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 .
Call today to schedule your visit ! 2308 West Hardies Road · Gibsonia , PA 15044 724.444.0722 · www . AquinasAcademy . info
• 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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