As Ofsted's new framework looms, teachers must demand better CPD

tes | April 26, 2019

As the teaching unions’ conference season draws to a close, the call by the National Education Union to abolish Ofsted seems a legitimate way to dismantle the accountability framework that has driven the climate of fear for far too long. Sadly, systems rooted in and justified by distrust are part of a global phenomenon dominating all walks of life – though they are at their most dysfunctional in teaching. And, realistically, the inspectorate in some form is here to stay.But that doesn’t mean that accountability has to retain its current form.  Heads union ASCL has already made its views known on the inspection framework: on EBacc; on the new focus on curriculum; on Ofsted’s decision to ignore school-generated data; on whether there should be a two- or three-year key stage 3; and on a new focus on leaders taking more responsibility for workload while stopping their own spiralling out of control.Within such concerns lie genuine seeds of hope, of an obligation on the part of school leaders to reduce pointless admin – especially the mushrooming data collection. If Ofsted doesn’t value it, why produce it?  The vague but explicit expectation that leaders will take more seriously their responsibility for reducing teachers’ workload – and may be called to account for excesses – might just be sufficient motivation actually to implement the recommendations from the workload groups.

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Spotlight

This whitepaper explores how eLearning providers (Learning Management Systems, Training Management Systems, Learning Experience Platforms, and content providers etc.) can convert these challenges into opportunities by prioritizing the customer experience (CX) to increase customer satisfaction and profitability.

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CORPORATE LEARNING SYSTEMS

Quizlet Introduces Q-Chat Built on OpenAI's ChatGPT API

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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EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

American University Kyiv Selects Anthology Student to Power Student-Centered Support

PRnewswire | May 04, 2023

Anthology, a leading provider of education solutions, today announced that American University Kyiv (AUK) has selected Anthology's leading Student Information System (SIS), Anthology Student, to support the university's student lifecycle needs. American University Kyiv opened for its inaugural year in September of 2022 and is the first university in Ukraine designed as an innovative world-class institution with its foundation fully based on U.S. higher education standards. "The importance of providing quality education and innovation to shape our future leaders is of the utmost importance," said Dr. Yuriy Bots, Dean of the School of Business and Management at American University Kyiv. "The support we have received from the global community to realize our mission has been inspiring. Anthology's commitment to our success, and the flexibility of the Anthology Student solution, have well-placed AUK to achieve the exponential growth and deliver the transformational educational experience we expect." The implementation of Anthology Student will enable American University Kyiv to build the university on a best-in-class SaaS platform and have fully integrated control over enrollment, career services, academic information, finances, records, and more. "At its fundamental core, education provides hope and a promise of tomorrow," said Jim Brigadier, President of Global Markets at Anthology. "We are honored to partner with such passionate professionals at AUK and we are confident that the manifestations of strength and resolve of their students will inspire and encourage the global education community and future generations of students." Anthology Student and its modern, intuitive interface will simplify and streamline the academic journey for the institution's learners. AUK students and learners can use it to map out degree plans and pathways to achieve their educational objectives while AUK administrators can utilize automated faculty workload and financial aid tools to streamline processes and spend more time on key issues and less on back-office tasks. Anthology was selected the solution of choice after a review of several competitive offerings presented by Cintana Education, an organization focused on enabling universities around the world to increase their academic quality and scale to give more students the education they need and deserve. AUK has begun the implementation process. About Anthology Anthology offers the largest EdTech ecosystem on a global scale for education, supporting more than 150 million users in 80 countries. With a mission to provide dynamic, data-informed experiences to the global education community through Anthology Intelligent Experiences™, we help learners, leaders and educators achieve their goals by offering over 60 SaaS products and services designed to advance learning.

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TALENT DEVELOPMENT

Apogee Enhances Executive Advisory Services to Meet Higher Education Needs for Visionary Technology Leadership

Businesswire | April 06, 2023

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