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6 Technology Trends That Redefine Data Analytics in Higher Ed

6 Technology Trends That Redefine Data Analytics in Higher Ed
Data and analytics have become a prominent strategy across industries to promote informed decision-making. Riding this wave is the higher education industry. Recently, the higher education IT association inaugurated a data and analytics edition of the Horizon Report, a report that provides a deep analysis of technology trends and practices that impact higher ed institutions. The report confirms that data analytics is an emerging alternative for strategic decision-making and planning.

According to the report, here are the six practices and technologies that will have the greatest impact:

Data Management
Data management and governance includes automating workflow, managing access, consent management, data privacy, and data integrity management. According to Educause, these data processes form an essential part of institutional success and security. Despite this, many institutions rely on multiple committees instead of a dedicated team for data management and governance. This gap is an opportunity for data and analytics solution providers to meet and improve data management in higher ed.

Consolidating Data Sources
Data silos are a common concern in higher ed institutions. The tremendous volumes of data that institutions have stored are never leveraged due to the divide between systems. Unifying these data sources will help higher education institutions build a seamless ecosystem that supports their administrative as well as remote instruction platforms.

Data Architecture
High-end analytics is incomplete without smart data architecture. The scalability and flexibility of the data architecture enables higher ed institutes to be agile and use data effectively to fuel decision-making. Establishing a modern data architecture will be at the top of the list for higher ed institutions.

Data Literacy
Equipping decision-makers and stakeholders with the necessary skills to interpret the insights generated by the data is crucial to the success of the organization. Stakeholders across the institutions in higher education, from management leaders to administrators and teachers, need data literacy training to leverage data efficiently.

DEI-based Data and Analytics
Data analytics professionals are putting more emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to drive how they retrieve, analyze, and process data. This will allow higher ed institutions to capitalize on data and analytics to promote their DEI policies, boost equity, and track progress to improve outcomes.

Enhancing Institutions’ Data Analytics
The growing demand for meaningful, and insight-driven data is pressing data professionals to enhance their capabilities and contribute to the institutional capabilities to use data effectively. Institutional leaders can start considering what purpose data analytics might play in the future if stronger procedures are in place. Collaboration between institutions will be more secure, useful, and advantageous. Analytics administrators can anticipate greater outcomes for students, instructors, and staff as data analytics procedures advance.

Spotlight

Mesa Community College

Mesa Community College provides outstanding transfer and career and technical programs, workforce development, and life-long learning opportunities to residents of the East Valley area of Phoenix, Arizona. MCC excels in teaching, learning and empowering its more than 40,000 students who attend annually to succeed in a local and global community. Mesa Community College is one of ten colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District.

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Education Technology

MBBS in Ukraine

Article | July 14, 2022

Ukraine is an East European country with sophisticated infrastructure and a European cultural feel. Ukrainian universities offer international students the opportunity to pursue their dreams and realize their potential through quality education. The Ministry of Education and Science (Ukraine) recognizes and regulates medical universities and their courses. The six-year MBBS degree is one such course that is offered in universities in Ukraine to impart learning with a humanitarian touch. The Medicine Course MBBS in Ukraine is not only a course but an opportunity that turns novice aspirants into noble doctors. The six-year course pedagogy bestows students with the much-desired knowledge, skills, and clinical training that instills capability in them to think beyond excellence. The topmost universities provide an amicable ambiance for learning and holistic development. Why Ukraine? Student exchange programs in collaboration with healthcare institutions in the EU, India, and other countries make the admission procedure hassle-free. Ukraine has the upper hand over China, Russia, and other Central Asian countries in terms of living conditions, the medium of education, exposure to European culture, and affordability issues. For instance, in Ukraine, the medium of education is in the English language, while in some universities in Russia, international students pursue the degree bilingually (three years in English and the rest in Russian). Eligibility for the MBBS Course All universities have their own admission criteria, such as some universities have a requirement of 50 percent in Class XII (PCB), while others require 60 percent. The fundamental requirement for every candidate is to qualify for the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) exam. Indian citizens and overseas citizens of India can approach the Ukrainian universities for direct admission after clearing the NEET exam, which is valid for three years. Essential Prerequisites • A passport • Mark sheets of Class X and XII (duly attested by the Ministry of External Affairs, India) • Original copy of the birth certificate • An official letter of invitation issued by a Ukrainian university • Reports of HIV tests. Points to Remember • Every year more than 3000 (approx) students from India submit applications forUkrainian universities. Maximum admission inquiries are received in June, and the admission process is closed by August.The applications are entertained on a first-come, first-served basis and the minimum age is 17 years and the maximum is 23 years. • The TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required. • The fee structure ranges from $4200 (?3,10,800 to $8000 (?5,92,000) per year. There are options for yearly recurring payments. • The average living cost per person is $180 - $200 (?13,320 to ?14,800). Krok Exam KROK is a licensing exam that applies to Ukraine’s medical education system and it must be cleared by students to complete the MBBS course. The KROK -1 exam is conducted at the end of the third year, while the KROK-2 exam is conducted at the end of the sixth year to assess the overall progress of students. Failure in the KROK exam leads to disqualification from the MBBS course. Recognition of the MBBS Degree Ukrainian Medical Universities are registered with the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) and are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). All universities in Ukraine offer a legitimate degree that is recognized by WHO and ECFMG. The degree is approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). The Standard of Education The experiences of the current students reveal that there is a good and strict academic atmosphere. There is no room for indiscipline, and the successful completion of the course requires strenuous and sincere efforts. It is not just medical education that is a prime concern in universities; rather, they focus on the overall development of students. The educational standards incite students to partake in extramural activities, international seminars, and conferences. One more positive aspect is that universities are reforming and upgrading their syllabus to match the syllabus of the USMLE (the United States Medical Licensing Examination). Myths There are rumors prevalent regarding educational standards, exams, classes, and academic pedagogy. But all such rumors are baseless because the educational standards and the pedagogy are unique in themselves. For example, a concept of “rework” widespread in universities requires every student to pass the daily tests that are conducted based on previous lectures. If a student doesn’t qualify within the stipulated duration, then he/she bears a penalty. List of Universities 32 top-class universities offer affordable quality education to international students. Out of these, 16 are approved by the Medical Council of India. The top 5 universities are – 1. Lviv National Medical University – It is one of the oldest universities in Ukraine (Estab. 1784) 2. Ivano Frankvisk National Medical University 3. Vinnitsya National Medical University 4. Denipro State Medical University 5. Zaprozhiya State Medical University Living Conditions and Safety Ukraine has a cold temperate climate. The Climate certainly plays a crucial role in adaptability for many candidates especially for Indians because they are accustomed to the hot, humid, and seasonal climate. The safety of the child is a major concern for Indian parents especially when it comes to unexplored international locations. But the experiences of the students and alumni reveal that Ukraine is even safer in general for students and in particular for girls than India. Future Prospects of MBBS Graduates Alumni of Ukrainian Universities can pursue their careers either at international locations or in India. However, to start their medical practice in India students have to qualify for a licensing examination - NEXT (National Exit Test). Students are anxious about these licensing exams and they fear that whether the international MBBS degree would be accepted in India or not. But all such apprehensions are baseless because these licensing exams are qualifying and are compulsory for all students. Parents and students can placate their apprehensions and clear their doubts by reaching out to info@ukraineeducation.org. This is the official channel via which all the legitimate information, guidance, and cooperation can be received.

Read More
Education Technology

3 Remote Learning Technology Must-Haves for Higher Ed

Article | June 15, 2022

Determining a timeline for when higher education will go back to “normal” is an aimless guessing game. Will it be weeks? Months? Years? For colleges and universities, the sudden shift away from traditional classroom spaces has upended typical teaching tactics. Even schools with minimal online infrastructure must now deliver distance learning at scale. For educators who are tech-savvy (and those who are not) to make this transition and develop curricula that support student success, the right resources are critical.

Read More
Education Technology

Here we go again: Back to online learning in Fall 2020

Article | July 12, 2022

As many colleges and universities make the decision to offer online instruction in fall 2020 due to COVID-19, we’re quickly reminded of the Saturday Night Live (SNL) episode that aired during the spring commencement season. “Congratulations Class of 2020! You will now pay full price for your college experience at a University of Phoenix Online without the tech support,” joked Kate McKinnon. She was portraying the principal at a COVID-19 graduation at St. Mary Magdalene by the Expressway High School. Unfortunately, this skit from SNL wasn’t only humorous, it also reflected the reality for some. These people have been thrust into a version of remote teaching that, while developed with the best intentions of faculty and administrators, was more emergency triage than true online learning.

Read More

Boston Dynamics’ Handle robot recreated with Raspberry Pi

Article | August 25, 2020

You in the community seemed so impressed with this recent Boston Dynamics–inspired build that we decided to feature another. This time, maker Harry was inspired by Boston Dynamics’ research robot Handle, which stands 6.5 ft tall, travels at 9 mph and jumps 4 feet vertically. Here’s how Harry made his miniature version, MABEL (Multi Axis Balancer Electronically Levelled). MABEL has individually articulated legs to enhance off-road stability, prevent it from tipping, and even make it jump (if you use some really fast servos). Harry is certain that anyone with a 3D printer and a “few bits” can build one.

Read More
Education Technology

3 Ways to Recession-Proof the Education Technology Department

Article | July 14, 2022

Ukraine is an East European country with sophisticated infrastructure and a European cultural feel. Ukrainian universities offer international students the opportunity to pursue their dreams and realize their potential through quality education. The Ministry of Education and Science (Ukraine) recognizes and regulates medical universities and their courses. The six-year MBBS degree is one such course that is offered in universities in Ukraine to impart learning with a humanitarian touch. The Medicine Course MBBS in Ukraine is not only a course but an opportunity that turns novice aspirants into noble doctors. The six-year course pedagogy bestows students with the much-desired knowledge, skills, and clinical training that instills capability in them to think beyond excellence. The topmost universities provide an amicable ambiance for learning and holistic development. Why Ukraine? Student exchange programs in collaboration with healthcare institutions in the EU, India, and other countries make the admission procedure hassle-free. Ukraine has the upper hand over China, Russia, and other Central Asian countries in terms of living conditions, the medium of education, exposure to European culture, and affordability issues. For instance, in Ukraine, the medium of education is in the English language, while in some universities in Russia, international students pursue the degree bilingually (three years in English and the rest in Russian). Eligibility for the MBBS Course All universities have their own admission criteria, such as some universities have a requirement of 50 percent in Class XII (PCB), while others require 60 percent. The fundamental requirement for every candidate is to qualify for the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) exam. Indian citizens and overseas citizens of India can approach the Ukrainian universities for direct admission after clearing the NEET exam, which is valid for three years. Essential Prerequisites • A passport • Mark sheets of Class X and XII (duly attested by the Ministry of External Affairs, India) • Original copy of the birth certificate • An official letter of invitation issued by a Ukrainian university • Reports of HIV tests. Points to Remember • Every year more than 3000 (approx) students from India submit applications forUkrainian universities. Maximum admission inquiries are received in June, and the admission process is closed by August.The applications are entertained on a first-come, first-served basis and the minimum age is 17 years and the maximum is 23 years. • The TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required. • The fee structure ranges from $4200 (?3,10,800 to $8000 (?5,92,000) per year. There are options for yearly recurring payments. • The average living cost per person is $180 - $200 (?13,320 to ?14,800). Krok Exam KROK is a licensing exam that applies to Ukraine’s medical education system and it must be cleared by students to complete the MBBS course. The KROK -1 exam is conducted at the end of the third year, while the KROK-2 exam is conducted at the end of the sixth year to assess the overall progress of students. Failure in the KROK exam leads to disqualification from the MBBS course. Recognition of the MBBS Degree Ukrainian Medical Universities are registered with the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) and are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). All universities in Ukraine offer a legitimate degree that is recognized by WHO and ECFMG. The degree is approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). The Standard of Education The experiences of the current students reveal that there is a good and strict academic atmosphere. There is no room for indiscipline, and the successful completion of the course requires strenuous and sincere efforts. It is not just medical education that is a prime concern in universities; rather, they focus on the overall development of students. The educational standards incite students to partake in extramural activities, international seminars, and conferences. One more positive aspect is that universities are reforming and upgrading their syllabus to match the syllabus of the USMLE (the United States Medical Licensing Examination). Myths There are rumors prevalent regarding educational standards, exams, classes, and academic pedagogy. But all such rumors are baseless because the educational standards and the pedagogy are unique in themselves. For example, a concept of “rework” widespread in universities requires every student to pass the daily tests that are conducted based on previous lectures. If a student doesn’t qualify within the stipulated duration, then he/she bears a penalty. List of Universities 32 top-class universities offer affordable quality education to international students. Out of these, 16 are approved by the Medical Council of India. The top 5 universities are – 1. Lviv National Medical University – It is one of the oldest universities in Ukraine (Estab. 1784) 2. Ivano Frankvisk National Medical University 3. Vinnitsya National Medical University 4. Denipro State Medical University 5. Zaprozhiya State Medical University Living Conditions and Safety Ukraine has a cold temperate climate. The Climate certainly plays a crucial role in adaptability for many candidates especially for Indians because they are accustomed to the hot, humid, and seasonal climate. The safety of the child is a major concern for Indian parents especially when it comes to unexplored international locations. But the experiences of the students and alumni reveal that Ukraine is even safer in general for students and in particular for girls than India. Future Prospects of MBBS Graduates Alumni of Ukrainian Universities can pursue their careers either at international locations or in India. However, to start their medical practice in India students have to qualify for a licensing examination - NEXT (National Exit Test). Students are anxious about these licensing exams and they fear that whether the international MBBS degree would be accepted in India or not. But all such apprehensions are baseless because these licensing exams are qualifying and are compulsory for all students. Parents and students can placate their apprehensions and clear their doubts by reaching out to info@ukraineeducation.org. This is the official channel via which all the legitimate information, guidance, and cooperation can be received.

Read More
Education Technology

Leveraging Cognitive Dissonance to Enhance Student Learning

Article | June 15, 2022

Determining a timeline for when higher education will go back to “normal” is an aimless guessing game. Will it be weeks? Months? Years? For colleges and universities, the sudden shift away from traditional classroom spaces has upended typical teaching tactics. Even schools with minimal online infrastructure must now deliver distance learning at scale. For educators who are tech-savvy (and those who are not) to make this transition and develop curricula that support student success, the right resources are critical.

Read More
Education Technology

How to Counter Teacher Burnout in Education?

Article | July 12, 2022

As many colleges and universities make the decision to offer online instruction in fall 2020 due to COVID-19, we’re quickly reminded of the Saturday Night Live (SNL) episode that aired during the spring commencement season. “Congratulations Class of 2020! You will now pay full price for your college experience at a University of Phoenix Online without the tech support,” joked Kate McKinnon. She was portraying the principal at a COVID-19 graduation at St. Mary Magdalene by the Expressway High School. Unfortunately, this skit from SNL wasn’t only humorous, it also reflected the reality for some. These people have been thrust into a version of remote teaching that, while developed with the best intentions of faculty and administrators, was more emergency triage than true online learning.

Read More

Boston Dynamics’ Handle robot recreated with Raspberry Pi

Article | August 25, 2020

You in the community seemed so impressed with this recent Boston Dynamics–inspired build that we decided to feature another. This time, maker Harry was inspired by Boston Dynamics’ research robot Handle, which stands 6.5 ft tall, travels at 9 mph and jumps 4 feet vertically. Here’s how Harry made his miniature version, MABEL (Multi Axis Balancer Electronically Levelled). MABEL has individually articulated legs to enhance off-road stability, prevent it from tipping, and even make it jump (if you use some really fast servos). Harry is certain that anyone with a 3D printer and a “few bits” can build one.

Read More
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Spotlight

Mesa Community College

Mesa Community College provides outstanding transfer and career and technical programs, workforce development, and life-long learning opportunities to residents of the East Valley area of Phoenix, Arizona. MCC excels in teaching, learning and empowering its more than 40,000 students who attend annually to succeed in a local and global community. Mesa Community College is one of ten colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District.

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Education Technology, Talent Development, Online Education

Bridge2Rwanda Extends Partnership with IXL to Support Students Developing English Language Skills

PR Newswire | January 30, 2024

IXL, the personalized learning platform used by 15 million students worldwide, has announced an extension of its partnership with Bridge2Rwanda (B2R), a nonprofit dedicated to creating global education opportunities for high-achieving African students. B2R educators will continue leveraging IXL's award-winning platform to deliver targeted English language arts (ELA) instruction, helping learners build and master literacy skills essential for securing university scholarships. In total, B2R has used IXL to support 500 students across eight different training programs since the partnership began. Despite encouraging improvements in literacy rates, limited access to resources and a nascent reading culture pose significant challenges to educational achievement in Rwanda. Recognizing the pivotal role education plays in enhancing socioeconomic outcomes, Bridge2Rwanda was established in 2007 to empower Rwandan high school students with high-quality reading and writing opportunities. B2R's ultimate goal is to build a thriving community of well-educated African leaders who will accelerate their nations' growth and improve the lives of others. B2R began using IXL Language Arts in 2019 to support the English language development of 30 high-achieving scholars from Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Burundi. In 2020, the nonprofit relied on IXL's all-inclusive platform to ensure that its English language learners (ELLs) developed essential ELA skills during distance learning. After two years of an impactful partnership, B2R made IXL an integral component of its new intensive English training and college preparatory program, Isomo Academy. The inaugural class of 120 Isomo Academy scholars quickly embraced IXL's tailored support, built-in instructional resources, and engaging learning opportunities. During the first week of Isomo Academy's eight-week training program, educators use IXL's adaptive assessment, the Real-Time Diagnostic, to pinpoint each student's English proficiency level, helping them understand individual strengths and areas for improvement. Based on these insights, the diagnostic then generates personalized skill recommendations to challenge and support learners at the right level. Additionally, B2R educators use the diagnostic to track student growth each week to ensure that students are progressing and mastering essential ELA concepts. Bridge2Rwanda educators also rely on IXL's comprehensive curriculum to help students build the skills that they need to become strong communicators. Each day at Isomo Academy, students take writing and reading classes that are paired with intensive language and communication seminars. Additionally, students work on IXL skills that align with their classroom lessons. The combined approach allows educators to engage students at their individual levels, assign homework, and differentiate learning beyond the school day. "IXL bursts bottlenecks for Bridge2Rwanda scholars by eliminating language barriers," said Luke Dreiling, Lead English Teacher, Bridge2Rwanda. "This enables them to excel in their studies, advance their careers, and contribute significantly to the growth of African communities." "Bridge2Rwanda's dedication to expanding educational opportunities for young African students is commendable. We are excited to continue equipping even more bright and ambitious learners with the tools they need to confidently pursue their dreams on a global scale," said Paul Mishkin, CEO of IXL Learning. "At IXL, we are committed to leveraging education as an instrument of empowerment to break down language barriers and ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive." IXL's impact on English language learners IXL Language Arts gives teachers a systematic way to troubleshoot each student's unique reading and writing roadblocks, and put them on the path to success: Among schools with a high percentage of ELLs, research demonstrates that those using IXL outperformed non-IXL schools on Smarter Balanced Assessments in ELA by as much as seven percentile points. IXL's comprehensive curriculum provides more than 2,400 adaptive skills that span early literacy, reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and advanced concepts, such as persuasive writing. Each IXL skill is adaptive, ensuring that ELLs feel confident that they are perfectly challenged and supported at the right level when developing fluency. IXL's adaptive assessment, the Real-Time Diagnostic, pinpoints students' grade-level proficiency in key ELA strands, and generates targeted next steps to help students grow from where they are. As English language learners progress, these personalized recommendations stay up-to-date, ensuring that they always have a clear path toward mastering ELA concepts. As students learn and practice, IXL provides in-the-moment support and resources for self-remediation. For example, video tutorials guide learners through the building blocks of reading, writing, and grammar to provide additional support during learning and independent practice. If a student answers a problem incorrectly, IXL provides a step-by-step explanation of the right answer so that students can learn from their mistake and solidify their knowledge of that skill. Educators also rely on insights from IXL Analytics to track student progress, monitor readiness for exams, and differentiate instruction to fill knowledge gaps. Up-to-date reports help teachers uncover areas of challenge for each student and identify patterns in mistakes in order to provide targeted reteaching.

Read More

Education Technology, Corporate Education and Training, Continuing Education

Elsmere Education Launches EPaaS: Powering Smart Growth in Higher Education with Streamlined Processes and ROI-Driven Strategies

PR Newswire | January 31, 2024

Elsmere Education, a leading force in online program enablement, announces the official launch of Education Process as a Service (EPaaS). This innovative ecosystem empowers universities to achieve smart growth in their online programs by streamlining operations, maximizing ROI, and catering to the unique needs of non-traditional students. EPaaS encompasses Elsmere Education's proven business processes tailored for an enriched student journey supported by dynamic communication strategies. Our solutions are powered by a curated technology ecosystem that includes omnichannel marketing capabilities and is designed to integrate with a wide range of existing campus systems. Built on Feedback, Designed for Growth The subscription-based model empowers universities to bring essential services in-house efficiently, leveraging a comprehensive suite of 40+ technologies through a single procurement process. EPaaS is intentionally designed to streamline and optimize the entire student lifecycle, specifically catering to the needs of non-traditional and online adult learners. Dan Janick, CEO of Elsmere Education, states: "EPaaS is a game-changer in terms of ROI. We've created a flexible, scalable solution that gives universities complete control and empowers internal teams to be more agile. It's the ultimate enablement model for driving efficiencies, increasing enrollment, and boosting student retention." Addressing Common Challenges Elsmere Education recognizes the challenges faced by university leaders in meeting the unique needs of non-traditional students and online adult learners. EPaaS addresses common challenges, including reliance on campus systems built for traditional students, lack of a CRM platform, and manual workflows hindering efficient student journey execution and monitoring. EPaaS Delivers Tangible Results 360-degree business intelligence: Make data-driven decisions for improved performance across the student lifecycle. Real-time marketing metrics: Optimize your marketing efforts and maximize enrollment yield. Increased staff productivity: Streamline processes and free up your team to focus on student success. Elsmere Education is your partner in online education success. Contact us today to learn how EPaaS can transform your institution.

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Education Technology, Online Education, Continuing Education

2U Partners with University of Surrey to Launch 15 Online Master's Degrees

PR Newswire | February 01, 2024

2U, Inc, the company behind global online learning platform edX, today announced a new partnership with the University of Surrey to launch and support the delivery of online master's degrees and online professional certificate programs. An initial five online degree programs will welcome students in 2024, with a portfolio of at least 15 master's degrees and at least 15 professional certificate programs being delivered by 2026. This will expand access to this highly ranked UK university for students worldwide. Surrey's partnership with 2U will deliver Surrey Online Learning: an acceleration and transformation of the university's provision of online learning. 2U's expertise will help Surrey establish a scalable model and quickly expand its digital capabilities to worldwide audiences. The collaboration aligns with the university's mission to expand access to life-changing education and personal and professional success. "We're partnering with 2U and their edX platform to accelerate Surrey Online Learning provision," said Professor Tim Dunne, Provost and Senior Vice-President at the University of Surrey. "The University of Surrey has global strength in innovation and research, and is renowned for being one of the best universities in the UK for delivering excellence in teaching and employability. Through Surrey Online Learning, we will offer flexible and affordable educational pathways that are compatible with and relevant to modern careers, combining accessibility with strong student outcomes." Surrey's suite of online degrees will build on the success of its on-campus programs, with the online curriculum developed in partnership with LearningMate. The first five degrees expected to launch in 2024 will be in the areas of artificial intelligence, business, psychology, marketing, and sustainability. The professional certificate programs, which will focus on technology, healthcare, business, communications technologies, and sustainability, will provide learners with an opportunity to build and enhance critical professional skills on their way to determining if a full degree in a corresponding subject is part of their educational journey. "2U prides itself in being a digital transformation partner that can support strategic long-term thinking, accelerate innovation, and help drive positive student outcomes across new formats and modalities," said Andrew Hermalyn, President of the Degree Program Segment at 2U. "The University of Surrey has major ambitions to expand its online learning capabilities, and we are honored to be their partner to help build their online presence from the ground up." "LearningMate is honored to partner with the University of Surrey on its transformative online learning initiative in collaboration with 2U. We're excited to contribute to the development of cutting-edge online master's degrees and professional certificate programs that align with Surrey's commitment to excellence," said Prasad Mohare, Senior Vice President at LearningMate. "Our focus on innovation and accessibility will be showcased in the initial offerings. LearningMate is dedicated to supporting Surrey in expanding access to impactful, career-relevant learning opportunities in the evolving landscape of online education." Today's announcement builds on the continued demand for 2U's flexible degree partnership model, which gives universities the choice of selecting different bundles of services according to their needs.

Read More

Education Technology, Talent Development, Online Education

Bridge2Rwanda Extends Partnership with IXL to Support Students Developing English Language Skills

PR Newswire | January 30, 2024

IXL, the personalized learning platform used by 15 million students worldwide, has announced an extension of its partnership with Bridge2Rwanda (B2R), a nonprofit dedicated to creating global education opportunities for high-achieving African students. B2R educators will continue leveraging IXL's award-winning platform to deliver targeted English language arts (ELA) instruction, helping learners build and master literacy skills essential for securing university scholarships. In total, B2R has used IXL to support 500 students across eight different training programs since the partnership began. Despite encouraging improvements in literacy rates, limited access to resources and a nascent reading culture pose significant challenges to educational achievement in Rwanda. Recognizing the pivotal role education plays in enhancing socioeconomic outcomes, Bridge2Rwanda was established in 2007 to empower Rwandan high school students with high-quality reading and writing opportunities. B2R's ultimate goal is to build a thriving community of well-educated African leaders who will accelerate their nations' growth and improve the lives of others. B2R began using IXL Language Arts in 2019 to support the English language development of 30 high-achieving scholars from Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Burundi. In 2020, the nonprofit relied on IXL's all-inclusive platform to ensure that its English language learners (ELLs) developed essential ELA skills during distance learning. After two years of an impactful partnership, B2R made IXL an integral component of its new intensive English training and college preparatory program, Isomo Academy. The inaugural class of 120 Isomo Academy scholars quickly embraced IXL's tailored support, built-in instructional resources, and engaging learning opportunities. During the first week of Isomo Academy's eight-week training program, educators use IXL's adaptive assessment, the Real-Time Diagnostic, to pinpoint each student's English proficiency level, helping them understand individual strengths and areas for improvement. Based on these insights, the diagnostic then generates personalized skill recommendations to challenge and support learners at the right level. Additionally, B2R educators use the diagnostic to track student growth each week to ensure that students are progressing and mastering essential ELA concepts. Bridge2Rwanda educators also rely on IXL's comprehensive curriculum to help students build the skills that they need to become strong communicators. Each day at Isomo Academy, students take writing and reading classes that are paired with intensive language and communication seminars. Additionally, students work on IXL skills that align with their classroom lessons. The combined approach allows educators to engage students at their individual levels, assign homework, and differentiate learning beyond the school day. "IXL bursts bottlenecks for Bridge2Rwanda scholars by eliminating language barriers," said Luke Dreiling, Lead English Teacher, Bridge2Rwanda. "This enables them to excel in their studies, advance their careers, and contribute significantly to the growth of African communities." "Bridge2Rwanda's dedication to expanding educational opportunities for young African students is commendable. We are excited to continue equipping even more bright and ambitious learners with the tools they need to confidently pursue their dreams on a global scale," said Paul Mishkin, CEO of IXL Learning. "At IXL, we are committed to leveraging education as an instrument of empowerment to break down language barriers and ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive." IXL's impact on English language learners IXL Language Arts gives teachers a systematic way to troubleshoot each student's unique reading and writing roadblocks, and put them on the path to success: Among schools with a high percentage of ELLs, research demonstrates that those using IXL outperformed non-IXL schools on Smarter Balanced Assessments in ELA by as much as seven percentile points. IXL's comprehensive curriculum provides more than 2,400 adaptive skills that span early literacy, reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and advanced concepts, such as persuasive writing. Each IXL skill is adaptive, ensuring that ELLs feel confident that they are perfectly challenged and supported at the right level when developing fluency. IXL's adaptive assessment, the Real-Time Diagnostic, pinpoints students' grade-level proficiency in key ELA strands, and generates targeted next steps to help students grow from where they are. As English language learners progress, these personalized recommendations stay up-to-date, ensuring that they always have a clear path toward mastering ELA concepts. As students learn and practice, IXL provides in-the-moment support and resources for self-remediation. For example, video tutorials guide learners through the building blocks of reading, writing, and grammar to provide additional support during learning and independent practice. If a student answers a problem incorrectly, IXL provides a step-by-step explanation of the right answer so that students can learn from their mistake and solidify their knowledge of that skill. Educators also rely on insights from IXL Analytics to track student progress, monitor readiness for exams, and differentiate instruction to fill knowledge gaps. Up-to-date reports help teachers uncover areas of challenge for each student and identify patterns in mistakes in order to provide targeted reteaching.

Read More

Education Technology, Corporate Education and Training, Continuing Education

Elsmere Education Launches EPaaS: Powering Smart Growth in Higher Education with Streamlined Processes and ROI-Driven Strategies

PR Newswire | January 31, 2024

Elsmere Education, a leading force in online program enablement, announces the official launch of Education Process as a Service (EPaaS). This innovative ecosystem empowers universities to achieve smart growth in their online programs by streamlining operations, maximizing ROI, and catering to the unique needs of non-traditional students. EPaaS encompasses Elsmere Education's proven business processes tailored for an enriched student journey supported by dynamic communication strategies. Our solutions are powered by a curated technology ecosystem that includes omnichannel marketing capabilities and is designed to integrate with a wide range of existing campus systems. Built on Feedback, Designed for Growth The subscription-based model empowers universities to bring essential services in-house efficiently, leveraging a comprehensive suite of 40+ technologies through a single procurement process. EPaaS is intentionally designed to streamline and optimize the entire student lifecycle, specifically catering to the needs of non-traditional and online adult learners. Dan Janick, CEO of Elsmere Education, states: "EPaaS is a game-changer in terms of ROI. We've created a flexible, scalable solution that gives universities complete control and empowers internal teams to be more agile. It's the ultimate enablement model for driving efficiencies, increasing enrollment, and boosting student retention." Addressing Common Challenges Elsmere Education recognizes the challenges faced by university leaders in meeting the unique needs of non-traditional students and online adult learners. EPaaS addresses common challenges, including reliance on campus systems built for traditional students, lack of a CRM platform, and manual workflows hindering efficient student journey execution and monitoring. EPaaS Delivers Tangible Results 360-degree business intelligence: Make data-driven decisions for improved performance across the student lifecycle. Real-time marketing metrics: Optimize your marketing efforts and maximize enrollment yield. Increased staff productivity: Streamline processes and free up your team to focus on student success. Elsmere Education is your partner in online education success. Contact us today to learn how EPaaS can transform your institution.

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Education Technology, Online Education, Continuing Education

2U Partners with University of Surrey to Launch 15 Online Master's Degrees

PR Newswire | February 01, 2024

2U, Inc, the company behind global online learning platform edX, today announced a new partnership with the University of Surrey to launch and support the delivery of online master's degrees and online professional certificate programs. An initial five online degree programs will welcome students in 2024, with a portfolio of at least 15 master's degrees and at least 15 professional certificate programs being delivered by 2026. This will expand access to this highly ranked UK university for students worldwide. Surrey's partnership with 2U will deliver Surrey Online Learning: an acceleration and transformation of the university's provision of online learning. 2U's expertise will help Surrey establish a scalable model and quickly expand its digital capabilities to worldwide audiences. The collaboration aligns with the university's mission to expand access to life-changing education and personal and professional success. "We're partnering with 2U and their edX platform to accelerate Surrey Online Learning provision," said Professor Tim Dunne, Provost and Senior Vice-President at the University of Surrey. "The University of Surrey has global strength in innovation and research, and is renowned for being one of the best universities in the UK for delivering excellence in teaching and employability. Through Surrey Online Learning, we will offer flexible and affordable educational pathways that are compatible with and relevant to modern careers, combining accessibility with strong student outcomes." Surrey's suite of online degrees will build on the success of its on-campus programs, with the online curriculum developed in partnership with LearningMate. The first five degrees expected to launch in 2024 will be in the areas of artificial intelligence, business, psychology, marketing, and sustainability. The professional certificate programs, which will focus on technology, healthcare, business, communications technologies, and sustainability, will provide learners with an opportunity to build and enhance critical professional skills on their way to determining if a full degree in a corresponding subject is part of their educational journey. "2U prides itself in being a digital transformation partner that can support strategic long-term thinking, accelerate innovation, and help drive positive student outcomes across new formats and modalities," said Andrew Hermalyn, President of the Degree Program Segment at 2U. "The University of Surrey has major ambitions to expand its online learning capabilities, and we are honored to be their partner to help build their online presence from the ground up." "LearningMate is honored to partner with the University of Surrey on its transformative online learning initiative in collaboration with 2U. We're excited to contribute to the development of cutting-edge online master's degrees and professional certificate programs that align with Surrey's commitment to excellence," said Prasad Mohare, Senior Vice President at LearningMate. "Our focus on innovation and accessibility will be showcased in the initial offerings. LearningMate is dedicated to supporting Surrey in expanding access to impactful, career-relevant learning opportunities in the evolving landscape of online education." Today's announcement builds on the continued demand for 2U's flexible degree partnership model, which gives universities the choice of selecting different bundles of services according to their needs.

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