EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Paper | March 15, 2023
On March 14, 2023, Paper, the education support system (ESS), announced the acquisition of Readlee to address the literacy crisis. It would use Readlee's innovative learning tool, artificial intelligence and speech recognition technology to improve learners' reading skills.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress report, about one-third of 4th and 8th graders cannot read the basic achievement level, which is the test's lowest level. The National Center for Education Statistics data shows that about 34% of American high school students graduate with reading proficiency. Unfortunately, this proficiency decreases further to 18% for recent graduates. This data shows that the literary crisis has become a systemic issue, and there is a flaw in the current educational approach.
Master teachers collaborated with Harvard researchers to design Readlee for better learning outcomes, and it would become 'Paper Reading' after complete integration into Paper's ESS. This tool will listen to students' reading, give real-time feedback with individualized support, and measure their success. With AI and speech recognition, it approaches reading through learning science, showing that reading aloud improves vocabulary, memory, and confidence. It aims to support students throughout their academic journey and after graduation.
Co-Founder and CEO of Paper, Philip Cutler said, "This acquisition reflects our commitment to providing the academic support that empowers students throughout every stage of their learning journey. Improving literacy proficiency is an essential component of our mission, and we believe research-backed technology and repeated practice are the keys to addressing the mounting literacy crisis." He added, "We are excited to join our forces and aligned missions to have an even bigger impact on students. Our teams are already working together to change the future of education. Our mission is to help create a world where everyone has the ability to read, learn, and become a success."
(Source – Cision PR Newswire)
About Paper
Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Paper, an e-learning solutions provider, offers services for personalized learning, tutoring, essay review, academic and student support, homework help, teacher support, remote education, teacher assistants, and virtual tutoring. It develops confidence in every student with its educational support system. It serves over 3 million students from different school districts across the United States and Canada. It provides individualized support to every learner to solve their problems and discover different ways of learning. It helps teachers and administrators review student activity and track their progress with its data-driven insights and metrics. It instantly connects students with tutors for support in their tests and assignments.
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TALENT DEVELOPMENT
edX | March 08, 2023
On March 07, 2023, edX, a global online learning platform of 2U, launched MicroBootCamps, a stackable credential solution for on-demand learning and expert-led technology training programs, developing progressive skills in key technical fields.
MicroBootCamps directly address the demand for credentials from companies and provides a scalable solution for enhanced recruitment, retention and maintenance of a trained workforce. These credentials help companies to reskill and upskill their employees for business-critical technology-related roles. The boot camp programs on the edX platform have driven career readiness through a structured schedule. MicroBootCamps provides learning for the same skills and industry outcomes but with a more flexible and compact schedule. In addition, it offers a more personalized and targeted learning experience with features like live tutorial sessions with experts, individualized feedback, and real-time and on-demand tutoring.
The first MicroBootCamp program on Front End Development with additional programs based on in-demand technical topics will be available. This program offers entry-level learning, job relevance, and practical skills for different front-end development roles. In addition, its programs will provide stackable learning pathways, building their skills progressively for in-demand roles like back end and full stack development.
Co-Founder and CEO of 2U, edX's parent company, Christopher Paucek said, "As one of the largest producers of technical talent in the world, we've seen the incredible power that a high-quality, scalable tech training model brings to bear on universities, companies, and learners around the world." He added, "Expanding and innovating on our boot camp model to offer MicroBootCamps underscores our continued commitment to building a new ecosystem of stackable, alternative credentials—like MicroMasters® programs and MicroBachelors® programs—that provide seasoned and entry-level professionals alike with the opportunity to gain the skills they need to succeed in today's digital economy."
(Source – Cision PR Newswire)
About edX
Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, edX, an e-learning solutions provider, specializes in education, e-learning, technology, career advancement, ed-tech, and online education. It has been connecting learners, universities, and companies worldwide since 2012. It supports learners at every stage of their learning journey to achieve their goals. With no limitation of cost and location, it empowers every learner with access to education and knowledge, realizing their potential, skills and strengths. It offers free and open courses, professional certificates, credit-bearing micro-credentials, boot camps, and undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition, it provides purpose-built online programs in technology, business, healthcare, science, education, social work, and sustainability.
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CORPORATE LEARNING SYSTEMS
Quizlet | March 06, 2023
Quizlet, an e-learning solutions provider, has recently introduced a fully adaptive artificial intelligence-powered tutor platform, Q-Chat, on OpenAI's ChatGPT API.
Q-Chat integrates Quizlet's huge educational content library of questions and definitions with AI models from OpenAI for students' virtual learning experience. With automation, it conversationally engages students with quizzes to deepen their knowledge and concepts.
Quizlet has invested in AI software to make a more engaging and effective way of study available to students. Collaborating with OperAI, it leverages GPT-3 for multiple uses like vocabulary learning and test practices. In addition, artificial intelligence and machine learning support Learn Mode platform and provides personalized adaptive study experience for the enhanced learning experience. Fast Company recognized its learner-centric strategy for integrating AI into its e-learning platform nationally. It referred to this strategy as 'Smart Grading' in its 'Next Big Things' in Tech awards for 2022 in social good and education. It praised Quizlet's ability to "better assess a student's written response for signs of conceptual understanding, rather than solely rewarding rote memorization."
Quizlet's Chief Executive Officer, Lex Bayer said, "Quizlet has long recognized the potential of AI to enhance studying and learning by personalizing the student experience." He added, "As an early adopter of this technology, we know that when used effectively it can help students deepen their knowledge and learn more efficiently. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with OpenAI and providing our students with more ways to practice and master whatever they're learning."
(Source – Cision PR Newswire)
About Quizlet
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Quizlet, a global educational platform, has provided consumer learning services and educational technology services since 2005. It empowers students and teachers with innovative learning tools and enhanced learning experiences. It has about 60 million active users per month. It is a popular website and educational application for iOS and Android. It is a Series C startup with the support of Union Square Ventures, Costanoa Venture Capital, Icon Ventures, Owl Ventures, Altos Ventures and General Atlantic. With massive reach and advanced learning tools, it is influencing the education sector worldwide.
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