:: The 4th Era ::

by Ida Kubiszewski, Robert Costanza and Tom Kompas

"The Next Phase in Higher Education
"Historically, universities have retained much of their autonomy, providing courses in isolation from other universities. This has changed to a certain degree over the past decade as collaborations have begun to form. Many of these collaborations are around specific degrees or programs that the universities are all interested in, or perhaps certain areas of research. There are a few universities that have begun sharing online course content or sharing platforms to offer their courses. "Creating an international consortia of universities, sharing not only course content but also the teaching of courses, could potentially move higher education to a new phase of development. Such a collaboration could be managed by an independent third party, most likely a nonprofit organization, that would help with communication and organization—think of it as a MetaUniversity—connecting the partner universities. "The MetaUniversity would help facilitate two types of courses: (1) online courses that are analytical and tool-based and (2) synthesis courses that are face-to-face, on-the-ground, and focused on solving real world problems. Although the Internet has advanced to the point that the majority of what we know can be imparted via the Web, learning the higher-order skills of problem solving and critical thinking must be done in person. The combination of these two types of courses will provide students with the opportunity to not only understand how to use analytical tools, but also how to apply and communicate them in appropriate ways depending on the situation and audience to solve problems."

By Stephan Vincent-Lancrin

"The recent international OECD-CCE-Singapore workshop gave 30 education decision-makers from 12 countries the opportunity to share the lessons from Asian educational initiatives aiming to foster pupils’ creativity and critical thinking. While most of these initiatives build on project-based, research-based, and other active pedagogies, some start to use design thinking methods to scaffold the learning of innovation skills.

"Singapore and Korea are two good examples of countries emphasising creativity, critical thinking and character building in their curricula. Since 2009, Korea expects its schools to foster creativity as part of quality subject-based learning – but also to devote almost 10% of overall school time to projects and other transversal activities that foster creativity. As for Singapore, their “Desired Outcomes of Education” include critical and inventive thinking as well as social and emotional competences. At the end of secondary school, among other things students are expected to be “resilient in the face of adversity”, “innovative and enterprising” as well as “able to think critically and communicate persuasively”.

Responding to complaints, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said states could postpone for a year using more rigorous tests to make career decisions about teachers.

by Jordan Shapiro

"Upper One Games is the first indigenous owned video game company in the United States.

"Announced at the 2013 Games For Change Festival, the partnership between E-Line Media and Cook Inlet Tribal Council aims to make “meaningful and scalable social impact by creating world-class games and game-based learning infused with Alaska Native values and culture.”

"Their first consumer game will be a top line indie game to be released on major consoles. And Upper One Games is not holding back. They’ve handpicked top commercial talent who are excited to be working on games for impact."

Three apps that copy music from your iPad or iPod or iPhone back to your computer. Miguel Guhlin offers very reliable recommendations.

Today's connected students may be more digitally aware than ever thanks to mobile technology, but this handy infographic shows a number of interesting ways that technology is being used in educational settings.

by David Hochman

"What’s beautiful about Waze is how it constantly surprises you. “Here?! You want me to turn here, Wazy Daisy?” Not to sound like The Californians on SNL but we Angelenos pride ourselves on knowing the right route at any given moment (“Take the 90 to the 405 to the 10 to the 110 to the 101 to the 5, dude”). Waze just knows way better. The other day I’m taking what I think is the only route back home from Whole Foods. It’s the way I’ve driven for ten years. Traffic was slugging up so I asked Waze what to do. Two seconds later, I’m snaking around traffic on side roads — I swear — I didn’t even know existed. It also pointed out a traffic camera, a road hazard and flashed an icon where the stopped vehicle was blocking traffic on my normal route. I probably shaved ten minutes off the trip."

by Justin Pot

"Have you ever considered writing a book? Are you planning to self-publish the book? If so, you probably have a lot to learn about the various processes you need to go through and the companies that can best help you along the way.

"Check out “Your Guide To Self Publishing: From Print to Kindle and Beyond!” This guide is by Christian Cawley, a resident MakeUseOf writer who has self-published his own book multiple times. It’s a comprehensive guide to the self-publishing process in order to make your life easier when you embark on the journey.

"Whether you’re working on a piece of fiction, poetry or any other piece of literature, this guide outlines your self-publishing options – digital and physical alike."