Digital Discourse / Uncategorized

SIIA Policy Forum Supports Dialogue between Education Leaders and Technology Developers

April 23, 2013 By

SIIA’s long tradition as liaison between education leaders and technology developers was continued recently at SIIA’s annual Ed Tech Government Forum in Washington, DC. The annual forum brings SIIA member developers of educational applications and digital content together with policymakers, administrators and non-profit leaders.

The discussions help both inform publishers about the impact of publich policies on education so they can better meet the needs of students and educators, as well as drive conversations regarding the public-private partnerships needed to address educational (technology) challenges and opportunities. This year’s forum was enhanced by the participation of some 75 local and state education administrators attending the second half of the event through SIIA’s partnership with the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA).

Among the highlights this year:

  • Keynote speakers U.S. Rep. George Miller,  Mary Esselman (MI Achievement Authority), and Michael Yudin (USED Acting Assistant Secrtary) all spoke about the critical role of technology and digital learning to meeting the goals of educational access and personalized learning.
  • Leaders from the PARCC and SBAC CCSS state assessment consortia solicited support to better prepare students for the new standards and assessments, talked through the challenges of ensuring technology readiness, and indicated that some states and districts may delay their shift to online testing.
  • Leading policy analysts and advocates outlined the growing digital learning momentum in state capitals across the country, discussed the politics of education reform, and identified key policy initiatives in NC, AZ, HI, ME, LA and other states.
  • Higher education leaders Amy Sherman (CAEL) and Hal Plotkin (USED) shared how federal policy changes are poised to drive a shift from seat-time credit hours to competency-based learning, including the expanding use of prior learning assessments to better target instruction and improve learning efficiencies in time and resources.
  • FCC Commissioner Rosenworcel announced a package of proposed changes to the E-Rate, which would increase its funding, improve its administration, and enhance digital learning access to students and teachers.
  • Capitol Hill advocacy day with education and industry leaders helping inform Members of Congress and their staffs about the important federal role in supporting educational improvement through technology and digital learning.
  • Education leaders also addressed the issues of funding, NCLB waivers, ESEA reauthorization, and the balance between data-driven improvement and student privacy.

Speaker presentations, audio recordings and session summaries will be made available to SIIA members.

 

Mark SchneidermanMark Schneiderman is Senior Director of Education Policy at SIIA.

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Filed Under: Ed Tech Government Forum, Education, Education Events, Education Policies, Education Policy, Events, Personalized Learning, Policy, Uncategorized

Users Support Targeted Advertising Over Paying for Internet Content

April 19, 2013 By

Advertising has always been the driving force behind quality content, and the ad industry has reshaped its business models as today’s Internet-based content ecosystem continues to evolve. Generic print ads of yesterday have made way for tailored Internet ads that fuel free access to everything from local news to viral videos like the Harlem Shake!

But do Internet users know that ads tailored to their own interests helps provide for their free content? And how do they feel about seeing these ads?

A new poll shows that Americans value free Internet content, and they are comfortable with the tailored Internet advertising that powers it. The survey, released by the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA), measured consumers’ attitudes about Internet advertising. Despite the seeming unpopularity of “behavioral advertising” the survey found that when given the choice, Americans would prefer ad-supported content to paying for ad-free content. Some key data points:

· 92 percent of Americans think free content like news, weather and blogs is important to the overall value of the Internet (64 percent extremely important, 28 percent somewhat important)

· 75 percent prefer ad supported content to paying for ad-free content

· 41 percent of users think that browser obstacles to displaying advertising will result in less access to free content

Tailored ads are worth more to advertisers than generic ads aimed at the general population. That’s why they are so vital to the future of quality Internet content. The DAA survey shows that most Internet users support this revenue model:

    · 68 percent prefer to get at least some ads Internet directed at their interests

· 40 percent prefer to get all their ads directed to their interests

· 47 percent would oppose a law that would restrict how data is used for Internet advertising but also potentially reduced free content availability, compared to only 22 percent that support such a law

 

DAA’s findings are promising for the viability of the content industry. Most Americans are comfortable with seeing ads that are directed at their interests–and all Internet users deserve a transparent experience with online advertising. To that end, the DAA runs the ad industry’s primary opt-out program, a choice tool that allows users to tailor how and whether they receive interest-based advertising.

Read more about the findings from the DAA poll.

Laura Greenback is Communications Director at SIIA. Follow the SIIA Public Policy team at @SIIAPolicy.

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Filed Under: Content, Policy, Policy - Privacy, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

There’s No Bad Data, Only Bad Uses of Data

March 25, 2013 By

Steven Lohr explored the roots of the debate over personal data and privacy in a timely article in the New York Times this Sunday. An important theme of his article is best summed up by Craig Mundie of Microsoft, who says, “There’s no bad data, only bad uses of data.” At SIIA, we concur that if we want privacy protections to be truly meaningful, we should move away from restricting data collection, and instead work to prevent its harmful use.

Lohr’s article first describes a scenario in which a person is harmed because data from his or her online click stream is being collected. But even though this example is being used to illustrate the danger of data collection, it winds up confirming that true harm comes not from the collection, but the misuse of data. It might be harmful to an Internet user if predictions and inferences about his or her web travels make their way to a health insurer or potential employer. But the harm stems from data misuse, not its collection!

The online advertising industry collects click stream data now. It wants to use this data to improve the effectiveness and value of its online advertising. And the industry has already pledged to wall off online data from harmful use by  isolating it from eligibility decisions regarding employment, health care, credit and insurance.

It’s crucial to allow industries to continue to collect data so it can be used to benefit society. For instance, data driven innovation’s contributions in the educational sphere have been well-documented. Two recent reports by the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution, called Educational Success Stories and Big Data for Education, show how data analytic techniques can help schools better understand students’ learning approaches and challenges. Instead of relying on static, uniform tests, “instructors can analyze what students know and what techniques are most effective for each pupil. By focusing on data analytics, teachers can study learning in far more nuanced ways.”

There are many uses of data that are beneficial to society, and public policy should not obstruct them by constructing arbitrary barriers to data collection. The best way to respect individual privacy in the age of big data is to protect people from harmful uses of data. Industries like online advertising are already moving in this direction by developing best practices and self-regulation. Blanket prohibitions on data collection will only do more harm than good.

Mark MacCarthy, Vice President, Public Policy at SIIA, directs SIIA’s public policy initiatives in the areas of intellectual property enforcement, information privacy, cybersecurity, cloud computing and the promotion of educational technology. Follow the SIIA Public Policy team on Twitter at @SIIAPolicy

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Filed Under: Policy, Policy - Privacy, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Webinar: Metrics Best Practices for High-Growth Cloud Companies

March 7, 2013 By

Listen to this informative webinar to learn how metrics-driven, fact based decision making can help you drive better performance, efficiency and plan for fast growth within your organization.

David Pefley, CFO of Adaptive Planning, a cloud-based leader in business analytics and planning, will describe his key management metrics, and the best practices with metrics that he uses to drive fast growing Adaptive Planning’s corporate performance. Lauren Kelley, CEO of OPEXEngine will share key software and SaaS benchmarks for early stage through IPO companies, and present benchmarking best practices used by high growth Cloud companies.

Presenters:

David Pfley
CFO, Adaptive Planning

Lauren Kelley
CEO, OPEXEngine

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

New SIIA California State Report Highlights Impact of Prop 30 and Other California Programs

February 20, 2013 By

After many years of budget crisis, California schools and colleges are expecting a much needed funding increase after voter passage in November of California Proposition 30.  The measure increases taxes on the highest earners in California and distributes those funds into the “Education Protection Account.” A per-pupil increase of at least $200 is expected, though it is unclear if funds will simply go into the general education fund or will be earmarked for specific programs.  In recent years, school districts have received funding flexibility in light of funding cuts, freeing up many previously restricted funds to be used for many locally-determined purposes, including for technology, content and software.  SIIA’s recently released California State Report includes details of key state programs and funding.

Governor Brown released his budget plan in January 2013, calling for continued and increased funding of education mostly through additional flexible funds provided through Proposition 30.  Look for an upcoming SIIA State of the States report for a summary of proposals by Governor Brown and governors in the 15 largest states.

The SIIA California State Report is the first in a new SIIA series of reports detailing the educational programs within the largest states.  As the more populous state in the U.S. and the home of Silicon Valley, California is certainly one of the major education technology markets. While funding for education initiatives has been generally tight in California, this report contains valuable information to help companies navigate these murky waters.  This report summarizes the key funding that local districts rely on, including for educational technologies and instructional resources.  It also outlines the state agency structure with specialized programs, contact information, links, and descriptions of certain key policies and procedures such as around instructional materials.

This report is designed to be a one-stop navigation tool for member companies interested in operating within California.  The California State report is available to SIIA members only.  Look for more State Reports and updates from SIIA on our Education Policy Page.  We also encourage members to register for SIIA’s Ed Tech Government Forum, April 9-11 in Washington, DC which will also address the role the of the state in education policy and funding.

Lindsay HarmanLindsay Harman is Market and Policy Analyst for the SIIA Education Division.

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Filed Under: Ed Tech Government Forum, Ed Tech Industry Summit, Education, Education Policies, Education Policy, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

SIIA at TCEA

February 15, 2013 By

Last week in Austin over 8,000 educators, district leaders, ed tech companies, and other industry insiders gathered at the 2013 TCEA conference.  With a busy show floor and sessions, the event was a great opportunity for the various groups to interact and connect.  Several SIIA members had booths on the show floor and many more were in attendance.  The show floor was busy and many members had productive and busy booths.

SIIA’s own Karen Billings was a featured speaker and hosted a session on the Vision K-20 project on Thursday, February 8th. This session focused on the development of the Vision K-20 goals and metrics as well as the results of the 2012 survey. The 2013 survey was launched on February 7th and educators in attendance were encouraged to participate in the sixth survey cycle.  This session also allowed SIIA to share valuable data with the TCEA community.

SIIA also hosted its member breakfast on Thursday February 8th and had a turnout of over 25 people who were able to hear about the latest SIIA initiatives, network and enjoy a hearty breakfast. The results of the 2011 Market Survey were presented and the attendees were given a chance to view the full report. Members are encouraged to participate in the 2012 iteration of the survey for a free copy of the report.  The breakfast also highlighted the launch of the Vision K-20 survey and encouraged companies to help us get the word out about the survey to educators.  Opportunities and upcoming events were also highlighted including the Ed Tech Government Forum and the Ed Tech Industry Summit. We hope to see you at the next SIIA member breakfast or event!

Lindsay HarmanLindsay Harman is Market and Policy Analyst for the SIIA Education Division.

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Filed Under: Ed Tech Government Forum, Ed Tech Industry Summit, Education, Education Events, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

What’s new in Common Core Standards & Assessments?

February 13, 2013 By

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) continue to be a core driver of educational policies and practice, including for education technology and digital learning. As the deadline inches closer, more decisions are being made, steps taken and information made available. To help SIIA members better track the details and trends, SIIA is launching a new series of monthly reports for SIIA members on the newest and most relevant information, aggregated and summarized.

Notable releases from the SIIA January 2013 report include new system framework guidelines and accommodation policies by the two assessment consortia. Also included are studies with data supporting implementation and recommendations to both developers and school districts as they create their plans for the transition to CCSS.

The SIIA monthly series will  contain information on both the major assessment organizations, Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) and Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), as well as on the standards definitions and implementation.  As information is released, it will be added as well, creating a one-stop resource for SIIA members working to ensure their products and services help meet education common core related needs.

Look for more updates by SIIA Education Policy in a month!

Meanwhile, SIIA members can review past SIIA webinars on CCSS, SBAC and PARCC, as well as register for SIIA’s Ed Tech Government Forum, April 9-11 in Washington, DC featuring several sessions addressing these issues.

 

Lindsay HarmanLindsay Harman is Market and Policy Analyst for the SIIA Education Division.

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Filed Under: Ed Tech Government Forum, Ed Tech Industry Summit, Education, Education Events, Education Policies, Education Policy, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,
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