To Impress, Tufts Prospects Turn to YouTube

During our second Humphrey Cafe, we discussed new innovative methods colleges and universities are using for the undergraduate admission process.  Among these new methods are an optional YouTube video used at Tufts University.

See the article used for a discussion starter here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/education/23tufts.html?hp

According to Mr. Coffin, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, “So much of what we do in admissions is opaque, and that contributes to all the frenzy,” he said. “This is something that’s completely transparent.”

However, as we explored during our Humphrey Cafe discussion, new innovations may bring up issues such as:

• Equity -- Do low-income students have the same opportunities in learning to use technology that might help them make a 'winning' video?  
• Closing the Achievement Gap -- This might give traditionally marginalized students a chance to show their knowledge, skills, and experiences in a new and more appropriate format.  
• Privacy Issues -- for students who may not be aware of the very public nature of everything on the internet.
• Globally --  How has technology innovation been used in other areas of the world?  

What do you think about these and other issues?

New Orleans Casts A Wide Net For Teachers

At our first informal Humphrey Cafe discussion, we discussed issues surrounding teacher-training in New Orleans as it continues to build up its education infrastructure in a post-Hurricane Katrina era.   A focus was placed on alternative licensing of teachers through programs such as Teach For America and The New Teacher Project.

See the conversation article at: 
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122252953&ps=rs

According to the article, "The experience of New Orleans over the long term could answer important questions: Should teacher training programs be more selective? Should low-performing urban districts cast their nets nationwide, to find the most dedicated teachers? Or should they focus on better training of teachers who are already in place?" 

What do you think? 

Welcome!

Welcome to the Humphrey Fellowship Blog!  This is a space where we can share our reflections and dialogue with one another as we continue to explore issues surrounding education, cultural exchange and current affairs with current Humphrey Fellows, Humphrey Fellowship alumni and the broader Humphrey Fellowship community! 

The first few posts will be articles summarizing key issues we have discussed previously in our Humphrey Cafes and other related topics!  I hope this will get the conversations and ideas flowing as we continue learning, sharing, and thinking!!