Google launches its first MOOC

Google is launching its first MOOC. The course, titled "Making Sense of Data", will run from March 18 to April 4. It is related to Google's Fusion Tables – a set of tools for displaying data – and is intended to be for "anybody who works with data on a daily basis, such as students, teachers, journalists, and small business owners, and who wants to learn more about how to apply that information to practical problems." Participants will engage with the course material through a combination of video and text lessons, activities, and projects. Google announces that in order to create a more engaging experience, participants will be able to access instant hangouts and live chats from the course for quick help or for direct feedback from the company experts. Students will have the opportunity to complete a final project and apply the skills they learn to earn a certificate. The course will showcase the collaborative technology of Google and edX using cbX to run courses on Google App Engine. Previously, Google offered an analytics course.  

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MOOCs go to high and middle schools

MOOCs can be a great way to supplement and enhance K12 students' curriculum. These courses can work very well for blended and individualized learning –because they can be a solution for students who need extra time to succeed. MOOCs can help students accomplish their personal goals, such as learning new languages, or studying specific disciplines. In this type of learning environment, MOOCs would be similar to attending after-school activities, field trips, visiting museums or researching topics of interest. Some revealing samples we have extracted from this article: Andover (Mass.) Public Schools' students get high school credit for the course but no grade upon completing the courses. The University of Miami’s Global Academy, which is a virtual high school, developed its first MOOC specifically for high school students last year. The three-week course focused on preparing students –mostly juniors– to take the SAT II test in biology. Also, the high school has provided a MOOC to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement calculus exam. The math, biology, and physical sciences' teachers from Brown University Continuing Education from both middle and high schools are using the MOOC as a mini-unit in their classes, or as an after-school project. Enterasys launched a MOOC initiative to provide students who are interested in learning more about IT. The free technical education classes provide technical skills achievement in fundamental areas around IP data networking, wireless technologies and security concepts—all key areas of recognized growth within the IT space. Unlike traditional MOOCs, the Enterasys MOOC is self-paced and students can attend the weekly scheduled module when it is best for them. Reynoldsburg (Ohio) City Schools’ eSTEM Academy combines MOOCs with live classroom instruction for grades 9 through 12. Teachers use the online content along with the problem-based learning work that is part of the academy’s goal. Additional readings: MOOCs go to K12: Higher ed trend expands to high schools Tips on using MOOCs successfully in K12

The World Economic Forum launches a learning platform for professionals seeking up-to-date strategic knowledge

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has created Forum Academy, a new learning platform based on the Open edX technology that provides audiences with the opportunity to participate in discussions, addressing global, regional and industry-oriented challenges through courses. These courses in Forum Academy will allow leaders to access the knowledge of a dynamic, global network of experts. The first course, "Global Technology Leadership", includes leaders from Carnegie Mellon University, University of Michigan, and Tom Preston-Werner, CEO and Co-Founder of GitHub.

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Higher education partners with Hollywood to produce a MOOC

http://youtu.be/XhyeYI6MVtU This is what happens when MOOCs, marketing and mass media collide: The channel has partnered with the University of California, Irvine (IC Irvine), and four Ph.Ds to teach the course titled “Society, Science, Survival: Lessons from AMC’s The Walking Dead.” According the official registration page, the course explores the spread of disease, social structures, and the role of the government in public health, among other themes. Just take a look at the courseware to see that is not a crazy, stupid course: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs—is survival just about being alive? Social order and structures—from the farm and the prison to Woodbury Social identity, roles, and stereotyping—as shown through leaders like Rick and the Governor The role of public health in society—from the CDC to local community organizations The spread of infectious disease and population modeling—swarm! The role of energy and momentum in damage control—how can you best protect yourself? Nutrition in a post-apocalyptic world—are squirrels really good for you? Managing stress in disaster situations—what’s the long-term effect of always sleeping with one eye open? The course has engaging lectures, interviews, articles and academic resources. It uses key scenes from the show to illustrate aspects of learning. Students are able to participate in large and small group discussions and test their learning with quizzes. Instructors use video lectures, discussion forums and social media to provide learning materials throughout the eight-week course. The platform used for this MOOC is the Canvas LMS. Experts agree that this partnership between higher education and Hollywood is groundbreaking and provides an interesting insight into the future of marketing, education and educational content.

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Sunday, November 23, 2025

Education technology today is marked by rising AI adoption among educators and innovative personalized learning approaches.

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Today in AI & EdTech

Sunday, November 23, 2025

AI is transforming the education technology landscape as more teachers adopt intelligent tools, driving forward and adaptive learning experiences.

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