Volume 2 Issue 11 & 12
by Michael Wagner
Knowledge Pilot, Launch Global Education
When the end of the school year arrives, the major focus is normally on graduation, the culmination of the educational journey whether it is from high school or college. It is an exciting time for many students—the jubilation of moving from one journey to another. For educators, such as us, it means a chance to regroup and reflect.
We cover a lot in this double issue of the Odyssey Newsletter, an output of some of the regrouping and reflecting we’ve been able to do after a busy month of May. We hope you enjoy it.
Discoveries
African universities’ entrepreneurial approach to education
As the world of higher education is constantly evolving, African universities are taking the lead and an aggressive approach to transforming universities The Economic Comission for Africa (ECA), a United Nations organization, is moving the initiative forward. Wachira Kigotho of University World News - Africa Edition, reports on the strategy of the ECA moving forward.
The
positive aspect of AI on education
It seems lately that whenever the term Artificial Intelligence (AI) is mentioned people immediately experience fear and trepidation. However, as much fear as AI can cause, it must be remembered that there are many positive impacts that it can have on society. Bertha Alicia SaldÃvar Barboza, Sadie Guerrero, Irving Hidrogo, and Enrique Cortés of University World News share the ways that AI can be developed to assist in the teaching and learning aspects of education.
Adults express their opinions on the benefits of college
One of the leading debates these days is the return on investment (ROI) of college degrees. In a recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank, Natalie Schwartz reports on the survey findings and the opinions of adults regarding the benefits of attending college.
Over half of adults say the financial benefits of attending college outweigh its costs
The best experience is hands-on experience
As the college application process has evolved, there has been one aspect that college admissions representatives have voiced to me, they look for students who have worked at internships. Now there is a new movement taking shape; students gaining experience with apprenticeships. Javeria Salman of The Hechinger Report shares how a middle school is introducing students to the importance of apprenticeships.
And Sam Becker of Fortune Education reports about the growing trend of apprenticeships involving coding and the advantages of apprenticeships over bootcamps.
The next big thing in coding bootcamps in 2023: Apprenticeships
The importance of taking care of student’s mental health
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the mental health concerns of college students became a priority at colleges and universities. Carolyn Jones of EdSource reports on the role colleges and universities play in improving mental health services for students.
Colleges must play larger role in improving student mental health, report finds
Starting early is the key
The incoming Chancellor of the California Community College system wasted no time in her new position championing the message that 9th grade students need to register for college courses early. Emma Gallegos of EdSource, shares the vision the new chancellor has for the future of education in California.
Tip of the Week
Refocus on summer planning
Summer has arrived and it is time to implement a summer plan. I like to keep it simple; take a big-picture view of what summer planning should look like and then make it specific.
Some of the planning topics for rising U.S. seniors should consist of the following:
· Obtain letters of recommendation
· Set up a calendar of tasks to be completed over the summer
· Review the Common Application prompts and make bullet points of writing ideas for each prompt
· Assemble the long list of potential colleges
· Tour colleges, if possible
· Set a reminder to begin the Common Application on August 1st
· Add any other items unique to your personal college application requirements
Remember Benjamin Franklin’s saying, By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.
Before you go...
Circling back to end-of-the-school-year traditions, commencement speakers have been sharing wisdom across the world at colleges and universities. The list of speakers includes celebrities from a variety of mediums to business leaders from top companies. This year Johns Hopkins University secured a big surprise for the class of 2023. Jonathan Franklin of NPR shares the story of the surprise speaker.
We are dedicated to continuing each and every week to bring together top stories to share with our readers to keeping everyone informed about what is happening in higher education. Please share this newsletter!
We thank you and hope you have a great week.
Mike & Ann
Michael Wagner, MAED is a founder and the Knowledge Pilot for Launch Education. Mr. Mike has assisted hundreds of students around the world on their college pathways.