Report Explores Link Between Student Engagement and Learning
Over 90% of teachers, principals, and superintendents agree that student engagement is a critical metric for understanding overall achievement, according to a new survey report from Discovery Education. Yet engagement is hard to define, the researchers found, and educators disagree on its top indicators.
For its “Education Insights 2025-2026: Fueling Learning Though Engagement” report, Discovery Education polled 1,398 superintendents, teachers, parents, and students from across the United States about what engagement looks like, how best to measure it, and how to sustain it. Survey data was collected in May 2025 by Hanover Research.
Across educator responses, there was broad agreement on the top two indicators of an engaged student: asking thoughtful questions and contributing to classroom discussion. Beyond those measures, however, responses by educator persona tended to differ. For example, while 54% of superintendents identified performing well on assessments as a top engagement indicator, only 29% of teachers said the same. And while just over half of superintendents and principals considered spending extra time on studies a top indicator of engagement, only 22% of teachers agreed.
School leaders and teachers also disagreed on whether their schools have systems in place for measuring student engagement. While the vast majority of superintendents (99%) and principals (88%) said their district has an intentional approach for measuring student engagement, only 60% of teachers said the same. And about one in three teachers said the absence of a clear, shared definition of student engagement is a key obstacle to effective measurement.
“One of the most important findings of this report is that engagement is seen as essential to learning, but is inconsistently defined, observed, and supported in K-12 classrooms,” commented Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Education, in a statement. “I believe this highlights the need for a more standardized approach to measuring student engagement and connecting it to academic achievement. Discovery Education has embarked on an effort to address those challenges, and we look forward to sharing more as our work progresses.”
The survey also asked about respondents’ perception of AI in teaching and learning. Key findings there include:
66% of students believe AI could help them learn faster.
57% of teachers said they use AI to complete tasks at school.
98% of superintendents and 87% of principals agree with the statement “I frequently learn about positive ways students are using AI,” compared to 57% of teachers.
94% of superintendents and 83% of principals said they are excited about the potential for AI to support teaching and learning, compared to 53% of teachers.
100% of superintendents agree that AI must be implemented carefully to avoid negative consequences.
The full report is available on the Discovery Education site here (registration required). In addition, the company is hosting a webinar on Oct. 8 at 2:00 PM ET, in which a panel of education leaders will break down the report findings and share their own insights. Find additional details and event registration here.
About the Author
Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].
New Jersey School District Taps Otus, Discovery Education for Data Insights
West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District (WWP) in Central New Jersey has partnered with assessment and data platform Otus and ed tech company Discovery Education to better utilize data to support student achievement. Its goal: to gain insights into student performance by enhancing the district’s ability to collect, read, and react to student assessment data, according to a news announcement.
WWP will utilize the Otus platform, provided through Discovery Education, to:
Centralize district assessment data for a holistic view of student learning;
Utilize data to group students with similar needs for targeted intervention or extension;
Align instructional strategies with data insights; and
Provide every student with a collaborative plan for success, outlining goals and milestones to address academic, attendance, and other needs.
In addition, WWP educators will receive professional development on the Otus platform from the company’s team of professional learning experts, to gain best practices for integrating the platform’s resources into instruction.
“The addition of Otus to the district tech stack improves our educators’ ability to easily pull and analyze achievement data and then adjust instruction to improve student outcomes,” said Allan Johnson, supervisor of technology, training, & media sources at WWP, in a statement. “We look forward to deploying this new resource districtwide.”
“Discovery Education is thrilled to continue to support the students and teachers of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District through its unique collaboration with Otus,” commented Tori Byrd, Discovery Education’s manager of educational partnerships. “As the first school system nationwide to leverage the unique partnership between Otus and Discovery Education to combine high-quality learning solutions and state-of-the-art data analytics, West Windsor-Plainsboro is setting a new bar for innovation in this space.”
About the Author
Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].
New AI-powered platform gives colleges and universities full control over expenses and institutional spend-seamlessly integrated into leading ERP systems for end-to-end automation and visibility.
TORONTO, April 29, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– PayMyTuition, a leading provider of next-generation payment solutions for educational institutions, is proud to announce the official launch of its Expense and Spend Management Software, now fully integrated with Ellucian Banner, Ellucian Colleague, PeopleSoft, and Workday ERP systems.
This groundbreaking software delivers a modern, AI-driven approach to expense and spend management, empowering colleges and universities to streamline operations, enforce policy compliance, and gain real-time visibility into spending-while delivering a seamless experience for faculty and staff.
Redefining Expense and Spend Management for the Education Sector
PayMyTuition’s latest solution is purpose-built for higher education, providing institutions with flexible, configurable tools that adapt to their specific policies and workflows-now with unbeatable ERP connectivity for a fully unified finance ecosystem.
Key Features of the Expense Management Software:
Future-Ready Functionality Automate and simplify the entire expense lifecycle, from receipt capture to reimbursement, all while ensuring policy compliance and financial visibility.
Adaptable Expense Operations Easily configure multi-level approval workflows tailored to your institution’s spending rules and operating structures.
Instant Receipt Scanning with OCR Automatically extract critical data from digital or paper receipts using advanced optical character recognition (OCR) technology.
Robust Analytics & Reporting Drill down into spend data with intuitive dashboards and real-time reports to uncover savings, identify trends, and improve decision-making.
Effortless ERP Integration Fully integrated with leading systems like Ellucian, PeopleSoft, and Workday for seamless data synchronization across finance, accounting, and reimbursement platforms.
Fast, Secure Reimbursements Ensure timely and compliant employee reimbursements through automated and secure payment workflows.
Expert Support & Consultation Gain access to solution specialists who offer continuous support, custom configuration, and optimization strategies.
Complete Spend Management – From Requisition to Reimbursement
PayMyTuition’s Spend Management Software complements its expense solution with full-cycle capabilities that simplify spend approvals, and ensure operating and approvals alignment-helping institutions achieve up to 20% savings on spend programs.
Spend Platform Highlights:
Requisition Approvals Enforce requisitions with approval workflows that align with department-level goals and spend limits.
Advanced Expense Controls Map dynamic rules to your organization’s spend policies with customizable auto-approval logic and compliance checkpoints.
Unified Spend Visibility Gain a holistic view of all institutional spend-payables, expenses, and receipts – in one centralized dashboard.
A Future-Ready, Connected T&E Ecosystem
“Our new Expense and Spend Management Software brings much-needed automation, control, and intelligence to higher education institutions,” said Arif Harji, Chief Market Strategist at PayMyTuition. “By integrating directly into the ERPs that colleges and universities already use, we’re delivering a truly connected and future-ready solution that simplifies compliance, reduces spend, and improves operational efficiency.”
With this launch, PayMyTuition continues to lead the transformation of financial workflows in higher education – equipping institutions with smart tools to streamline back-office processes and drive long-term value.
About PayMyTuition
PayMyTuition is a leading provider of global payment and financial technology solutions tailored for educational institutions. With cutting-edge solutions for tuition payments, accounts payable, expense management, and spend automation, PayMyTuition helps colleges and universities operate with efficiency, security, and transparency.
New embedded solution streamlines AP workflows, boosts financial control, and delivers intelligent automation for faster, safer vendor payments across domestic and international channels.
TORONTO, April 15, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– PayMyTuition, a leader in transformative payment solutions for the education sector, today announced the launch of its next-generation, AI-powered Accounts Payable module, now fully embedded within Ellucian Banner, Ellucian Colleague, PeopleSoft, and Workday ERP platforms.
Built to meet the evolving needs of colleges and universities, this fully integrated solution automates the full accounts payable lifecycle-simplifying complex workflows, enhancing visibility, and delivering unmatched flexibility for both domestic and international payments.
A Game-Changer for Higher Education Finance Teams
With rising vendor expectations and increased pressure on finance departments to deliver faster, more secure payments, PayMyTuition’s new module sets a new standard with features designed to:
Eliminate manual inefficiencies
Enhance financial control
Reduce risk and human error
Improve supplier satisfaction
Feature-Rich Capabilities That Make a Difference
FOR DOMESTIC PAYMENTS:
Seamless Bank Flexibility: Institutions can work with any bank of their choice for low-cost, fast reimbursements – with full control over payment timing and tracking.
Real-Time Payment Tracking: Gain full visibility from initiation to completion, ensuring no payment falls through the cracks.
Bulk & On-Demand Recipient Management: Add or update multiple payees with ease – no delays, no complexity.
Automated Risk Controls: AI-backed fraud mitigation and top-tier security protocols ensure payments are accurate and secure.
FOR INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS:
Global Currency Payments: Pay vendors on time and in their local currency, enhancing relationships and maintaining compliance.
Smart Remittance Tools: Access best-in-market FX rates while simplifying global payments across borders.
Exchange Rate Optimization: Leverage real-time automation to maximize savings on international transfers.
Streamlined Cross-Border Workflows: No more manual uploads or file transfers – everything flows directly from your ERP system.
Transforming Finance Operations with Embedded Intelligence
“Higher education institutions need scalable solutions that match the complexity of their payment ecosystems,” said Arif Harji, Chief Market Strategist at PayMyTuition. “By launching an accounts payable module that’s AI-driven, ERP-integrated, and globally capable, we’re enabling finance teams to operate faster, smarter, and with total peace of mind.”
This launch reinforces PayMyTuition’s commitment to empowering educational institutions with frictionless financial technology, designed to drive operational excellence and stakeholder satisfaction.
About PayMyTuition
PayMyTuition is an award-winning provider of global payment solutions built specifically for the education sector. By integrating cutting-edge technologies with major ERP systems, PayMyTuition simplifies the way institutions manage tuition, non-tuition, and vendor payments – domestically and globally.
Enhanced Partnership Elevates Student Payment Experience and Institutional Efficiency
TORONTO, March 12, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– PayMyTuition, a leading provider of technology-driven payment processing solutions for higher education, is proud to announce the successful deployment of its integration into Ellucian’s Banner SaaS at Colorado School of Mines. This significant milestone underscores PayMyTuition’s commitment to enhancing the financial operations of educational institutions through seamless technology integration.
The collaboration between PayMyTuition and Ellucian, a premier provider of software and services built to power higher education, has been instrumental in this achievement. By integrating directly with Ellucian’s Banner SaaS, PayMyTuition offers institutions like Colorado School of Mines a unified platform that streamlines payment processes, reduces administrative burdens, and enhances the overall student experience.
“Our successful integration into Ellucian’s Banner SaaS at Colorado School of Mines marks a pivotal moment for PayMyTuition,” said Arif Harji, Chief Market Strategist at MTFX Group. “This deployment not only strengthens our partnership with Ellucian but also reaffirms our dedication to providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of educational institutions.”
Colorado School of Mines has been a valued client of PayMyTuition for several years. The transition from an existing on-premise integration to the new SaaS model was a collaborative effort, reflecting the institution’s commitment to technological advancement and operational excellence.
“Implementing PayMyTuition’s SaaS-integrated solution within Banner was seamless,” said Jennifer Phou, Bursar at Colorado School of Mines. ” PayMyTuition’s expertise, in collaboration with Ellucian, ensured a smooth transition with minimal disruption to our operations. With this partnership and collaboration, we can continue to streamline operations while enhancing the student payment experience at Mines.”
This deployment exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in higher education technology. By leveraging Ellucian’s robust Banner SaaS platform, PayMyTuition continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions that drive efficiency and enhance the financial management experience for institutions and their students.
About PayMyTuition
PayMyTuition is a leading provider of technology-driven payment processing solutions for tuition management and campus commerce. Serving educational institutions across North America, PayMyTuition offers innovative solutions that simplify and automate payment processes, enhance operational efficiency, and improve the overall student experience.
About Ellucian
Ellucian is a leading provider of software and services built to power higher education. With more than 2,900 customers in over 50 countries, Ellucian delivers technology solutions that drive student success and institutional excellence.
About Colorado School of Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
TORONTO, January 28, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– PayMyTuition, a leading provider of payment solutions for educational institutions, is proud to announce the launch of its cutting-edge 529 Disbursement Solution, designed to streamline and automate the handling of 529 college savings plan payments for U.S. colleges and universities. By eliminating manual processes and introducing real-time integration with major Student Information Systems (SIS), PayMyTuition is setting a new standard for efficiency and transparency in 529 disbursement management.
PayMyTuition’s 529 Disbursement Solution
PayMyTuition’s comprehensive platform revolutionizes the 529 payment process by offering real-time automation, flexible payment methods, and seamless integration with major SIS platforms such as Ellucian Banner, Ellucian Colleague, and PeopleSoft Campus Solutions. This modernized approach ensures error-free and scalable management of 529 disbursements.
PayMyTuition’s 529 Disbursement Solution: A Modern Approach
PayMyTuition offers a fully automated platform that digitizes the 529 payment process, ensuring institutions benefit from real-time processing, fewer errors, and seamless SIS integration. This eliminates reliance on paper checks and transforms disbursement management.
Key Features of PayMyTuition’s 529 Disbursement Solution:
Real-Time Integration with SIS Platforms PayMyTuition’s platform integrates in real time with leading SIS platforms, enabling institutions to validate student data and post payments automatically. This reduces administrative workloads and improves accuracy in payment processing.
Automated Reconciliation with Unique Identifiers Using unique student identifiers, the platform automatically matches payments to student accounts, minimizing errors and consolidating payments into a single daily deposit. This speeds up reconciliation and reduces the potential for discrepancies.
Real-Time Payment Tracking and Transparency Institutions and stakeholders gain full visibility into payment statuses with real-time payment tracking, reducing inquiries and enhancing administrative efficiency.
Flexible Payment Options PayMyTuition supports a variety of payment methods, including ACH transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and open banking. This flexibility ensures fast, secure payments, eliminating the need for paper checks and allowing institutions to handle payments seamlessly.
The Impact: Efficiency, Accuracy, and Flexibility
With PayMyTuition’s 529 Disbursement Solution, educational institutions can expect to see significant cost savings, resource efficiency, and payment accuracy. Finance teams no longer need to manually process payments or respond to status inquiries, as the platform’s automated processes take over. Real-time tracking and transparency also reduce the overall administrative workload, allowing staff to focus on more strategic tasks.
The Future of 529 Disbursements: A Modern, Adaptable Approach
As educational institutions continue to adopt advanced technologies, the demand for integrated, flexible payment solutions will only increase. PayMyTuition’s 529 Disbursement Solution is positioned to meet these evolving needs, offering seamless SIS integration, diverse payment methods, and real-time automation that simplifies disbursement management.
By eliminating paper checks and embracing digital payment options, PayMyTuition empowers institutions to modernize their financial processes while enhancing efficiency and transparency. Institutions can now handle 529 disbursements with unparalleled ease and flexibility, leaving outdated manual methods behind.
About PayMyTuition:
PayMyTuition, part of the MTFX Group of Companies, is a leading provider of payment processing solutions.
TORONTO, November 19, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– PayMyTuition, a leading provider of cutting-edge payment processing solutions for the higher education sector, today announced the launch of its innovative Sponsored Payments Module. This advanced solution is designed to streamline the management of third-party sponsorship payments for educational institutions by automating billing, payment, and reconciliation processes. By connecting students, sponsors, and institutions, the new module simplifies the handling of sponsored student accounts, enhancing both transparency and operational efficiency.
“As institutions continue to support a growing number of sponsored students, managing these payments manually has become an increasing administrative burden,” said Arif Harji, Chief Market Strategist at MTFX Group. “Our Sponsored Payments Module automates the entire process—from invoicing to reconciliation—allowing schools to focus on providing educational opportunities instead of inserting inefficient and ineffective payment processes that detract the student from focusing on their true mission. We’re thrilled to introduce this solution, which will transform how institutions manage sponsorship payments.
The Sponsored Payments Module integrates directly into existing Student Information Systems (SIS), including popular platforms such as Ellucian Banner, Ellucian Colleague, and PeopleSoft Campus Solutions. This seamless integration eliminates the need for manual processes, ensuring that payments are processed efficiently, accurately, and in real time.
Key Features of PayMyTuition’s Sponsored Payments Module:
Automated billing and reconciliation: The module automates invoice creation and payment reconciliation, reducing administrative workload and minimizing errors.
Self-service portal for sponsors: Sponsors can easily manage their accounts, view detailed billing information, and make payments through a user-friendly self-service portal allowing them to make more timely, and less resource-intensive payments.
Support for multiple payment methods: Institutions can accept payments via credit card, debit, ACH, wire transfer, and other methods, providing sponsors with flexibility and convenience.
Real-time SIS integration: Seamless integration with Student Information Systems keeps all departments updated with real-time data, streamlining communication and enhancing transparency.
Detailed payment tracking: Educational institutions can track payments and outstanding balances at the student level, ensuring accurate and timely allocations.
Benefits for Educational Institutions:
The Sponsored Payments Module revolutionizes how schools manage sponsorship billing. By automating and simplifying these processes, institutions can reduce operational costs, improve the student and sponsor experience, and enhance financial transparency.
Increased Efficiency: Automated invoicing and reconciliation allow institutional resources to focus on more critical tasks.
Enhanced Transparency: Both sponsors and institutions benefit from clear, itemized billing and a breakdown of tuition and fee details, reducing confusion and improving communication.
Improved Sponsor Experience: Sponsors gain full visibility into their account activity and can manage payments, view student schedules, and verify fees with ease, without needing to contact the school.
“The Sponsored Payments Module is designed to reduce the burden on institutions and sponsors alike,” added Harji. “By simplifying the management of sponsored students, educational institutions can grow their sponsorship programs without being held back by administrative hurdles.”
Educational institutions seeking to modernize their management of third-party sponsorship payments can now take advantage of this cutting-edge solution to improve efficiency and enhance the student and sponsor experience.
About PayMyTuition:
PayMyTuition, part of the MTFX Group of Companies, is a leading provider of payment processing solutions tailored to the needs of educational institutions. With over 25 years of experience and more than 8,000 clients across North America, MTFX is a recognized leader in global payments and payment processing. PayMyTuition leverages innovative technology and exceptional customer support to simplify complex financial processes for schools, students, and sponsors. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices in Jersey City, NJ, MTFX Group processed over $11 billion in payment processing across 180+ countries last year.
TORONTO, October 15, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– PayMyTuition, a leader in payment processing solutions for educational institutions, is excited to announce the launch of Student Manager, an advanced platform designed to centralize and simplify student financial management. By integrating seamlessly with Student Information Systems (SIS) and PayMyTuition solutions, Student Manager offers institutions a powerful dashboard that provides a comprehensive view of each student’s financial profile. This innovative tool empowers campus staff to deliver fast, accurate, and real-time support, ultimately enhancing the student experience.
“With more students making online payments, institutions need a streamlined approach to financial management,” said Arif Harji, Chief Market Strategist at MTFX Group. “Student Manager is a game-changer. It centralizes critical student financial data in one place, allowing institutions to improve service efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and elevate the student journey.”
Key Features of Student Manager:
Student Account Information: Instant access to student financial details, enabling staff to answer inquiries quickly.
Payment Information: Easily track payment histories and balances in real-time.
Financial Aid: View financial aid status with just a few clicks.
Authorized Users and Permissions: Securely manage user permissions and student account access.
Seamless Integration for Enhanced Efficiency
Student Manager integrates directly with existing SIS and PayMyTuition platforms, allowing institutions to pull together data from various systems. This comprehensive approach ensures that staff can access critical information in one unified view, including:
Account balances, holds, and academic information.
Student consents and agreements.
Demographics and class schedules.
Expanding Functionality with Payments and Departmental Deposits
Student Manager goes beyond standard account management by offering modules for Payments and Departmental Deposits. These features enable staff to accept payments in person, over the phone, or digitally, simplifying financial management across departments and reducing the burden on the business office.
Real-Time Insights and Proactive Solutions
By providing real-time integration with student information systems, Student Manager allows institutions to identify payment trends and manage potential issues before they escalate. Staff can proactively offer solutions, such as setting up payment plans for students who may be falling behind on their payments. This capability not only improves customer service but also fosters greater student engagement and retention.
Key Benefits of Student Manager:
Improved Student Experience: A one-stop platform that resolves most inquiries in a single session, eliminating the need to refer students to other departments.
Quick Staff Onboarding: Easy-to-use interface and common terminology allow new staff to assist students immediately.
Proactive Assistance: Data-driven insights enable staff to identify and address trends, offering tailored support to students.
Increased Efficiency: Centralized access to critical information reduces time spent navigating multiple systems.
Enhanced Productivity: Staff across campus, including non-business office personnel, can securely access and manage the information they need to assist students.
Secure Data Management: Role-based permissions ensure that sensitive student information is protected, granting access only to authorized users.
Expanding Student Manager’s Capabilities
For institutions looking to further streamline their financial operations, Student Manager offers additional modules, including:
Payments Module: Accept payments in person using credit cards, debit cards, checks, cash, or ACH, while staff can handle same-day transaction voids and daily reconciliation.
Departmental Deposits Module: Manage non-student payments, such as facility rentals or parking fines, extending the one-stop platform for campus-wide use.
Conclusion
PayMyTuition’s Student Manager is an all-in-one solution that centralizes financial, academic, and demographic data, empowering institutions to provide faster, more efficient student support. With real-time insights, seamless system integration, and extended functionality, Student Manager ensures that student accounts are managed accurately and efficiently, enhancing the overall student experience.
To learn more about how Student Manager can transform your institution’s student financial management, visit www.paymytuition.com.
About PayMyTuition:
PayMyTuition, part of the MTFX Group of Companies, is a leading provider of payment processing solutions for educational institutions. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with offices in Jersey City, NJ, MTFX Group has over 25 years of experience in global payments and foreign exchange, serving more than 8,000 clients across North America.
Media Contact:
PayMyTuition Media Relations Email: media@paymytuition.com
For Danvers teacher John Hodsdon, summer break was by no means a vacation from learning.
Hodsdon, a sixth-grade science teacher at Holten Richmond Middle School, spent more than two weeks in Ghana through the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program.
The fully funded program is a yearlong professional learning opportunity and short-term exchange for elementary, middle and high school educators from the U.S. to develop skills to prepare students for a competitive global economy. The program equips educators to bring an international perspective to their schools through targeted training, experience abroad and global collaboration.
“One of the goals is to help prepare kids for a global world,” said Hodsdon. “How do we communicate with different cultures? How do we show empathy? How do we create a sustainable future by working together?”
Hodsdon is in his 30th year in Danvers. As a science teacher, he enjoys helping students learn about the environment and feel empowered to effect change. When he found out about the Fulbright opportunity, he was immediately interested, and applied.
“Danvers is becoming a more diverse community of students,” he said. “I wanted to increase my own cultural understanding and my knowledge of global education.”
Prior to the trip abroad, participants completed a semester-long online course focused on best practices in global education and gathered for an in-person professional development workshop in Washington, D.C. Finally, they traveled to immerse themselves in another country’s culture and education system. Participating countries and territories included Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Senegal and Uruguay.
Hodsdon was in Ghana from July 13 to July 29 with 17 other participants in the program. Ghana, the second-most populous country in West Africa, is dominated by agriculture. Hodsdon and his group spent the first few days in the capital city of Accra for an orientation period.
“We met with government officials, and they’re going through education reform right now, so it was interesting to see that process,” he said.
Next, they went to Yendi, a small town in northern Ghana, and visited Yendi Senior High School. Hodsdon had a chance to observe, co-teach some lessons and put on presentations.
“We shared ideas about making curriculum student-centered,” he said. “There are some really great teachers over there, so we learned a lot as well. And in working with the kids, they had so much joy in learning, in spite of the fact that they don’t have a lot of the conveniences that we have here.”
Hodsdon said it was interesting to see how connected the students in Ghana were to their own environment and natural resources.
“There’s more of a disconnect to the environment here, like if you were to ask, ‘where does your water come from?’” said Hodsdon. “In Ghana, they’re gathering their own water from a well.”
Hodsdon said he and his host teacher in Yendi will continue to work together and hopefully collaborate on some projects throughout the year. At the start of the school year, Holten Richmond seventh-graders wrote to students in Yendi and sent them school supplies. Next, Hodsdon’s students are raising money to help the students there buy trees to plant, to help with climate change.
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., October 2, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Level Up Village (LUV), a global collaboration program from Language Testing International (LTI), and the Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, are excited to announce the launch of The Players Exchange, a free, innovative youth development program aimed at empowering students through project-based learning and global collaboration.
The Players Exchange offers students a transformative experience that features exclusive insights from Major League Baseball Players. Throughout the program, students engage in various tasks and teamwork challenges, sharing their progress via video-based exchanges with partner classrooms. As they complete these tasks, students explore the diverse cultures and values that shape our global community. With hands-on activities, guided discussions, and the involvement of MLB Players, participants develop and refine essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, teamwork, and collaboration.
“This program and alliance with LTI demonstrate how a collaboration creates exponential value for those served. By harnessing the power of sport with cutting-edge approaches to learning, we hope to further inspire curiosity and a love of learning in students here and abroad,” said the Players Trust Director, Amy Hever.
Program Highlights:
Exclusive MLB Player Insights: Major League Baseball Players share experiences and teamwork lessons with students, providing inspiration and guidance throughout the program.
Global Collaboration: Students from around the world work together to solve team-building challenges that foster a deeper understanding of cultures and values that shape our world.
21st Century Skills Development: The program focuses on the development of critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and leadership, equipping students with skills needed for future success in sports, school, and life.
“Through Level Up Village, our mission is to foster global connections and empower students with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Partnering with the Players Trust allows us to take this mission to the next level by bringing the values of teamwork and cultural understanding into the classroom. The Players Exchange empowers students and educators to engage in meaningful collaboration and emerge as compassionate leaders,” said Tiziana Aime, the CEO of Language Testing International.
The Players Exchange is a free program designed to make a lasting global impact. For more information or to sign up, please visit www.levelupvillage.com/players.
About Level Up Village
Level Up Village (LUV) is a program developed by Language Testing International (LTI) to globalize the classroom by facilitating collaboration between students from around the world. Through LUV exchanges, students enhance their understanding of other cultures, strengthen their intercultural communication skills, gain empathy, and develop into global citizens.
About the Players Trust Established in 1996, the Players Trust is the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association. Driven by Players and inspired by the game, the Players Trust provides programs and resources that champion their individual and collective passions towards a common goal: Making a positive impact on the world and inspiring others to do the same. For additional information, please visit www.playerstrust.org.
For press inquiries, please contact: Gosia Jaros-White, Director of Academic Sales and Marketing
Educational technology has transformative powers, connecting students to personalized learning experiences and helping teachers make data-informed decision to tailor instruction to student needs.
When the right digital solutions are implemented, every classroom becomes a new world of opportunity. But reaching this new world depends on edtech evangelists–pioneers who are ready, willing, and eager to create the school of the future.
Join us to discover what it means to become an edtech evangelist, explore how edtech impacts student success, and meet the cutting-edge technology manufacturers equipped to help your school move forward.
Register below for this informative (and transformative) webinar — attend live or watch on demand.
EdTech Evangelists and the Future of Education Webinar: Tuesday, October 1 | 2:00 PM ET
You’ll discover how:
Cutting-edge technology creates individualized learning and collaboration opportunities for students
The future of education relies on intentional learning goals as we embrace new technologies
Embracing AI means acknowledging the development of more tools for success
Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
NEW YORK, September 19, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Voices, the world’s leading voice over marketplace, published Click, Learn, Repeat, a new report which found that eLearners are highly motivated to achieve their learning goals, with nearly 70% participating in eLearning at least weekly or more often to achieve their goals.
Click, Learn, Repeat surveyed over 500 respondents who had recently participated in various forms of eLearning. The report explores current trends in eLearning, such as why learners participate in eLearning, how they prefer to consume content, their favored formats and tools, and more.
The report found that eLearning initiative is largely driven by the pursuit of career advancement (60%) and to develop personal interests or hobbies (58%). Learners also turn to eLearning for academic purposes (45%), certification programs (32%), learning new technologies or software (34%), and learning new languages (25%).
Other key findings from the report include:
Learners are willing to invest in their growth: 22% have invested up to $500 in eLearning courses, 22% have invested between $500-$999 in eLearning, and 30% have invested $1000 or more in eLearning. 26% said they only participate in free eLearning.
YouTube leads the way as the go-to platform for self-directed eLearning, with 57% of learners turning to it for educational content. Social media overall is a frequently accessed educational resource, with 90% of learners said they search for or consume educational content on social media.
Interactive eLearning is more popular among the younger age group: 40% of respondents aged 18-29 said interactive eLearning is one of their preferred formats, compared to 27% of those aged 45-60.
Audio greatly assists in retaining information: 83% of learners prefer courses with audio narration alongside visual content, and 80% said they prefer one consistent narrator voice for large volumes of material.
AI is transforming audio in eLearning: 65% of learners report they can’t distinguish between AI-generated narration and a real human voice.
“Technology-driven learning is finding creative ways to keep people engaged in continuous learning. Today’s eLearning landscape provides opportunities that are educational, engaging, and available in convenient and creative formats that allow learning to conform to different lifestyles,” says Tara Parachuk, Senior Manager, Brand Communications.“People care about achieving their goals and eLearning platforms that offer flexible and immersive content—whether through video, gamified modules, or even augmented or virtual reality—are empowering learners to do just that, on their own terms.”
Voices is the world’s #1 voice marketplace, with over 4 million registered users. Since 2005, the biggest and most beloved brands have entrusted Voices to help them find professionals to bring their projects to life. Voices helps match clients with voice over professionals in over 160 countries and 100+ languages and dialects.
Leading School Districts Implement Curriculum to Enhance Student Purpose, Belonging, and Future-Ready Skills
BEND, Ore., July 30, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Wayfinder, a leading provider of social-emotional and future-ready skills curriculum, is excited to announce its expansion into four prominent school districts across the U.S. for the upcoming school year.
“We believe that schools can play a pivotal role in nurturing each student’s sense of meaning, purpose, and belonging,” said Patrick Cook-Deegan, Founder and CEO of Wayfinder. “The 300% rise in teacher engagement with our lessons this year underscores the urgent need for purpose-driven education. Our partnerships with these exceptional school districts are a powerful response to the mental health challenges facing our youth. Together, we’re addressing critical issues like absenteeism and digital citizenship, ensuring every student feels valued and empowered to navigate their future.”
Wayfinder’s continued growth includes partnerships with the four school districts highlighted below.
Hawaiʻi Department of Education, HI — The Hawaiʻi DOE is sponsoring a statewide effort to provide a custom version of Wayfinder accessible to all of Hawaiʻi’s 55 middle schools and alternative learning programs. The DOE is also supporting schools that have existing Wayfinder implementations for various grade levels. Inspired by the traditional art, science, and practice of Polynesian wayfinding and developed in collaboration with Hawaiʻi nonprofit Education Incubator, Wayfinder is providing a Hawaiʻi-focusedversion of its curriculum that brings together purpose development, future-readiness, and local context. Wayfinder aligns to Nā Hopena A‘o, a statewide framework of six core values often abbreviated as BREATH: Belonging, Responsibility, Excellence, Aloha, Total Well-Being, and Hawaiʻi. Wayfinder is deeply proud to support Hawaiʻi educators as they preserve, honor, and elevate the unique qualities of Hawaiʻi.
Des Moines Public Schools, Des Moines, IA — Des Moines published a request for proposal and vetted many programs before ultimately choosing Wayfinder. District leadership cites the quality of ongoing support and resonance of the curriculum as significant factors in their selection of Wayfinder. Five thousand teachers and 33,000 students across the district’s 65 schools will experience Wayfinder in the coming school year. The district will also use Wayfinder’s Education on Purpose professional learning series to allow district leaders to focus on facilitation capacity and social-emotional learning skills.
Minneapolis Public Schools, Minneapolis, MN — Minneapolis is implementing Wayfinder’s comprehensive offerings across 80+ K-12 schools serving 30,000 students. The district chose Wayfinder because the curriculum aligns with its values—including emotional well-being, relationships, trust, communication, and evidence-based strategies. Flexibility and resonance were also cited as primary factors in the decision. All district counselors access Wayfinder’s assessment tools and lessons, especially for targeted and intensive student interventions. The district is planning a multiphase rollout strategy over two years to maximize student support and educator skill development, carefully monitor usage and assessment data, and provide targeted support for counselor caseloads.
Cumberland County Schools, Fayetteville, NC — Cumberland County Schools serves the world’s third-largest concentration of military-connected students. The district offers Military Family Life Counselors, Student-2-Student Programs, and Military Family and Youth Liaisons. Wayfinder’s comprehensive programming will reach 25,000 students across 51 elementary schools. All students will experience Wayfinder’s Core Curriculum, and counselors will use additional resources for small group and individual interventions. Two Cumberland high schools will also pilot Wayfinder.
Alyson Finley, Director of Student Services at Des Moines Public Schools, said, “Our district chose Wayfinder because we believe the curriculum ensures all students, regardless of background, feel seen and valued. The materials require minimal prep time and allow educators to focus on what matters most: our students. When meeting with Wayfinder staff, we could feel their genuine commitment to our district’s success. They are not just selling a product; they are true partners in our educational journey. They empowered us to tailor the scope and sequence to our diverse district’s needs, and they created a solution with us that truly and authentically serves our students and staff.”
The districts above are just a few of many additions to Wayfinder’s list of schools and districts. Wayfinder’s presence has grown significantly from coast to coast over the past two years. During the 2022-23 school year, 34 districts in Oregon used the curriculum—in 2023-24, this number more than doubled to 75 districts.
Dawn White, Ed.D., a Content Lead for Minneapolis Public Schools, shared why her district selected Wayfinder after a lengthy decision-making process: “Wayfinder ensures continuity of learning across all schools and grade levels in our district. In looking through different options, we appreciated that Wayfinder’s lessons are age-appropriate and relevant at every developmental stage. The tools meet the needs of our multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) structure, and we felt this was a culturally responsive social-emotional learning curriculum across K-12. Our students speak 100+ different languages and represent rich cultural backgrounds. This curriculum fosters student belonging and a sense of purpose through a culturally responsive lens.”
Kristy Newitt, Counselor Coordinator for Cumberland County Schools, stated that Cumberland is excited to move forward with Wayfinder. “We recognize the importance of social-emotional learning being utilized throughout the school and not just held within the Student Services departments. Wayfinder’s platform is allowing just that. Our teachers will now have direct delivery of tier 1 lessons through morning meetings, which will allow stronger relationships to be built between students and teachers, and students and students. Additionally, through the use of their Waypoints data, our school counselors and school social workers will be able to offer data-driven small groups.”
Wayfinder has served students from over 65 countries across the globe, including major U.S. districts such as Omaha Public Schools, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, Portland Public Schools, and The School District of Philadelphia. This year, they received the highest possible program designation from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and the highest possible Learning Rating from Common Sense Education.
The Wayfinder team looks forward to serving hundreds of thousands more students this school year.
Orlando, Florida – Anthology, the leading educational technology company, revealed the latest iteration of its Learning Management System (LMS), Blackboard, at Anthology Together 2024. Previously known as Blackboard Learn, the flagship LMS was recognized for outpacing the competition in feature development for the third consecutive year. This iteration focuses on enhancing AI literacy, improving instructor workflows, and supporting student achievement. Innovations such as AI Conversations, Content Designer, and Video Studio demonstrate Anthology’s commitment to advancing education through technology by integrating tools that address the evolving needs of academic institutions.
“The impact of AI, the enrollment cliff, student retention, escalating costs, changing student expectations—I don’t remember a time higher education faced so many unprecedented challenges,” said Nicolaas Matthijs, Chief Product Officer at Anthology. “Our rapid product enhancements and commitment to working in close collaboration with our customers reflect our dedication to helping higher education not just overcome these hurdles but thrive in this dynamic environment.”
Leading the way on AI literacy
Following on the success of its AI-facilitated instructional design tool, the Blackboard AI Design Assistant, Anthology announced the availability of its student-focused AI literacy tool. Students will be expected to use generative AI technologies in the workforce, and it’s important they have an opportunity to experience it and understand its strengths and weaknesses.
AI Conversations is a new activity type in Blackboard to drive AI literacy and deepen student engagement. Through the tool, students can have a conversation with an AI persona about a specific topic. It’s a unique way to expose students to generative AI in a responsible and pedagogically-sound way while maintaining instructor oversight. The instructor is able to review the interaction and assess their student’s critical thinking while offering a novel and engaging means of assessment.
Powered by Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service, AI Conversations sets a new standard in AI literacy not available in any other LMS. AI Conversations will be a core feature included in every Blackboard license. All AI-facilitated capabilities in Anthology solutions are developed following Anthology’s Trustworthy AI Approach.
Deepen student engagement and bolster instructor efficiency
Customer engagement and co-design is a critical component of Anthology’s product development process. The Anthology customer community were active contributors to all of the value-driven features announced at Anthology Together:
Blackboard Content Designer. To allow instructors to create more engaging learning experiences, the Content Designer allows simple, fast, interactive content creation that is mobile friendly and accessible. Aligned with Anthology’s mission to deliver innovation that is simple and intelligent, the Content Designer is a core feature of the latest version of Blackboard included in every license.
Blackboard Video Studio. In order to create an even more engaging and multimodal student experience, Anthology also launched Video Studio. Powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Video Studio allows instructors to add video and audio content to their courses quickly and easily, with automatic captioning and flexible playback for use in low-bandwidth areas, to deliver a more engaging and accessible multimedia experience for students.
Blackboard Mastery Learning. Blackboard’s enhanced Mastery Learning capabilities allow instructors to design programs that adapt to each student’s individual needs. This personalized approach deepens student engagement and significantly enhances learning outcomes, ensuring learners progress and master course content as they go.
The new Gradebook Mastery view allows instructors to easily identify learning gaps at both the course and individual student levels. This clear, visual representation of student progress enables instructors to adjust their instructional strategies as needed. Students also benefit from the Mastery view by gaining a comprehensive understanding and overview of how their course assignments contribute to their overall learning outcomes.
The new Achievements feature in Blackboard celebrates student accomplishments. With Achievements, instructors can create badges for students to earn based on specific performance criteria. Badging is vital to student learning as it aligns with evolving student expectations and provides a visual recognition of achievements and skills mastery.
Students can showcase their expertise in their life-long Achievement Studio account. They can display their skills and badges, including the evidence of their learning, and incorporate in social platforms and portfolios.
Experience the industry’s most modern learning management system with a free trial at www.anthology.com/try.
About Anthology
Anthology delivers education and technology solutions so that students can reach their full potential and learning institutions thrive. Millions of students around the world are supported throughout their education journey via Anthology’s ecosystem of flagship SaaS solutions and supporting services, including the award-winning Blackboard® (LMS), Anthology® Student (SIS/ERP), and Anthology® Reach (CRM). Through the Power of Together, we are uniquely inspiring educators and institutions with innovation that is meaningful, simple and intelligent to help customers redefine what’s possible and create life-changing opportunities for people everywhere. www.anthology.com.
eSchool Media staff cover education technology in all its aspects–from legislation and litigation, to best practices, to lessons learned and new products. First published in March of 1998 as a monthly print and digital newspaper, eSchool Media provides the news and information necessary to help K-20 decision-makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and colleges and achieve their educational goals.
The Discovery Education blog is a free resource for educators to find time-saving teaching strategies and compelling content for their daily lessons.
Full of timely tips, high-quality DE resources, and advice from our DEN community, these posts are meant to entertain and inform our users while supporting educators everywhere with new ways to engage their students in and out of the classroom.
While everyone’s favorite acronym—AI—seems to be the hottest topic as #CoSN2024 kicks off here in Miami, Ashley May, M.S., M.Ed., CETL, Director, Educational Technology Spring Branch ISD (TX), reminds us what is truly the most urgent and present concern for all edtech leaders. Security—whether online or in-person— is always issue number one.
eSchool News was able to interview Ashley about various aspects of ensuring student safety online, where she emphasizes the importance of collaboration between technology services and academic teams when it comes to data privacy, culture building, parental involvement, and the evolving landscape of educational technology. Have a listen:
PARAMUS, N.J./PRNewswire/ —Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is excited to announce that it has been named to the 2024 edition of the GSV 150, an annual list of the top 150 private companies transforming digital learning and workforce skills. This is the second year in a row that Savvas has been named to the GSV 150.
“At Savvas, we are committed to developing innovative learning solutions that are powered by the most advanced technology to help educators meet the needs of all students,” said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. “Savvas is honored to be recognized among the exceptional companies on the GSV 150 who are champions of educational technology — including new AI-enabled systems — to make for a richer, more personalized teaching and learning experience for all.”
GSV is a global community and investment platform singularly focused on elevating the scope and scale of innovation in the $7 trillion education and workforce sector. It estimates that together these 150 companies reach roughly 3 billion people — almost half of the global population — and generate approximately $23 billion in revenue.
Savvas was chosen from more than 2,000+ global companies revolutionizing the world of education technology, from Pre-K-12 to workforce learning. GSV Ventures evaluated these companies on five criteria — revenue scale, revenue growth, active learner reach, international reach, and margin profile — to determine the global GSV 150 list.
With an innovation mindset and a focus on technology to personalize instruction at scale, Savvas empowers educators and engages students with high-quality, interactive PreK-12 learning solutions. It recently acquired Outlier.org and its portfolio of online, asynchronous college-level courses that combine cinematic videos and charismatic professors, enabling high school students to earn dual credit while never having to leave their school building. The acquisition will allow Savvas to offer an immersive, engaging college learning experience to millions of high school students and increase educational equity, access, and opportunity.
In 2023, Savvas acquired Whooo’s Reading and its cutting-edge AI-driven technology, which Savvas is thoughtfully integrating into its digital ecosystem of innovative learning solutions. Savvas believes that AI’s game-changing capabilities have the potential to take personalized learning to new heights while providing teachers time-saving tools to make their jobs easier, enabling them to spend more time interacting with students.
“The world is adapting to seismic shifts from generative AI,” said Luben Pampoulov, partner at GSV Ventures. “AI co-pilots, AI tutors, AI content generators — AI is ubiquitous, and differentiation is increasingly critical. The GSV 150 is an impressive group of edtech companies that are leveraging AI and driving positive outcomes for learners and society.”
In addition to Savvas being selected for inclusion on the GSV 150 list, Forsa has also been chosen to speak at the ASU+GSV Summit 2024 in San Diego, in panel discussions focusing on the AI Revolution in Digital Education as well as K-12 schools and content.
ABOUT SAVVAS LEARNING COMPANY At Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design engaging, next-generation K-12 learning solutions that give all students the best opportunity to succeed. Our award-winning, high-quality instructional materials span every grade level and discipline, from evidence-based, standards-aligned core curricula to supplemental and intervention programs to state-of-the art assessment tools — all designed to meet the needs of every learner. Savvas products are used by millions of students and educators in more than 90 percent of the 13,000+ public school districts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as globally in more than 125 countries. To learn more, visit Savvas Learning Company. Savvas Learning Company’s products are also available for sale in Canada through its subsidiary, Rubicon.
ABOUT ASU+GSV SUMMIT The ASU+GSV Summit is the premier global event focused on technology innovation in education and skills. We believe that ALL people deserve equal access to the future. Started in 2010 with a collaboration between Arizona State University (ASU) and Global Silicon Valley (GSV), the annual Summit connects leading minds focused on transforming society and business around learning and work. Educators, investors, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs from around the world come together to innovate the future of education for all.
eSchool Media staff cover education technology in all its aspects–from legislation and litigation, to best practices, to lessons learned and new products. First published in March of 1998 as a monthly print and digital newspaper, eSchool Media provides the news and information necessary to help K-20 decision-makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and colleges and achieve their educational goals.
Known as one of the nation’s premier K-12 education technology events, this year’s FETC kicks off on Jan. 23, 2024 in Orlando. Attendees will learn directly from top ed tech experts and successful real-world practitioners in hundreds of in-depth workshops and hands-on sessions.
Sessions, keynotes, discussions, and the expo hall will connect attendees with need-to-know details on the latest edtech innovations shaping the education landscape. Plus, they’ll learn best practices and current trends to best leverage educational technology resources.
The conference features 7 tracks for a customized experience:
Assistive technology
Campus leader
Coach
District administrator
Educator
Information technology
Library media specialist
FETC workshops and sessions are presented by experts and innovators who are making a difference across the K-12 education spectrum. They’ll share best practices, innovative ideas, leadership strategies and provide valuable perspectives and solutions to challenging edtech problems.
1. Building Inquiry-Based Instruction: This session is designed to support educators in creating inquiry-based lessons with a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills; both of which enhance student performance in and out of the classroom. In the standardized testing era, students are too often asked to memorize facts and/or recall ideas without being expected to retain a deeper understanding of information. Depth in learning comes from focusing on critical thinking, evaluation of information, and tapping into students’ intrinsic curiosity.
2. The Magic of Merlyn: How AI Can Create wonders in Your Classroom? Unleash the Magic of AI in Your Classroom! Join our session to explore MerlynMind Origin, an AI-powered tool transforming K-12 education. Discover how it tackles diverse learning styles, boosts student engagement, and streamlines administrative tasks. Witness its magic through an interactive demo and real-life success stories. Your classroom’s future starts here!
3. Transformational IT Leadership: The Makeup of a Modern CIO: As the leader of the technology at your business how do you define your role in the ever changing world of technology? Through the various adoptions, pandemics, and cybersecurity threats, what is the makeup of a modern CIO?
4. Elevating Equity: Unveiling Startling Insights for Inclusive CS Classrooms: Did you know the “nerd” stereotype can dissuade girls from pursuing STEM education? Who makes a better programmer, a mathematician or a linguist? In this session, we will explore some startling research findings on equity and inclusion in STEM and Computer Science (CS), identify barriers to entry, and explore resources and activities that can be quickly implemented. We will redefine what equity and inclusion can look like in the CS classroom.
5. SEL and STEM: Meaningful Classroom Connections: The social emotional wellness of the students we serve is more important than ever. The integration of hands-on learning in STEM aligns with the tenets of SEL in ways that will not only develop learners academically, but socially and emotionally. Using the CASEL competencies of self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, this session will explore the connections between STEM and SEL. Examples will be shared that connect to each part of the SEL framework including student work examples and rubrics for classroom use. Through STEM learning experiences, we will explore the ways that hands-on STEM can increase social emotional development. Participants will engage in discussion about lesson ideas that can be used in any K-8 classroom. As we strive to better, more connected educators we want the same for our students. Supporting students to think beyond themselves to create a positive impact for others is a lesson that we all need right now. Developing empathy and social awareness for others not only builds social emotional learning in our students but helps them to be better citizens.
Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
The expanded partnership between FeedbackFruits and D2L will help provide D2L Brightspace users with scalable pedagogical solutions for peer feedback, social annotation, team-based learning and polling to help drive effective teaching and learning.
AMSTERDAM, September 5, 2023 (Newswire.com)
– FeedbackFruits, an education technology company that provides pedagogical solutions, today shared that it has become a strategic partner in D2L’s open learning ecosystem. This can help provide participating D2L Brightspace users with easier access to FeedbackFruits’ solutions for active and collaborative learning. The expanded partnership will introduce combined go-to-market opportunities to support a harmonious experience for customers.
The partnership is built on a shared mission of helping institutions create connected teaching and learning ecosystems that nurture meaningful educational experiences and can equip students with the transferable competencies they require to succeed. FeedbackFruits, together with over 100 partners, has co-developed a tool suite of 15 solutions that fully integrate into D2L Brightspace through LTI 1.3 and API integrations, adding a seamless pedagogical layer to the Learning Management System (LMS). As part of the partnership, D2L customers will have a selection of three FeedbackFruits solutions for Brightspace; Peer Feedback, Social Annotation, and Team-Based Learning & Polling, or can also implement the entire FeedbackFruits tool suite for a full transformation.
The FeedbackFruits tool suite has been adopted at institutions using D2L Brightspace throughout the world, such as Central State University, Victoria University, and Queen’s University. The expanded partnership can help support high-quality education with a robust, flexible, and connected learning ecosystem.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with FeedbackFruits,” said Katie Bradford, VP of Product Partnerships at D2L. “At D2L, we believe in the power of partnership to support the delivery of solutions that can help transform the way the world learns.”
Ewoud de Kok, CEO and Founder of FeedbackFruits, emphasized the importance of educational technology companies working together: “To meet the needs of educators and learners, the edtech landscape needs to be led by collaboration. I’m very proud that the partnership with D2L allows us to make teaching and learning easier and more impactful for higher education institutions.”
About D2L
D2L is transforming the way the world learns—helping learners of all ages achieve more than they dreamed possible. Working closely with clients all over the world, D2L is supporting millions of people learning online and in person. Our growing global workforce is dedicated to making the best learning products to leave the world better than they found it. Learn more about D2L for K-12, higher education and businesses at www.D2L.com.
The D2L family of companies includes D2L Inc., D2L Corporation, D2L Ltd, D2L Australia Pty Ltd, D2L Europe Ltd, D2L EU B.V., D2L Asia Pte Ltd and D2L Brasil Soluções de Tecnologia para Educação Ltda.
All D2L marks are trademarks of D2L Corporation. Please visit D2L.com/trademarks for a list of D2L marks.
Ideal study spaces provide a view through a window or doorway.
Liv-Connected
Millions of American children and teens are heading back to school this season. While much of their academic success can be credited to their parents, teachers, guidance counselors and educational materials, the importance of their home environment should not be understated. Whether a brand new kindergartener or a graduating class of 2024 senior, having the right setup to study and do homework can have a powerful impact on their academic success. Three experts weighed in by email with solutions for creating home spaces, including technology, space planning and design ideas you can easily implement.
Smart Home Technology
Kansas City-based smart home technology integrator Joseph Acree is getting more requests for kids’ study spaces, he reported, likening them to “home offices for children.” And, as with their adult counterparts, these areas need to include the basics (data connections and potentially displays, cameras and sound bars for remote learning), but can also include wellness enhancements.
“For example,” he suggested, “having tunable lighting can make a big difference in productivity.” (It can also help with sleep, an absolute wellness essential for kids of all ages.) “Being able to tie all this technology together in one smart home system makes it easy to hit a single button and have the scene set for ‘homework time’ or ‘remote learning,’ which can turn on the display, the camera and sound bar. Automating these features makes them all the easier to use,” he shared.
Parental controls is another area where technology can assist, especially with the youngest children, and where Acree said he is getting more requests. These can be customized based on the child and types of restrictions they need. “We have a 12-year-old who is extremely responsible and uses his devices primarily for learning. On the flip side, our 17-year-old needs to be restricted at times because he will be on his devices all day, every day if we allowed it.” Flexibility is key for parents, he observed.
Acree also pointed out that “there is a grey area between reliance on technology and what is [left] up to the individual to make responsible decisions. Parents have to be aware of what can influence or disrupt the educational process, so we can guide our children on responsible technology usage. Network security, awareness, and continuous education are critical to these processes.” Working with a professional can shed light on what’s available and how to implement it, he added.
Elementary School Students
Even your youngest children should be part of the design planning process, advised Karen Aronian, Ed.D.. “Ideally, elementary-aged kids should be their study spaces’ lead designers and general contractors,” suggested the New York area professional (and former public school teacher), who designs educational spaces for academic, hospitality, and private clientele.
Starting out can be challenging, Toronto-based psychologist Dr. Bev Walpole, C. Psych., shared, citing motivation, focus, self-discipline, time management and technology usage as issues to navigate. “Elementary school children may find it difficult to stay motivated and focused on their studies at home,” she pointed out. “Learning to manage time and prioritize tasks is a skill that young children are still developing.” Getting this right requires understanding each child’s unique needs and keeping communication open, the psychologist noted, but the rewards include helping them develop essential skills and supporting academic progress.
“Once you have your design framework considerations detailed (budget, theme, furnishings, essential materials, personalized decor add-ons), you can create their learning space together,” Aronian continued. “Recreate the elements at home that will benefit your child and partner with their teacher to boost your child’s education.”
You’ll want to think about the study area’s layout with regard to the child’s seated direction and view, ideally out of a door or window. You also need to factor in lighting, storage and shelving, climate control, air quality and details that personalize the space for your child. “Showcase their work and education posters,” the former teacher noted. As they advance through grades, you’ll be reinventing the space together, she added.
The ideal homework/study space may live outside of a child’s room, especially if it’s space challenged. “I was reimagining hallway closets into study spaces decades ago, which are now mainstream,” Aronian recalled. Any space can be a learning space. She sees kitchens as ideal workspaces for elementary students who need parental cues to stay on task. She also likes outdoor spaces as seasonal spots: “I recently helped a client design a pirate’s crow’s nest treehouse that serves as their twins’ go-to study space,” she shared.
Middle School Students
These adolescents have different needs than their younger siblings, and parents still have a key role to play, Walpole advised. “Set up a quiet and well-lit area in the home specifically for studying and homework. This space should be free from distractions and equipped with the necessary learning materials.”
Technology will play a role. “Set guidelines for screen time and encourage your child to use technology for productive learning activities. Limit access to social media and video games during study hours,” the psychologist recommended. At the same time, peer interaction is also crucial at this age, she added. “Facilitate opportunities for your child to interact with friends and classmates through virtual hangouts or study sessions. Social connections are vital for emotional well-being and can also support collaborative learning.”
When it comes to the room’s look and feel, “Tweens generally know what they want and don’t want,” Aronian observed about those students between ages 10 and 12. “In this regard, a parent/guardian is more of a facilitator than a collaborator,” she added. They’re going to be more familiar with the technology, furnishings and color schemes they prefer by that age and grade. “I love home improvement stores for endless ideas to jumpstart tween’s design input,” she added.
“If they’re all about tech, the setup may be a metaverse smart space; with a clap, they’ll command Alexa to commence ChatGPT practice. Or maybe your child works best in nature-driven environs, where an inside/outside approach offers the ultimate snuggery.”
Middle schoolers’ spaces often have to multi-task, Aronian commented. “When setting up a tween’s study, consider their passions that drive how the space functions. Students who stream content or Zoom for study sessions will want a quality webcam and gaming chair. They’ll require a green screen wall if they’re in performing arts. These are considerations for designers to best manifest their client’s goals,” the educational designer suggested. Switching up locations while studying is also proven to imprint information better, she added.
Acree observed that kids are more tech savvy than their parents might think, so if there’s a concern around technology access, bringing in a professional is a way to ensure that the systems they set up can’t be bypassed.
High School Students
“High schoolers know they’re on a fast track to a college dorm room and libraries. They’re looking for organized study spaces that offer efficiency and utility,” Aronian commented. When planning their spaces, it’s important to consider whether they’ll be an all-in-one room for sleep, study, lounging, gaming and mindfulness. Some parents are opting for study spaces ‘in a box’ that just require measuring and installation.
It can be a challenging time for this older age group too, Walpole observed. “Adolescents are at a stage where they are striving for more autonomy. They may resist the idea of a structured study space at home, viewing it as a restriction on their freedom.” They may also struggle with feelings of isolation, lack of motivation and digital distractions, the psychologist added. “The process of establishing a suitable study space and routine at home may lead to conflicts between adolescents and their parents.”
Parents can overcome challenges like this by including their adolescents in the process of creating both space and schedule, setting realistic expectations, and setting boundaries around tech use, Walpole recommended. “This involvement can help them feel more ownership for their study environment.”
Final Words
“Movement and seating options are critical for all ages, even within a small study space,” Aronian recommended. “A standing desk, a cozy spot with plush pillows on the floor, and a conventional desk are best for students K to 12,” she advised. Be prepared to reconfigure and revise as your child ages too. “The challenge is not to let your child’s learning environment get stale.”
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Author’s Notes
Contributors Acree, Aronian and Walpole will be sharing more back-to-school space insights in an hour-long Clubhouse conversation tomorrow afternoon (August 2, 2023) at 4 pm Eastern/1 pm Pacific. You can save the date and join this WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS discussion here. If you’re unable to attend, you can catch the recording via Clubhouse Replays here or the Gold Notes design blog here next Wednesday.
