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Education is damaged by mindless obsession with testing

tes | March 06, 2019

Looking at Scottish education at the moment – indeed, UK education – I get the feeling that we do not ask ourselves what the purpose of school actually is. If you follow our current thinking it would appear that it is fundamentally founded on the belief that schools are doing well if their pupils achieve a set of excellent examination results, as if this is the sole outcome – the Holy Grail. The logical conclusion is that we must ensure our pupils’ heads are filled with the required knowledge to allow them to pass a series of examinations. Well, of course we want that, but is that really the limit of our ambitions for our young people?At the moment, “education” is being damaged by the mindless obsession with testing that actually curtails an individual’s imagination and, in many ways, damages their originality of thought. Our students need to be allowed to develop their creativity and their critical thinking. We need to look at the education systems of other countries and learn from their successes. Scandinavian countries, in particular Finland, have been outperforming us for considerably longer than a decade.

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Simplilearn Reviews | From Thailand to US to Belgium | Upskilling Helped Anthika Live Her Dream Life

Anthika Udomdejkul lives in Geel,Flemish Region,Belgium. She did her Bachelors In Business Administration from the Khon Kaen University (KKU) in the Northeastern part of Thailand. Se was working as an account executive when she felt the need to get certified in the field of Digital Marketing and thus enrolled in the PCP in Digital Marketing from Purdue University offered by Simplilearn. Also on moving to Belgium, in a non English speaking country, she found it harder to interact with clients and find the right job.Thus to keep herself prepared with the right knowledge and skill set, she enrolled in Simplilearn's Professional Certificate Program In Digital Marketing.

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Spotlight

Simplilearn Reviews | From Thailand to US to Belgium | Upskilling Helped Anthika Live Her Dream Life

Anthika Udomdejkul lives in Geel,Flemish Region,Belgium. She did her Bachelors In Business Administration from the Khon Kaen University (KKU) in the Northeastern part of Thailand. Se was working as an account executive when she felt the need to get certified in the field of Digital Marketing and thus enrolled in the PCP in Digital Marketing from Purdue University offered by Simplilearn. Also on moving to Belgium, in a non English speaking country, she found it harder to interact with clients and find the right job.Thus to keep herself prepared with the right knowledge and skill set, she enrolled in Simplilearn's Professional Certificate Program In Digital Marketing.

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Prometric Releases New Test Prep Solution Prometric Boost

Prometric | March 14, 2023

On March 13, 2023, Prometric, a technology-based testing and assessment solutions provider, released a new test preparation solution known as 'Prometric Boost.' This solution provides a personalized learning experience, gamification, and micro-learning through artificial intelligence. The solution empowers test-takers with advanced learning experiences with gamification for better exam preparations. It focuses on the contents which fill the knowledge gaps and assist the critical skills of job seekers. It combines personalized learning with the scientifically proven micro-learning approach and artificial intelligence. It also gives item-level feedback that helps learners review areas of opportunity for longer knowledge retention. It involves comprehensive visual data, targeted coaching, and engagement tools for a better understanding of learners' knowledge gaps and the methods to fill those gaps to improve their skills. It can integrate with e-commerce solutions for new revenue-generating options available to clients. Through this increased revenue, they could grow the testing programs' reach, reputation, and influence. Learners can access it on their mobile through an application to study anywhere and anytime as chosen. General Manager of Remote Assessments at Prometric, Kevin Pawsey said, "Prometric has seen an increasing need from our clients for an engagement platform that increases retention of key skills and knowledge, both before and after the assessment process." He added, "Prometric is pleased to work with existing and new clients by offering Prometric Boost as a key part of our AI-powered achievement platform, along with Finetune AI test development and AI remote proctoring. Prometric is committed to bringing innovation to the assessment industry, in addition to constantly improving our core assessment and test development services." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About Prometric Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Prometric, an IT consulting and services provider for education, offers solutions for in-center testing, remote assessment services, certification, licensure, training, computer-based testing, test development, exam delivery, hybrid testing, continuing education, live-remote proctored testing, educational testing, certification testing, and back-end scoring analysis. It is a trusted provider of secure test development and delivery solutions worldwide. It produces quality, innovative knowledge testing experience for the test-takers professional development. Its flexible testing services prepare learners to become licensed and accredited professionals.

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D2L’s Refreshed Teaching and Learning Studio Welcomes Educators

D2L | January 25, 2023

On January 24, 2023, D2L, a worldwide learning technology firm, relaunched the D2L Teaching and Learning Studio, a platform for teachers, academics, instructional designers, and education leaders to discover new, inventive, and strategic methods to assist in the development of superior learning experiences. The D2L Teaching and Learning Studio allows educators to enhance personal and professional skills, join a community of like-minded educators, and gain knowledge of both innovative and existing teaching strategies and practices. The VP of Academic Affairs at D2L, Dr. Cristi Ford, said, "It's so important as educators and learning practitioners to keep our fingers on the pulse of change, to hear from our peers, and to expand our perspectives, knowledge, and know-how when it comes to creating learning experiences that resonate with students and get results." She added, "That's why I'm so happy we have the D2L Teaching and Learning Studio to share wisdom, ideas, and stoke the passion within us all to teach–and to learn." (Source – PR Newswire) The D2L Teaching and Learning Studio comprises the following: Teaching and Learning blog: A variety of thought-provoking, results-oriented writings by experts, thought leaders, teachers, and lecturers on creating more engaging and meaningful learning experiences and perspectives on education trends, difficulties, and opportunities. Master Class Series: In areas such as social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and inclusive learning environments, educators have access to free, high-quality professional development courses that concentrate on mastering the art and science of teaching. Teach & Learn podcast: The new Teach & Learn podcast, hosted by VP of Academic Affairs at D2L, Dr. Cristi Ford features honest talks with some of the brightest minds in K–20 education. About D2L D2L is a worldwide learning innovation firm that assists enterprises in reshaping the future of work and education. It believes that everyone deserves access to a high-quality education regardless of age, ability, or geography. It is revolutionizing the way the world learns, empowering students of all ages to do more than they ever thought possible. The tools, partners, and enormous ecosystem of D2L facilitate the online and in-person education of millions of students. Its expanding worldwide staff is motivated to create learning products that will alter the world by humanizing technology. D2L Corporation, D2L Ltd., D2L Asia Pte. Ltd., D2L Europe Ltd., and D2L Australia Pty Ltd. are members of the D2L family of enterprises.

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ViewSonic Unveils Hybrid Learning Innovations with Stunning 105" 5K Interactive Display at BETT 2023

ViewSonic | March 20, 2023

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"At ViewSonic, we believe that technology can expand what's possible in classrooms. The digital transition is the key to the future of education, which is why we've designed a range of advanced solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into learning environments of all kinds." As a leading EdTech solutions provider, ViewSonic's ViewBoard interactive displays and myViewBoard software suites are being adopted by educational institutions around the world. Ranging in size from 24" to 105", the company's ViewBoard is one of the most popular interactive displays in the world[1]; in Q4 of 2022, ViewSonic was ranked first in the global interactive display market, while the beginning of 2023 saw the myViewBoard ecosystem swell to over 8 million users. ViewSonic's display at BETT 2023 will offer attendees the ability to experience a range of EdTech solutions across different scenarios: Taking In-class Learning with Digital Content into the Future A teacher will use ViewSonic's ViewBoard IFP8652 4K display and the company's whiteboarding software to showcase how diverse pre-made digital lesson content from ViewSonic Originals, an online resource exclusively designed for interactive displays, can be used to create engaging learning experiences in the classroom. While more and more educational institutions are digitizing, ViewSonic Originals makes planning and running lessons easier by offering thousands of pieces of content within a user-friendly database. The company's latest environmental sensor, Sensor Box, will show how educational institutions can harness technology to optimize conditions such as air quality, humidity, temperature, and automatically switch displays on and off, allowing schools to adhere to the UK Green Building Council guidelines. Additionally, demonstrations of myViewBoard Manager Advanced software will provide insights into how IT departments can remotely manage an entire school's displays—including multimedia broadcasting, permission management, and addressing technical issues, all of which avoid interrupting classes and allow students to focus on learning. A New "UNIVERSE" in Online Learning Recognized by two distinguished EdTech Awards recently, ViewSonic's innovative UNIVERSE virtual learning platform opens up new opportunities in online learning. Attendees at BETT 2023 will be able to experience how UNIVERSE allows participants to engage in interactive classrooms with new 3D educational content and create unique learning spaces. The platform addresses some of the key challenges faced during online learning by increasing student engagement, encouraging collaboration, and fostering a sense of belonging among students. Going Hybrid in with Advanced Audiovisuals To show how higher education can be advanced using hybrid setups to ensure the best learning outcome, ViewSonic will be displaying the 5K 105" ViewBoard IFP105S, which features a 21:9 ratio display and multi-touch capabilities. Attendees will be able to see how students in-class and in other locations can collaborate simultaneously with a breeze. Further, the series is flawlessly complemented by ViewSonic's new Live Mosaic View feature for their latest VB-CAM-201-2. Powered by AI technology, Live Mosaic View can provide close-ups of participants and readjust the view based on each attendee's activity, ensuring that attendees and speakers are automatically framed and focused, offering a more immersive experience for hybrid meetings. [1] Source: FutureSource. Rankings include all markets except for China. About ViewSonic Founded in California, ViewSonic is a leading global provider of visual solutions and conducts business in over 100 countries worldwide. As an innovator and visionary, ViewSonic is committed to providing comprehensive hardware and software solutions that include monitors, projectors, pen displays, commercial displays, All-in-One LED displays, ViewBoard interactive displays, and myViewBoard software ecosystem. 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Prometric Releases New Test Prep Solution Prometric Boost

Prometric | March 14, 2023

On March 13, 2023, Prometric, a technology-based testing and assessment solutions provider, released a new test preparation solution known as 'Prometric Boost.' This solution provides a personalized learning experience, gamification, and micro-learning through artificial intelligence. The solution empowers test-takers with advanced learning experiences with gamification for better exam preparations. It focuses on the contents which fill the knowledge gaps and assist the critical skills of job seekers. It combines personalized learning with the scientifically proven micro-learning approach and artificial intelligence. It also gives item-level feedback that helps learners review areas of opportunity for longer knowledge retention. It involves comprehensive visual data, targeted coaching, and engagement tools for a better understanding of learners' knowledge gaps and the methods to fill those gaps to improve their skills. It can integrate with e-commerce solutions for new revenue-generating options available to clients. Through this increased revenue, they could grow the testing programs' reach, reputation, and influence. Learners can access it on their mobile through an application to study anywhere and anytime as chosen. General Manager of Remote Assessments at Prometric, Kevin Pawsey said, "Prometric has seen an increasing need from our clients for an engagement platform that increases retention of key skills and knowledge, both before and after the assessment process." He added, "Prometric is pleased to work with existing and new clients by offering Prometric Boost as a key part of our AI-powered achievement platform, along with Finetune AI test development and AI remote proctoring. Prometric is committed to bringing innovation to the assessment industry, in addition to constantly improving our core assessment and test development services." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About Prometric Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Prometric, an IT consulting and services provider for education, offers solutions for in-center testing, remote assessment services, certification, licensure, training, computer-based testing, test development, exam delivery, hybrid testing, continuing education, live-remote proctored testing, educational testing, certification testing, and back-end scoring analysis. It is a trusted provider of secure test development and delivery solutions worldwide. It produces quality, innovative knowledge testing experience for the test-takers professional development. Its flexible testing services prepare learners to become licensed and accredited professionals.

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On January 24, 2023, D2L, a worldwide learning technology firm, relaunched the D2L Teaching and Learning Studio, a platform for teachers, academics, instructional designers, and education leaders to discover new, inventive, and strategic methods to assist in the development of superior learning experiences. The D2L Teaching and Learning Studio allows educators to enhance personal and professional skills, join a community of like-minded educators, and gain knowledge of both innovative and existing teaching strategies and practices. The VP of Academic Affairs at D2L, Dr. Cristi Ford, said, "It's so important as educators and learning practitioners to keep our fingers on the pulse of change, to hear from our peers, and to expand our perspectives, knowledge, and know-how when it comes to creating learning experiences that resonate with students and get results." She added, "That's why I'm so happy we have the D2L Teaching and Learning Studio to share wisdom, ideas, and stoke the passion within us all to teach–and to learn." (Source – PR Newswire) The D2L Teaching and Learning Studio comprises the following: Teaching and Learning blog: A variety of thought-provoking, results-oriented writings by experts, thought leaders, teachers, and lecturers on creating more engaging and meaningful learning experiences and perspectives on education trends, difficulties, and opportunities. Master Class Series: In areas such as social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and inclusive learning environments, educators have access to free, high-quality professional development courses that concentrate on mastering the art and science of teaching. Teach & Learn podcast: The new Teach & Learn podcast, hosted by VP of Academic Affairs at D2L, Dr. Cristi Ford features honest talks with some of the brightest minds in K–20 education. About D2L D2L is a worldwide learning innovation firm that assists enterprises in reshaping the future of work and education. It believes that everyone deserves access to a high-quality education regardless of age, ability, or geography. It is revolutionizing the way the world learns, empowering students of all ages to do more than they ever thought possible. The tools, partners, and enormous ecosystem of D2L facilitate the online and in-person education of millions of students. Its expanding worldwide staff is motivated to create learning products that will alter the world by humanizing technology. D2L Corporation, D2L Ltd., D2L Asia Pte. Ltd., D2L Europe Ltd., and D2L Australia Pty Ltd. are members of the D2L family of enterprises.

Read More

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

ViewSonic Unveils Hybrid Learning Innovations with Stunning 105" 5K Interactive Display at BETT 2023

ViewSonic | March 20, 2023

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, is launching a range of comprehensive education technology (EdTech) solutions, with the new addition to ViewSonic's revolutionary 5K 105" ViewBoard interactive display. In terms of software, highlights include ViewSonic's rich digital learning tools from the myViewBoard software suite, and the UNIVERSE by ViewSonic—a 3D virtual campus for online learning. The solutions will be exhibited in in-class, online, and hybrid learning scenarios at the BETT Show 2023 (British Educational Training and Technology Show) in London from 29 to 31, March. "ViewSonic is dedicated to offering innovative visual solutions from hardware, software, service, to digital content. We will continue to implement our Ecosystem as a Service (EaaS) strategy and work with partners across the industry to create a digital education ecosystem that is truly transformative," said Clifford Chen, General Manager of the Presentation Group at ViewSonic. "At ViewSonic, we believe that technology can expand what's possible in classrooms. The digital transition is the key to the future of education, which is why we've designed a range of advanced solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into learning environments of all kinds." As a leading EdTech solutions provider, ViewSonic's ViewBoard interactive displays and myViewBoard software suites are being adopted by educational institutions around the world. Ranging in size from 24" to 105", the company's ViewBoard is one of the most popular interactive displays in the world[1]; in Q4 of 2022, ViewSonic was ranked first in the global interactive display market, while the beginning of 2023 saw the myViewBoard ecosystem swell to over 8 million users. ViewSonic's display at BETT 2023 will offer attendees the ability to experience a range of EdTech solutions across different scenarios: Taking In-class Learning with Digital Content into the Future A teacher will use ViewSonic's ViewBoard IFP8652 4K display and the company's whiteboarding software to showcase how diverse pre-made digital lesson content from ViewSonic Originals, an online resource exclusively designed for interactive displays, can be used to create engaging learning experiences in the classroom. While more and more educational institutions are digitizing, ViewSonic Originals makes planning and running lessons easier by offering thousands of pieces of content within a user-friendly database. The company's latest environmental sensor, Sensor Box, will show how educational institutions can harness technology to optimize conditions such as air quality, humidity, temperature, and automatically switch displays on and off, allowing schools to adhere to the UK Green Building Council guidelines. Additionally, demonstrations of myViewBoard Manager Advanced software will provide insights into how IT departments can remotely manage an entire school's displays—including multimedia broadcasting, permission management, and addressing technical issues, all of which avoid interrupting classes and allow students to focus on learning. A New "UNIVERSE" in Online Learning Recognized by two distinguished EdTech Awards recently, ViewSonic's innovative UNIVERSE virtual learning platform opens up new opportunities in online learning. Attendees at BETT 2023 will be able to experience how UNIVERSE allows participants to engage in interactive classrooms with new 3D educational content and create unique learning spaces. The platform addresses some of the key challenges faced during online learning by increasing student engagement, encouraging collaboration, and fostering a sense of belonging among students. Going Hybrid in with Advanced Audiovisuals To show how higher education can be advanced using hybrid setups to ensure the best learning outcome, ViewSonic will be displaying the 5K 105" ViewBoard IFP105S, which features a 21:9 ratio display and multi-touch capabilities. Attendees will be able to see how students in-class and in other locations can collaborate simultaneously with a breeze. Further, the series is flawlessly complemented by ViewSonic's new Live Mosaic View feature for their latest VB-CAM-201-2. 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With over 35 years of expertise in visual displays, ViewSonic has established a strong position for delivering innovative and reliable solutions for education, enterprise, consumer, and professional markets and helping customers "See the Difference."

Read More

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