ONLINE EDUCATION
edX | February 08, 2023
On February 7, 2023, Southern Methodist University (SMU) and edX, a major global online learning platform from 2U, Inc., announced a new partnership to boost SMU's current offerings in data science on edX.org. SMU plans to introduce two new Professional Certificate programs focusing on data science in the spring of 2023. In addition, SMU has renewed its contract with 2U for its online Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program through 2027.
Since commencing its partnership with 2U in 2014, SMU has provided many online learning options that have played a significant role in the institution's ongoing strategic plan. The university also introduced a credit waiver last year that allows learners with a bachelor's degree to apply for credit towards the MSDS program after completing its data science boot camp available on edX. The addition of Professional Certificate programs gives students opportunities to acquire valuable skills.
Data scientists are in high demand in the United States. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data scientist employment is expected to increase by 36 percent from 2021 to 2031, resulting in approximately 13,500 job openings annually. More than 500 students have graduated from the MSDS program to date, and over 1,400 students have cleared its data science boot camp.
Andrew Hermalyn, President of Partnerships at edX, shared, "edX and SMU are mission-aligned in recognizing the need for innovative and affordable educational programs that serve the evolving needs of learners and employers." He added, "As the need for data scientists continues to grow, programs like those offered by SMU will play a key role in developing, upskilling, and reskilling talent."
(Source – PR Newswire)
About edX
Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, edX is a global online learning platform designed to help all learners realize their full potential. The company has united over 40 million learners, many of the world's top-ranked universities, and industry leaders on a global online learning platform that assists learners at every stage. It provides thousands of open and free courses, professional certifications, boot camps, credit-bearing micro-credentials, and undergraduate and graduate degrees across several disciplines. The organization is ceaselessly working towards a world where every learner can access education, regardless of cost or location.
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CORPORATE EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Discovery Education | January 20, 2023
On January 19, 2023, 3M and Discovery Education announced the launch of the Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network and Alumni Grants Program. As a part of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the initiative will support prior participants and future science leaders.
The annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the country's premier middle school science competition, invites kids in grades 5 to 8 to compete for a grand prize of $25,000, mentorship with a 3M scientist, and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." In addition, the new Alumni Network and Alumni Grants Program provides past participants networking opportunities, events, resources, and financial support for ongoing science projects.
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network gathers a growing community of mentors and former challenge finalists to interact, celebrate, and promote innovations. America's Top Young Scientists have given TED Talks, filed patents, founded nonprofits, made to the Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, rung the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, and shown their work at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have been featured in Forbes, The New York Times Magazine, and Business Insider, as well as national television shows.
Each year, the Alumni Grants will award a total of $25,000 grant money to ten different alumni in three different areas:
Continuation of 3M Young Scientist Challenge Project - This will support alumni who want to continue developing the project they initially developed 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Three alumni are eligible to receive $5,000 annually.
New Idea to Improve the World - This area of funding would be available to assist projects that alumni might be working on, which are different from their initial 3M Young Scientist Challenge innovation. Two alumni can receive $2,500 annually.
Science in Your Community - Funding can be used to assist alumni initiatives, community enrichment and community engagement projects. Five alumni receive $1,000 annually.
About Discovery Education
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Discovery Education is a global leader in ed-tech with a state-of-the-art platform to facilitate learning. Its standards-based digital content for grades K-12 redefines teaching and learning by providing award-winning multimedia content, digital textbooks, professional development, and the largest professional learning community of its type. The company serves over 4.5 million educators and 45 million students globally, with its resources available in more than 100 countries and territories.
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ONLINE EDUCATION
Interplay Learning | February 22, 2023
On February 21, 2023, Interplay Learning, a solution for virtual reality and online training of the actual skilled trades, announced its partnership with Warren Central High School (WCHS) to offer advanced learning opportunities for ninth-grade students through the school's technical education system. It would assist the school's career technical education (CTE) academy program and put fast-track students' hands-on introduction to successful careers in the construction industry.
Through the partnership, it would engage ninth-grade students for the WCHS Architecture, Construction, Mechatronics and Engineering (ACME) Academy with the immersive experience of its 3D virtual-reality simulations and the training content before the actual start of the complete construction CTE program. The WCHS's official CTE programs are conducted at an offsite technical education center for students in the tenth grade and above. In addition, WCHS is allowed to share awarded funds with its virtual reality simulations for students as a part of a district-level initiative to upgrade educational infrastructure in Vicksburg.
Coach in WCHS's ACME Academy, Traci Esparza, said, "With Interplay Learning's advanced, engaging platform and content, we can introduce younger students to sophisticated training simulations a year before they enter the official CTE program." She added, "That experience means they can get more out of the ACME program immediately and throughout their education. Before implementing Interplay Learning's VR technology, younger students had limited opportunities for the hands-on experience that is so critical to CTE and skilled trades learning."
(Source – Cision PR Newswire)
Founder and CEO of Interplay Learning, Doug Donovan, said, "Interplay is committed to helping educational institutions transform the training landscape for the skilled trades industries." He added, "With our innovative training platform, the instructors and leaders at Warren Central High School can equip students with valuable experience and skills that will help them build meaningful careers and will also help business owners in Vicksburg and the surrounding area meet the evolving workforce challenges of the 21st century."
(Source – Cision PR Newswire)
About Interplay Learning
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Interplay Learning, an e-learning services provider, has been delivering effective digital learning simulations in the HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Solar and Facilities Maintenance industries since 2016. In addition, it offers solutions for professional training, 3D simulations, virtual reality, skilled Trades, 3D sims, HVAC team training and learning, solar team training, HVACR, immersive education, and facility maintenance training. It recreates life-like VR scenarios for skilled trades workers to learn in an engaging environment. Its Comersive Learning solution offers courses from beginner to master level and trains massive workers in a short time.
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