December Online Education Update: Unveiling Insights, Part 2
Continuing exploration of emerging online learning trends
👋 Hello, it’s Jonathan and welcome to a free edition of Class Futures Insights. Each month I hand pick industry news, events, and announcements from the online school, online learning, and alternative provision sector. Â
Before I switch off and rest for Christmas, I thought I would publish a short Christmas update and a part 2 for December.
It has been a busy three months.
I started a new role in September as Head of Digital Learning at an independent school and have spent the time getting my head around the role and putting in place a digital strategy. In 2024 I hope to publish more content on digital strategy following various conversations with people such as Ed Charlwood, Lex Lang, Matt Warne, Thomas Lange and Garry Hayes.
Alongside my role, I have always been fascinated with developments in online provision and this goes back to the pandemic. Following various conversations and posts, I have found myself using Substack again to publish these updates rather than relying on LinkedIn. I also wanted an archive for this content so it made sense to pick up this platform again.
By writing these industry updates I have realised that there is a global community involved in online teaching and that the geography of education has changed completely. Developments in online teaching, pedagogy, and AI, will continue to accelerate in 2024. As a geographer by trade, I hope to write about this more as well next year. Anyway, thank you for reading this and I hope you find the updates below helpful.
Have a great Christmas and New Year.
Jonathan
arc exams Offer: Free 'Marked' Mock Exams for STEM Subjects
For a limited time only, arc exams are offering a free ‘marked’ mock examination to any candidate entering selected STEM subjects, directly with arc exams, between now and 31 December 2023. If you are homeschooling or simply revising, it’s worth taking a look.
Opportunity Alert: Join Prisma High School's Curriculum Design Team
Prisma High School is searching for a part-time curriculum designer to develop its higher-level maths courses, starting with precalculus. If you are interested and would like a warm intro, please get in touch by replying to this email.
Insights from Charlotte Doody and Paul Bacsich: UK's Digital Learning Landscape
Charlotte Doody and Paul Bacsich have written the UK chapter for a new publication, “Trends and Issues of Promoting Digital Learning in High-Digital-Competitiveness Countries: Country Reports and International Comparison."
According to Charlotte, their chapter "reviews the current state of digital K-12 in the UK with emphasis on England. It paints a picture of digital schools giving evidence to substantiate the UK's high ranking in digital maturity studies and analyses."
Sora Applications Open: A Globally Connected Education
The application to start Sora for middle or high school is currently open and closes on 18 February 2024 for a March start or August start. Sora is an American online school operating from US time zones and has students in 7 countries. It is open to applicants from around the world.
Mark Your Calendar: Tutors and Exams Virtual Open Day on 4 January
On 4 January at 4pm GMT, Tutors and Exams is running a Virtual Open Day. This online event will provide you with the opportunity to learn more about the range of services they offer and ask any questions.
Starting an Online Tutoring Business? Check Out Sarah Brouner's Tips
Thinking about starting an online tutoring business? Sarah Brouner shared an article she co-wrote with 1st Formations and Matthew Aitken on ‘10 steps to starting an online tutoring business.’ Very handy!
Save the Date: Alternative Provision Conference on 11 January
A quick reminder that The Alternative Provision Conference takes place on 11 January in Berkshire. The event is being hosted by Lucy Alexandra Spencer, founder of Education Boutique, and is bringing together SENCOs, education directors, parents, and colleagues involved in alternative provision.Â
Founder of Generation Aid Connects for Collaboration
This month, Hubert Senga, founder and CEO of Generation Aid, reached out to me. His charity is dedicated to empowering refugees living in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. With a population exceeding 250,000 individuals, the charity places an emphasis on offering education and essential digital skills to its students. I encourage any online school or organisation reading this to connect with Hubert and learn more about this impactful initiative.
Evolving Education: City as a School to launch in Cape Town
Kobus du Toit recently announced he is opening City as a School Cape Town, South Africa. This will be interesting to watch. City as a School was founded by Serj Hunt and is using cities to launch and create learning ecosystems.
🚀 And, I think I’ll end it on that!
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📢 I Want to Hear from You! 📢
Got exciting news or updates for the education sector in 2024? Your insights really matter. Feel free to get in touch with me either on LinkedIn or by replying to this email. Your contributions can shape our collective understanding and pave the way for brighter educational futures. Thank you for being part of this community.
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