1. Smartest guys and girls. This isn’t so weird or zany, but it is rather pointless. Being surrounded by smart guys and gals will force you to up your game, but it won’t necessarily make you smarter. In some cases, being around highly intelligent people can make you feel inadequate, especially if you’re adjusting to other things like a new environment and making new friends. Who cares if the smartest guys and girls are at your school? What matters is the school is a wise fit for your learning style.
2. Girls. Yep. One of the strangest college rankings is plain ol’ girls. We all know there’s a bevy of college comedies that portray campuses as being the easiest place to get laid, but in reality, most girls are there to learn. Collegeprowler ranks schools on girls and those with a high rank means there’s a plentiful supply of attractive, friendly girls on campus and the ration of women to men is high.
3. Off campus housing. This is a silly college ranking because off campus housing varies depending on how far or close you’ll live to the school and your budget. While this ranking from Collegeprowler does take into account things like cost of living and traffic you’ll encounter getting to campus, it’s still such a general .
4. Weather. Sure, the weather makes a difference, but would you really choose a school based on it? It may be something to take into account when choosing a school, but it should hardly be sited as a means of ranking a university. If you’re from a very cold or very warm climate, it may be difficult to adjust, but we suggest looking into specific programs and career counseling before taking weather into account.
5. Party schools. This isn’t so weird anymore, as PR has given the title a major boost in the past decade. Playboy magazine has dished out the title in recent years, taking into account female to male ratio, alcohol consumption and the medicinal medicine facility nearby. This results in tens of thousands of students lighting up on April 20th. Talk about new traditions.
6. Worst housing. This isn’t usually the first thing you look at when examining which school to commit to. Housing is bad across the board when it comes to living on campus, but for safety purposes, many schools are requiring freshman to live on campus. This means you may have no choice but to live in a tiny space that’s been around for decades. This is common for older universities where renovations might have been done in the 1980s. You’re there for school, not to improve your interior design skills (unless your major is interior design, of course).
7. Worst parking. Unless you’re living off campus, you shouldn’t have to worry about parking too much. Many of the colleges ranked are in New York City, which begs the idea – learn to use the subway! There’s nothing that says you can’t truck it to school on foot, especially if you’re living on campus. Even if parking is an issue, you can always learn the ropes and park your car in a specific spot through the week while you attend classes and then you can limit the parking song and dance to weekends.
8. Worst food. When you’re cramming for exams, you have to eat. If you’re a freshman or anyone living on campus, you may have a meal plan which forces you to eat at the various school cafeterias or food vendors throughout the school year. Some of the worst food can be found at pricey colleges, which means you may want to think about stockpiling Cup O’ Noodle before signing up for a year long meal plan.
9. Greenest campus. It’s no wonder that the majority of these campuses are small schools. This means less of everything, making them more green. Beyond that, these schools are actively making changes or building with the planet in mind. For students who love the environment and want to be involved with organizations that focus on environmental issues, this may play a large role in choosing a campus.
10. Best performance venue. Unless you’re a drama major, this probably doesn’t mean much to you, but it still exists as a strange college ranking. For best performance venue, acoustics and lighting are taken into consideration. We aren’t sure how this matters for anyone other than a drama professor who becomes a possessed director for seasonal plays, but it’s something to take into account if you plan on seeing your name in lights.

These unusual and strange college rankings may make you chuckle, but never let them dictate your decision on where to go to school. Meeting with a school counselor and getting a feel for the campus and extra curricular activities is the best way to envision yourself at that learning institution and see if it’s the right fit.

To see for yourself, check out the below list of the 15 oldest colleges in the world. Although history can be a difficult thing to nail down, we have listed the schools mostly by date of alleged foundation and have even included a few that have unfortunately ceased to exist.

1. The Academy of Plato
   The world famous and often quoted philosopher of the Greek era needs no introduction. However, his academy, which can also be referred to as a university, was founded around 387 B.C. and is definitely worth mentioning. Plato himself was thought to have resided over the academy, which was devoted to research and instructions in philosophy. The academy stood until 529 A.D. when the Christian Emperor Justinian declared it a pagan establishment.
2. Nanjing University
   Located in China, this university is thought to have been founded in 258 A.D. It has seen six dynasties and was formally classified as a university over 100 years ago. However, during its founding it was more of an informal school but still contains much of its history, and some of it still stands today. This site has more on schools in China.
3. Nalanda University
   This university was founded in Northeastern India in 427 A.D. Close to Nepal, it survived until 1197 and the ruins still remain to this day. The college was devoted to Buddhist studies, but it also trained students in fine arts, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, politics, and the art of war. There are currently discussions as to whether or not to rebuild the university.
4. Al Karaouine University
   This combination mosque and university dates all the way back to 859 A.D. To add to its diversity, it was founded by a wealthy Tunisian woman, Fatima Alfehri, who was the daughter of a rich merchant. Acknowledged by the Guinness Book of Records, various sultans have studied there and it remains an institute of Islamic higher learning.
5. Al-Azhar University
   Located in Cairo, this university opened in the summer of 972 A.D. Since then it has become one of the most well-known mosques in the whole Muslim world and the oldest university ever for both religious and secular studies. It first originated as a mosque but soon grew to become and still is an institute of higher learning. The site is even open to visitors in certain areas and with certain dress codes.
6. University of Bologna
   In the first of European entries, this university is located in Italy. Founded in 1088, masters of grammar, rhetoric, and logic devoted themselves to the law and formed the university. Seventy years later the university was declared a place where research could develop independently from any other power, a founding principle for the many universities of today.
7. University of Oxford
   This is the oldest college in the English speaking world. Located in England, teaching began here in 1096. The student population predictably grew in 1167 after King Henry II banned students from studying at Paris-Sorbonne University, which was called the University of Paris. In 1214, the university had its first chancellor and almost 20 years later, Oxford was recognized officially as a university.
8. University of Cambridge
   What do you do when the policies over at Oxford are too much for you? Scholars taking refuge used the opportunity to found the University of Cambridge in 1209. By 1226, the scholars were numerous enough to have an official organization, a chancellor, and even regular courses of study. There are now currently over 17,000 students studying everything from art to the physical sciences.
9. University of Timbuktu
   With a founding date of sometime in the 12th century, this is the oldest college in Africa. The educational foundation states that the attendance even back in those days was 25,000 students in a city of 100,000. On graduation day, the students were given turbans, which symbolize divine light. It even offered four degree levels: primary, secondary, superior, and circle of knowledge.
10. Paris-Sorbonne University
    Although the exact date is unknown, this French university is thought to have been founded sometime in the 13th century at around 1250. Still the biggest complex in the country, it is dedicated to literature, languages, civilizations, arts, humanities, and the social sciences. There are currently over 23,000 students studying under 1,300 teachers and research professors.
11. University of Montpellier
    Another European university, it was officially founded in 1289. It was one of the chief centers for teaching the practice of medicine and marked the high point of the French city’s prominence. It is currently host to 26,000 students in seven departments: law, economics, business, pharmacy, odontology, sports, and of course, medicine.
12. University of Coimbra
    The history of the University of Coimbra dates back to the century subsequent to the very foundation of the Portugal. It is thought that the university was established in the 13th century, in 1290. Just two years prior, a supplication was made to then Pope Nicholas IV and other leaders requesting the foundation of a general study. It remains home to various students in the humanities, law, medicine, science, and more.
13. Charles University
    Named after Czech and Roman king Charles IV, he founded the university in Prague by a deed on April 7, 1348. It was the first university to the north of the Alps and to the east of Paris. It followed the example of the Bolognese and the Parisian universities and in a short time became internationally famous for four faculties: theology, arts, law, and medicine. Over 51,000 students are studying at CU (which is roughly a sixth of all students in the Czech Republic), in more than 300 accredited degree programs and 660 study disciplines.
14. University of Santo Tomas
    This Philippine college was established through the initiative of Bishop Miguel de Benavides, the third Archbishop of Manila. On July 24, 1605, he bequeathed the starting funds and his personal library for the establishment of a seminary-college to prepare young men for the priesthood. Still in operation today, the school offers programs in ecclesiastical studies, medicine, civil law, and others. Although there are older universities, this one stands out for being one of the first seminary/universities.
15. St. John’s College
    St. John’s College traces its origins to King William’s School, the then Maryland colony’s “free”school”, which was founded in 1696. The term free referred to the school’s purpose: to make students free through liberal education, an aim that still holds today. The school officially became St. John’s College in 1784 after numerous failed attempts to receive a charter.

Bonus: TakshaShila University – Also known as Taxila University, this institute of learning is said to have existed over 2,700 years ago, putting it hundreds of years before entry number one. According to Human Intelligence to solve Xtreme Problems, over 10,500 students from across the world came there for higher studies. It was located in what is currently now Pakistan.

Books & Reference

1. Aldiko Book Reader: Browse huge catalogs of ebooks including best-sellers, new releases and classics (many for free) or import your own ePub and PDF files.
2. FactBook Ad-Free: This is the ad-free version of the popular FactBook reference app, offering fast + easy access to the CIA World Fact Book and United Nations data and statistics.
3. Goodreads Droid: This download by Hactar Software is a fully featured Android client for the social book website Goodreads.com.
4. Grammar Guide: This is an easy to use, quick reference guide with general rules, helpful hints and reference for using grammar.
5. Moon+ Reader for Android: Read tens of thousands of books for free, supports multiple online book sites. Read local books for nice experience with real-time smooth scroll and tons of innovation functions.
6. Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus: Developed by Handmark, the Oxford American Dictionary and Thesaurus combines a full dictionary and a full thesaurus, offering users access to the power of words.
7. Read It Later Pro: Read It Later downloads all of your articles for offline reading. You can view your articles even when away from an Internet connection, which is perfect for reading on the plane, train or your daily commute.
8. Wikidroid: View all of Wikipedia’s articles formatted perfectly for your device. Never be without the answer to an argument again! With the Plus version, you can even save articles to your SD card for viewing offline.
9. Wolfram|Alpha: This download provides free online access to the Wolfram|Alpha computational knowledge engine. Answer questions, get calculators, create plots and visualizations and much more with this versatile tool.

Productivity

10. Advanced Task Manager Pro: Kill tasks, free memory, speed up phone and save your battery with this one simple application.
11. AndroZip Pro File Manager: AndroZip File Manager is the leading Android Platform productivity application aimed to simplify management of files and handling of compressed file formats.
12. Document Scanner: Document Scanner allows you to scan documents with your phone camera, convert them into PDF, and email the PDF document to anyone, all from your mobile phone.
13. Due Today: Due Today is designed to help you get organized. Create tasks and assign them to projects and contexts. You can also set reminders to help you remember those important things.
14. ezPDF Reader: This incredible PDF reader plays video and audio from PDF. Also comes with annotation feature — activate with a long click on any place in PDF.
15. CamCard: CamCard (Business Card Reader) is an Android based application. It can capture business card images with phone-based camera, and recognize the card image content, and the recognized result is automatically organized as a contact and saved into phone address book.
16. CircleLauncher: You can add some frequently used apps, contacts or bookmarks to this launcher and start those apps, contacts or bookmarks with one click from a circle, a horizontal or a vertical line.
17. gFlash Android: Create flashcards with a two column Google Spreadsheet and share with friends or upload Excel to Google Documents. Download cards from gWhiz Catalog & your Google account and auto-shuffle cards on subsequent passes with a focus on the cards you missed (like Leitner method with better scoring!).
18. Grades: Student Organizer: Keep track of your classes, school assignments, homework, and exams with ease using the Grades: Student Organizer from Android Infinity Software.
19. Image Transfer: Wirelessly transfer your photos and videos to any computer with the click of a button. Compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux computers with a shared folder on the same network.
20. Note Everything: Note Everything is a very feature-rich note (notepad) application for android. You can organize your notes in folders and subfolders.
21. RepliGo Reader: RepliGo Reader for Android is the highest fidelity PDF viewing solution available and the only solution available that supports PDF annotations.
22. Touch Calendar: Touch Calendar makes viewing your calendar as easy as using Google Maps. No more flipping between different calendar views. Touch Calendar works with Google Calendar and any other calendars your phone supports.
23. Whiteboard Pro: Write and draw notes on your home screen. Fully customizable home screen widget.

Specific Studies

24. Android apps by Vincent Programming: You have a multitude of choices here for help with physics, numbers, chemistry and other science formulas, all costing less than a cup of coffee.
25. Android Language Classes: Right now Spanish Class, Portuguese Class and French Class are available. German, Dutch and Italian Class are in the pipeline as well. Each “class” offers complete offline courses for their particular language, together with interactive verb and vocabulary exercises.
26. Grammar Express: Grammar Express is the complete course in mastering the use of variety of expressions in writing English. It’s a valuable exercise for it teaches you how to introduce variety in writing English.
27. Human Anatomy: How many bones are in the human body? Which is the longest muscle in the body? Biceps bracii extend the arm during a pull up? Can you answer these questions and more in this fun anatomy quiz?
28. Math Ref: This application includes over 1,300 helpful equations, notes and more from algebra to chemistry. Network access only needed for sending feedback.
29. Math Reference: Created by Quizmine, this tool is useful for quick and easy access to math formulas for arithmetic, algebra, geometry and measurements. Quizmine also produces apps for physics, chemistry, biology, MBA references and more.
30. MathScript — Complete Toolbox: Try out this app or other math apps created by Math School. MathScript is a “must have” app for any one interested in mathematics and/or programming.
31. The Elements: The Elements gives you quick access to the information you need, when you need it. Not only do you get properties of the 118 elements, but you get other information that is commonly used in a chemistry class.

Tools

32. Backup to Gmail: With Google phone, you can sync your Gmail, Contacts, Calendar, Picasa Albums with Google’s Service.
33. ClearRecord: ClearRecord brings the unique feature of suppressing Ambient Noise, inadvertently captured while recording. ClearRecord also features the ability to control play-speed without modifying pitch quality and allows for background recording.
34. DocumentsToGo Full Version Key: This key unlocks premium features such as editing, Google Docs & Adobe PDF.
35. Folder Organizer: Group items according to labels and create fully customizable folders and widgets. You can organize apps, bookmarks, contacts and shortcuts.
36. Job Search: Find jobs from your Android phone with Indeed.com, the most comprehensive search engine for jobs. In a single search, Indeed offers free access to millions of jobs from thousands of company websites and job boards.
37. PrinterShare Mobile Print: Print documents (DOC, DOCX, XLS, XSLX, PPT, PPTX, PDF, TXT) from SD card and Google Docs, Gmail, photos, contacts, agenda, sms/mms, call log and web pages directly from your phone to a printer right next to you or anywhere in the world.
38. Quickoffice Pro: This app takes mobile productivity to the next level with the most comprehensive suite ever for Android smartphones.
39. Resume & Cover Letter Guide: This app will download a manual to your phone’s files in pdf format for easy viewing on your Android device.
40. WebSharing File/Media Sync: Transfer files over Wi-Fi between your phone and computer. Bulk upload/download: transfer entire folders/albums; stream music to computers; view photos/videos; WebDAV Server (Beta feature: must enable in settings).

All of this connectivity had an initial downside. Almost immediately, outcry over privacy on Google Buzz was raised. Private information was widely available, and that caused immediate concerns. The good news is that the widespread panic caused Google to make changes to its set-up, and now Buzz can be adjusted to rectify most of the privacy problems. Now that Google has done its tinkering, and many social media mavens have had their say, Buzz is being considered for its usefulness. While Google Buzz isn’t for everyone, it can be a helpful tool in a number of settings, including education.

If you are looking for an innovative way to connect with students, especially in an online learning situation, here are some ways that you can take advantage of the features offered by Google Buzz:

Create Education Groups

Google Buzz allows you to create different groups, based on shared interests. It is also possible to set up private groups on Buzz so that you are not sharing group information with outsiders. This is one of the most useful features of Buzz for educators. You can create individual groups for each course you teach. Additionally, if you are working on class projects, you can set up small groups and monitor how they are working together. Here are the steps to creating a private group and sending messages using Google Buzz:

1. In your Gmail account, go to “Contacts”.
2. Click on “New Group” and create a name for the group.
3. Add members’ emails to this group.
4. Go to Buzz and click in the message box.
5. Look below the box to see the drop down. Switch from “Public on Web” to “Private”.
6. Click on “Post to a group” and check the appropriate box.
7. Write your message and click “Post”.

Of course, the major drawback is that all of those in the class group or course have to have their own Gmail accounts and access to Buzz in order to coordinate projects and discuss class items using this social media tool.

Collaborate on Projects

Using the ability to set up groups in Gmail and in Buzz, it is possible to use Buzz to collaborate on education projects. Indeed, Buzz is set up so that conversations can take place on a variety of subjects. This allows students to collaborate with each other, sharing files and information. Google Buzz allows for the sharing of pictures, documents (Google Docs can be used easily with Gmail and Buzz), and research links with each other. This can make collaboration fast and easy.

On top of this, it is possible for others in the group to easily follow the thread of conversation, something that can be quite difficult on Twitter when you have groups of people trying to read what others are saying. Buzz keeps related conversations together, so it is easy to see what other group members have contributed to class projects. Every post has the option to insert a link or photo. With Google Docs, you receive a link that you can put in this section (or just share the doc with everyone in your group).

Class Discussion

For distance education, Google Buzz can be great for facilitating class discussion. It is easy for online educators to upload class materials so that class members can see them using Buzz. Then it is possible to discuss the materials with class members. Class members can comment on their own time schedule as well, easily pulling up what they are looking for by post discussion, and seeing what others have said. Then they can add their own comments.

Google Buzz also makes it easy to answer questions students might have. A student can post a question, and the teacher can answer it — allowing everyone in the group to see the answer. This can be an effective way for those who might have similar questions to have them answered quickly and easily without having to email the instructor separately. Filtering improvements should help increase the efficiency of this process.

The fact that you can do this with more than 140 characters (as with Twitter), and the fact that you don’t have to enter individual “friends” for each message (as with Facebook) make Buzz quite convenient. Comments, questions and explanations can be as long as necessary, and illustrative media is readily available.

Course and Assignment Updates

It is possible for you to quickly and easily send out course and assignment updates to everyone in your class using Google Buzz. If you need to make changes to an assignment, cancel a class meeting, or set up a special online class chat, you can use Buzz to quickly let everyone in your group know. You can also post information on extra credit assignments, or let students know when their grades are available.

You can also notify students when you have a new video lecture up. The “Insert Link” feature allows you to insert a link from YouTube and have the video show up as something playable immediately. You can also connect your YouTube account to Buzz, so that every time you upload a new video, it is automatically disseminated to all of your followers.

Drawbacks to Google Buzz

Even with the privacy upgrades to Buzz, there are still some concerns. One of them is that in some cases there is an “all or nothing” approach, making it difficult to make some things public and some things private. Another downside to Google Buzz in terms of privacy is that when you use Buzz on mobile devices, it can show your location to followers. You might not want classmembers knowing exactly where you are.

And, of course, in order for Google Buzz to be effective in education, all of those taking your course must have a Gmail account and use it regularly. That’s no real hardship, since it is free, but some online students may not be too keen on getting a new email account just to take a class.

In the end, though, Google Buzz offers some interesting possibilities, especially for those looking to beef up their online education offerings.

General E-Learning Blogs

If you have a passion for learning, you can take advantage of these e-learning blogs that offer tips, techniques and valuable resources for those who are interested in self-directed learning using the power of the Internet.

1. Moving at the Speed of Creativity presents information and helpful podcasts on more effective e-learning.
2. Internet Time Blog provides helpful e-learning resources. This is especially geared at business e-learning, but is useful nonetheless for all online learners.
3. Clive on Learning offers an insightful look about learning, and provides helpful hints to improving the way you engage in self-directed learning.
4. elearnspace looks at the way people learn, and offers resources and news about e-learning.
5. Learning and Technology offers an interesting look at how technology can help us be better learners. This blog includes information and resources, as well as discussion, on e-learning.
6. E-Learning Queen focuses on how it is possible to use the Internet as a learning tool and resource.
7. Stephen’s Web contains a number of interesting resources and information on e-learning and self-directed education.
8. XplanaZine provides a contemporary look at education and learning online.
9. Learning Reflections presents thoughtful posts and analysis on e-learning, and offers resources and help.
10. Online Education Blog is a resource that provides information on online colleges, degrees and learning.

Learning Theory

Technology has allowed us to advance in the way we think about learning. The reason that you learn differently from someone else may have bearing on how you perform. Online learning allows you to learn in a way that suits you best. Here are some blogs about learning theory and e-learning.

11. Informal Learning Blog is just what it sounds like — a blog devoted to helping those learn informally.
12. Random Walk in Learning focuses on the ideas behind learning, and how to apply thoughts on learning to self-directed education.
13. 2 Cents Worth provides insight into how the current landscape affects learning.
14. Learning Curves offers insight into the different ways that we learn, and how to learn according to our individual needs.
15. abject learning looks at social learning and the impact it can have on how effectively we receive education.
16. Learnlets provides interesting observations on information processing and other issues related to online education.
17. The Stingy Scholar offers information and resources on how you can learn on your own, for free, using the Internet.
18. McGee’s Musings focuses on learning innovation and how to improve the way we learn.

Technology and Online Education

Technology offers amazing opportunities to enhance the way we learn. Even more traditional learning set-ups can use technology to engage in online education. Here are some blogs about online education technology.

19. Remote Access offers some helpful information on technology that can help any number of people access education resources, no matter where they are.
20. Ed-Tech Insider provides helpful information for those who are looking for ways to incorporate online education into the learning environment.
21. Weblogg-ed focuses on how online learning can complement other types of learning.
22. Derek’s Blog looks at how technology can impact learning, and how it can enhance education.
23. The Tech Savvy Educator contains a wealth of information on integrating online education with offline learning.
24. Beth’s Thoughts on Technology in Education offers a great deal of information on learning and how online education tools can help increase the efficiency.
25. A Teacher’s Life follows a teacher in her efforts to use online learning and technology to enhance learning in the offline world.
26. The Thinking Stick provides information on online technology and how it can improve the classroom learning experience.
27. Infomancy offers tips on how to find learning tools and information using online means.
28. Techlearning Blog contains resources and insights into online education and learning.

Internet Tools and Online Education

If you are looking for Internet tools that can help you better employ online education and learning, you can visit these blogs to find out more about what’s available to you.

29. Bionic Teaching offers information on Internet tools and resources that you can use in your e-learning efforts.
30. learning.now provides excellent tools and information focused on online education. Hosted by PBS.
31. Leigh Blackall focuses on offering up Internet tools that can help with your online education.
32. absolutely intercultural! is a blog/podcast focusing on intercultural issues in education, and providing great tools and resources for e-learners.
33. Infinite Teaching Machine contains tools and resources for online learning and education. Indludes multimedia.
34. Full Circle Interaction Blog looks at the skills and tools necessary to collaborate for online learning, as well as offline learning.
35. Digital Writing, Digital Teaching focuses on using the Internet for learning about writing and redading. Offers a number of tools and resources.

Online Education Help for Teachers

Teachers often need help when preparing lessons. Whether teaching Internet courses, or teaching in the “real” world, online education resources can be very helpful for teachers.

36. The Open Classroom provides insight and information on online learning and teaching methods.
37. Wicked Decent Learning offers tips and techniques for using technology and the Internet for more effective teaching.
38. A Difference focuses on making changes to math education, providing a great online resource for teachers.
39. Infocult contains information on trends in education and tips for teachers on how to implement learning strategies.
40. Artichoke provides helpful information and insight education, and includes some great online tools for teachers.
41. Cool Cat Teacher Blog offers information on how to use new tools and methods as a teacher.
42. Teachers Teaching Teachers is a place where educators can meet online to share information, tools and methods.
43. dougbelshaw.com provides education technology tools and information, as well as resources for teachers.

Education Policy and News

Find out the latest goings on in education. These great blogs offer insight into education policy and news — including some of the latest happenings in online education.

44. D-Ed Reckoning offers a look at instruction practices and education policy.
45. Practical Theory looks at the way things are in classrooms and offers insight on how some education problems can be fixed.
46. Change Agency focuses on reinventing education — including how it can be changed by the Internet and other technology.
47. Education Intelligence Agency provides a look at different influences in education, including the impact of online education.
48. Schools Matter looks at the issues that affect education policy. It even explores the purpose of schools and even suggests different alternatives.
49. This Week in Education offers regular updates on what’s going on in the world of online, and offline, education.
50. Eduwonk follows the latest education developments and provides commentary on policy.