (co-author of “The
Online Teaching Survival Guide”) and shares that a revision of her book is
forthcoming.
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/20/revising-a-popular-
resource-guide-for-teaching-online.aspx
This article shares a few ideas on how to keep online learners motivated
within your courses, specially when you have a large class size.
http://www.talentlms.com/blog/4-motivation-strategies-for-elearning-
environments-with-massive-learners/
This article shares some great tips on making sure your primary focus as an
online instructor still is student learning not checking off task lists. Keep, or
possibly even increase, your level of engagement with your online students.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/promoting-learning-
the-instructors-main-mission-or-a-secondary-duty/

17. MOOCs
U. Michigan joins edX, maintains Coursera ties
and is also using a third MOOC platform,
NovoEd. I would say they are covering all their
bases in the MOOC arena.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10
/07/u-michigan-scales-up-mooc-missions.aspx

18. Administration Issues
This article shares about the new tool scheduled to launch in January 2016 that will help high school
students apply to colleges for free. The first part of the tool will allow students to create an electronic
portfolio of their work from high school. The next major release is scheduled for Summer 2016 and
should include the application piece of the tool. I suspect more schools will look to join this effort.
http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/09/30/444498625/the-big-new-effort-to-revamp-college-
admissions-will-it-work
This blog article shares about the current ranking methods for higher education institutions and gives
their opinion on how it could be improved. While I do not like speaking of ROI and higher education
degrees as if that is the main factor, certainly cost should be a high factor in the decision process of
anyone consider a college degree but that should not be the main focus while comparing colleges, just a
piece to be considered.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/scott-cowen/a-better-way-to-measure-t_b_8223182.html
Curious to see if the essay portion of the SAT will disappear in a couple of years. Glad my boys are done
with taking SATs.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/05/sat-essay-losing-steam-among-admissions-
officers.aspx

19. Administration Issues (cont.)
“Publish or perish” needs to be “rethought” if faculty researchers are to be
allowed to truly be innovative in today’s changing higher education
landscape.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/10/12/study-suggests-
pressure-publish-impedes-innovation
This article shares from the recent ICDE World Conference on some of the
uncertainties within higher education moving forward. One thing is certain,
change will always be evident but what is the next major disruption within
higher ed.?
http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=2015101707441340
5
CUNY seeks to improve their graduation rates with accelerated programs.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/10/16/cuny-launches-plan-
bring-community-college-graduation-rates-50

20. Administration Issues (cont.)
This article shares some results from a recent Harris Poll which indicates
(based on those surveyed) that 1/3 of Americans have dealt with student
debt. Any surprises here?
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/15/a-third-of-all-americans-
have-dealt-with-student-debt.aspx
This article shares tips from CIOs on how to lead change in higher education.
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/22/8-cio-tips-for-leading-
change-in-higher-education.aspx
Further struggles for liberal arts colleges. Will Moody’s prediction from last
year pan out to be true?
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/10/29/wartburg-college-and-
other-liberal-arts-institutions-make-drastic-cuts-challenging

21. Faculty Development
This article and infographic shares some of the reasons faculty do not use
technology in their courses. Any surprises?
http://dailygenius.com/10-reasons-teachers-do-not-use-education-
technology/
This article poses the question: What is your teaching persona? Have you ever
considered this question?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/philosophy-of-teaching/how-do-i-
make-choices-about-who-i-am-as-a-teacher/
This article shares results from surveys conducted to address concerns of the
professionals in the teaching profession. Which of these do you struggle with?
How have you handled them?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/teaching-
concerns-of-new-and-not-so-new-teachers/

22. Faculty Development (cont.)
These tips work for before any type of conference presentation. Anyone use
these already?
http://blog.ed.ted.com/2015/10/08/a-ted-speaker-coach-shares-11-tips-for-
right-before-you-give-a-talk/
This blog entry shares some thoughts from the recent “Deans for Impact”
meeting held in Washington, DC. Any surprises?
http://us2.campaign-
archive2.com/?u=bc04df008d4705e4e77c2eb35&id=f29a097959&e=9661866
f31
This article tackles how to best handle student absences from your courses.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/what-to-do-
about-those-absent-students/

23. Faculty Development (cont.)
In this op-ed piece we hear from the humanities side of faculty who see
traditional lectures as essential as always to truly learn within these
disciplines. Just as we strive to teach to the various learning styles, we should
allow the type of discipline to inform us if lecture or discussions are more
beneficial towards overall learning. Thoughts?
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/opinion/sunday/lecture-me-really.html
This article shares some excellent points for considering when/how to refresh
your courses.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/instructional-design/refresh-your-
course-without-too-much-pain-and-suffering/
This article asks you to question your policy on missed assignments.
Thoughts?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/educational-assessment/calculating-
final-course-grades-what-about-dropping-scores-or-offering-a-replacement/

24. Faculty Development (cont.)
This is an excellent article that asks: What’s healthy thinking about teaching?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/thinking-
about-teaching-and-learning/
This article is a follow-up to the missed assignment article from earlier.
Interesting approach. Anyone doing this in their courses?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/educational-assessment/dropping-
scores-the-case-for-hope/
This article shares a great way that peer assessment can help improve the
weaker members in a group assignment. Anyone using this method in their
courses?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/instructional-design/peer-assessment-
that-improves-performance-in-groups/

25. Student Learning
I have to admit, this is the first time I heard of the term feedforward but I already do that in my
comments on my students work. Discuss what the did and how they can improve next time. Exemplars
are interesting but as shared here, a struggle to come up with the right choices to share with students
to avoid their tendency to mimic the exemplar and not provide enough of their own style. Thoughts?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/educational-assessment/provide-feedforward-with-exemplars/
I find this method to be a great way to be more learner-centered in your teaching the class. I find many
similarities to them writing their research papers in our classes. I would love to try this, what about
others?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/educational-assessment/student-written-exams-increase-
student-involvement/
This article helps faculty teach students how to navigate through the myriad of information they are
bombarded with every day and become content curators themselves.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/curriculum-development/more-content-doesnt-equal-more-
learning/

26. Student Learning (cont.)
This has been a heated debate among instructors for quite some time. My approach is
helping the students see that the mobile device, like other potential distractions, if
abused, will negatively impact their learning so they should avoid it being just that, a
distraction. Where do you stand on this debate?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/how-concerned-
should-we-be-about-cell-phones-in-class/
This 3rd blog post shares some ideas on how to best integrate technology into the
classroom. Links for the first two parts are included.
https://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/2015/10/14/technology-integration-1-to-1-
and-student-centered-learning-up-to-20-free-resources-and-tools/
This article shares on learning philosophy and how this is different than learning
styles. Anyone having their students think/share their learning philosophies?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/developing-students-
learning-philosophies/

27. New Ways of Learning
This university is including all course materials into their learning
management system, MyPath.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/05/brandman-u-
launches-new-online-learning-platform-with-no-textbooks-
required.aspx
This sounds amazing and I hope to be able to experience this some
day.
http://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/07/virtual-reality-
space-lets-students-experience-big-data.aspx
This article lists some great pieces of advice for anyone blogging out
there.
https://dougpete.wordpress.com/2015/10/10/advice-for-all-bloggers/

28. New Ways of Learning (cont.)
This could be an interesting approach to allow students access to more
multimedia content not usually available in our college libraries. Thoughts?
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2015/10/05/cal-state-san-
bernardino-students-test-free-movie-and-music-download.aspx
This article shares on “cooperative learning” and how this can help students
learn the course materials while working in a special type of group setting.
Anyone using this already?
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/instructional-design/ah-ha-moments-
when-cooperative-learning-in-the-classroom-works/
This infographic shares details on connectivism and its value in education
during the digital age.
http://ticsyformacion.com/2012/08/08/estilos-de-aprendizaje-y-teorias-
infografia-infographic-education/

29. Upcoming Movie & TV Trailers
Spectre (James Bond), Release Date: 11/06/2015
https://youtu.be/z4UDNzXD3qA
Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Premiere Date: 11/20/2015
https://youtu.be/nWHUjuJ8zxE
Full Favorite Movie Trailers playlist on my YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp4nJo9D2kEs3McWG18x5U
mIcSsVhNjq0
Full Favorite TV Trailers playlist on my YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp4nJo9D2kEtMvp3l9Jx5Hem
MXMxIocwR

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