EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
This Web site began as an exploration of educational technology. A significant amount of software is available at little or no cost to teachers, schools, and students around the world. Usually, learning to use the software consumes less time than the task for which it was intended. For a few dollars, the individual or their sponsoring schools can purchase software that contains more functionality.
The caveat, of course, is that any software worth its salt will eventually require some form of certification of proficiency. The ongoing discussion is whether an educational certificate is as worthwhile as an industry certificate for the same product.
This perspective sidesteps the question of open source technology and forum-based learning. In many cases, locating answers on the Internet becomes so frustrating that students would rather take classes instead of blogging until someone posts the code they need.
The caveat, of course, is that any software worth its salt will eventually require some form of certification of proficiency. The ongoing discussion is whether an educational certificate is as worthwhile as an industry certificate for the same product.
This perspective sidesteps the question of open source technology and forum-based learning. In many cases, locating answers on the Internet becomes so frustrating that students would rather take classes instead of blogging until someone posts the code they need.
EDUCATION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Teaching college is similar to managing small projects because of the need to scope the work for team members, monitor progress, and resolve issues. In most instances, client interviews are performed at the initiation of the project to determine what the business needs are – textbooks, classroom resources, and so on. The scope of the class is also determined, as well as its interactions with later curriculum. College educators rarely receive lesson plans from which to teach, and consequently plan and execute each task. The educator must develop robust tools and processes that create lasting products.
Project management deliverables are often assumed to be textbooks or other physical artifacts; intangible products include smarter students.
Project management deliverables are often assumed to be textbooks or other physical artifacts; intangible products include smarter students.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
The educator's products are the skills and knowledge that a student acquires during their schooling. This means that, on a project management level, the educator specifies the tasks to complete and monitors the progress of each participant. The educator also validates the products that the students develop, which certifies the students as having demonstrated a skill to a specific level of competency. Many students complete classes as preparation for industry certification. These certifications are usually administered by organizations that are independent of educational institutions and the computing compan(ies) that created the software on which the student is certifying.