PRESCHOOL TRENDS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING
5 ONLINE EDUCATION TRENDS FOR COLLEGE
Education
PRESCHOOL TRENDS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING
Early childhood learning has been studied by educators, lawmakers and researchers for years to identify the importance of learning at a young age. Research has confirmed that when educators provide a valuable education to early learners, the benefits last a lifetime. According to Educa, preschool stakeholders across the U. S. are addressing the need for a standard in consistency and quality in early education. States are taking a look at child care centers, daycares and preschools to develop an accreditation program that ensures quality in a number of areas including learning environment, increased parent engagement, teacher experience and quality center management.
Along with quality standardization, there are other trends to keep an eye on for early learners:
• Student Assessment – The achievement gap is often used to assess the output of students in different socioeconomic groups, measuring grade point averages, test scores and dropout rates. Since preschoolers aren’ t likely dropping out of school, early learning centers focus on the importance of providing ongoing education and supporting students from a young age. This includes reading to children, engaging them in everyday conversations, establishing routines and using positive reinforcement.
• Classroom Technology – Although use of technology in early learning is still heavily debated, it is proving to be a valuable resource to students who may not as easily have access to learning materials. According to the Pew Research Center, 73 percent of households have a computer with internet accessibility, providing a platform for early learners to participate in effective online education from their homes.
Keeping the Faith
Aquinas Academy Graduates Become the Christian Leaders of Tomorrow
Clare Meland( AQUINAS CLASS OF 2013, NOTRE DAME) spent two months in Kolkata, India, working with Mother Teresa ' s Missionaries of Charity among the poorest of the poor.
Tyler Deschamps( AQUINAS CLASS OF 2008, CMU) helped to found Young Catholic Professionals, which helps Catholic professionals in their 20s and 30s connect with one another and maintain their Catholic faith.
Emily( Blume) Hannon( AQUINAS CLASS OF 2011, PITT) co-founded Off the Hook, an offi cially recognized student group at the University of Pittsburgh that provides students with healthy alternatives to the prominent hookup culture through the promotion of speakers and social activities.
Nick Navari( AQUINAS CLASS OF 2014, KENYON) established a house on campus that is devoted solely to the Newman Center of Kenyon College for the purpose of spreading and strengthening students’ faith on campus.
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• ECSEL Skills – Teachers are encouraged to incorporate Emotional Cognitive Social Early Learning( ECSEL) into lesson plans for preschoolers. At a young age, emotions are the tool of choice for children to express themselves. Encouraging early learners to be confident and understanding at a young age provides an important platform for growth into adolescence. ■
5 ONLINE EDUCATION TRENDS FOR COLLEGE
Online education allows non-traditional students the opportunity to earn a degree without leaving the comfort of their own home. This educational approach has opened doors for individuals with circumstances prohibiting them from participating in on-campus education. Whether they are working full time, raising families, or they live in a different state, online education provides the opportunity to earn a degree remotely. According to U. S. News and World Report, the number of online students is continuing to grow and experts are predicting a number of trends within the next year for online learning.
1. Adoption of“ Microcredentials” – As non-traditional students are on the rise, universities are developing multiple program levels since not everyone is looking to complete a four-year degree. Microcredentials offer certificate programs, digital“ badges” of completion, and other types of credentials to prove successful completion of continued education coursework.
2. Tailored Curriculums from Data Insights – Since students complete all of their work online, universities are receiving data that is not typically available in a traditional classroom setting. Analytics teams are using this data to predict student success, and in turn, teachers are enhancing their curriculum to meet the needs of their students.
3. Artificial Intelligence – Universities are investing in artificial intelligence, such as virtual assistants, to provide an additional layer of support on top of that which students receive from their professors.
4. Nonprofit Programs – Experts are continuing to see a drop in for-profit programs as more nonprofits are ramping up their online education offerings. Nonprofit institutions are working to keep up with the demand for more online programs.
5. Ranging Disciplines – As online programs continue to grow, they are offering an increasing number of focus areas that may not have been thought of until recent years. Some students who already have degrees are looking for specialized programs to learn new technology in their field and to increase their knowledge and credibility.
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