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EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

Liquid Web Family of Brands Acquires LearnDash and grows StellarWP

Liquid Web | September 27, 2021

Liquid Web Family of Brands, a market leader in managed hosting, digital commerce cloud, and WordPress solutions to small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced their acquisition of LearnDash, the leading learning management system (LMS) plugin for WordPress.

The LearnDash acquisition is an extension of Liquid Web's commitment to leadership in the WordPress and WooCommerce arena by delivering innovative software solutions that power the online potential of businesses and the designers, developers, and agencies who create for them.

"Everyone knows LearnDash as the leader of online learning in the WordPress ecosystem. We are excited to welcome them to the Liquid Web family as we continue to build our strength in the digital commerce ecosystem," said Chris Lema, Liquid Web's VP of Products. "LearnDash takes us deeper into the digital commerce space by offering online educators the best tools to create online courses, quizzes, and dynamic content with built-in marketing and ecommerce features. We believe in their brand, and we know that with our backing, they will continue to deliver the online solutions educators need."

LearnDash will join the Liquid Web Family under the StellarWP brand, which is the umbrella for our premium WordPress software solutions and includes well-known and respected WordPress leaders such as iThemes, The Events Calendar, GiveWP, Restrict Content Pro, Iconic, and Kadence WP.

The acquisition marks StellarWP's entrance into the booming LMS space.  As the global pandemic continues to drive educators to virtual learning solutions, the LMS market is projected to grow by more than $30 billion between now and 2028.

Like the rest of our StellarWP brands, the LearnDash team will continue to operate as an independent unit. Existing and new customers of LearnDash will see no change in service. Justin Ferriman will remain as an advisor with the acquisition and WordPress authority and Liquid Web leader, Chris Lema, will become the General Manager of LearnDash.

We're excited to have LearnDash join StellarWP to continue our mission to power learning programs. We are confident that the strength and leadership Liquid Web provides will ensure LearnDash remains the leading online LMS solution for WordPress for many years to come.

Justin Ferriman, CEO and co-founder of LearnDash
About LearnDash
The only WordPress LMS created by e-learning experts, LearnDash is a flexible learning management system. LearnDash is taking cutting edge elearning methodology and infusing it into WordPress. More than just a plugin, LearnDash is trusted to power the learning programs for major universities, small to midsize companies, startups, entrepreneurs, and bloggers worldwide.

About Liquid Web
Building on over 24 years of success, our Liquid Web Family of Brands delivers software, solutions, and managed services for mission-critical sites, stores, and applications to SMBs and the designers, developers, and agencies who create for them. Liquid Web (Managed Hosting), Nexcess (Digital Commerce Cloud) and StellarWP (WordPress Software and Tools) have more than 500,000+ sites under management, have over 125,000 Software subscribers and 2 Million+ free version Software users. Collectively, the companies have assembled a world-class team of industry experts, provide unparalleled service from solution engineers available 24/7/365, and own and manage ten global data centers. As an industry leader in customer service, the rapidly expanding brand family has been recognized among INC. Magazine's 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies for twelve years.

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Alteryx Launches Upskilling Initiative for Data Literacy

Alteryx | March 02, 2023

On March 01, 2023, Alteryx, an analytics automation platform, launched the Alteryx SparkED Datathon series, designed for data literacy and upskilling in partnership with McLaren Racing. Disney, RSM US LLP and McLaren Racing hosted two days SparkED Datathon at The University of Texas, Dallas (UT Dallas). Alteryx SparkED is its free analytics education program, helping about 977 institutions worldwide, with approximately 87% increase annually in 2022, and over 140,000 learners in different countries benefited. This upskilling initiative would help learners gain knowledge and experience in data and analytics operations and understand the importance of these operations for decision intelligence in the business outcomes of data-driven organizations. In addition, it empowers individual learners and career changers with growth opportunities and enhanced career outcomes even in the present economic crisis. McLaren Racing's Executive Director, Partnerships and Accelerator, Matt Dennington said, "Promoting STEM education pathways to help prepare today's students to become tomorrow's data leaders' forms part of McLaren Racing's commitment to making STEM careers more accessible to all." He added, "Teaming up with our partner Alteryx to host a SparkED Datathon at the McLaren Technology Centre is an exciting opportunity for data-curious students. They will need to solve challenges using real-world McLaren data on the same innovative analytics platform our team uses to power our performance-enhancing insights." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) UT Dallas' Director of MS Business Analytics and Assistant Professor of Instruction, Gaurav Shekhar said, "It's important for us to build a robust data analytics program and give our students strong networking opportunities to improve their career outcomes." He added, "Alteryx SparkED has been a key partner for upskilling our students and helping them develop highly demanded data analytics skills that every employer across every industry needs." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About Alteryx Headquartered in Irvine, California, Alteryx, a software development company, provides services for self-service data analytics, predictive analytics, spatial analytics, business intelligence, statistical analytics, strategic analytics, data analytics, data blending, data prep, and data science. It offers end-to-end automation of data engineering, analytics, reporting, machine learning, and data science processes. It empowers businesses with data analytics which is helpful for them in many business processes. Customers trust its insights for impactful business outcomes worldwide. With its software data, enterprises solve complex problems, saving their mundane data preparation work, distribution, and time.

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EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

Interplay Learning Launches Technology-based Apprenticeship Program

Interplay Learning | February 16, 2023

On February 15, 2023, Interplay Learning, e-learning solutions provider for online and virtual training, launched a technology-based apprenticeship program with the Department of Labor's approval. This program solves the growing labor shortage and encourages employers in the skilled trades to join. This program allows employers to enroll as participating employers in the Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Program of Interplay Learning. It will create a trained workforce, increase employee retention, and eliminate traditional managemental complexities of formal apprenticeship programs. Employers can offer apprentices on-the-job training (OJT) with Interplay's digital training in a virtual classroom with technical instructions as a part of the program. The apprentices will have an impactful training experience with its video courses and 3D simulations. In addition, they will learn about new skills, effective troubleshooting, and practice in a virtual safe environment on any device like a laptop, desktop, tablet, or virtual reality headset. Founder and CEO of Interplay Learning, Doug Donovan, said, "We're thrilled to introduce our innovative, tech-forward approach to apprenticeship." He added, "With one of the first digital and off-the-shelf solutions for apprenticeships, we seek to eliminate the pain points existing today for employers, while also providing them with a powerful training solution to address the skills gap problem in the U.S. What has traditionally been complex and especially daunting for small and medium businesses, we have streamlined the process to set up an apprenticeship program and given contractors a tool to build a better-trained workforce." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About Interplay Learning Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Interplay Learning, an e-learning provider, has been offering digital learning simulations for training, career opportunities and life experiences of customers and employees, across industries like plumbing, electrical, solar and facilities maintenance, and HVAC, since 2016. Its virtual reality interfaces engage skilled trades workers with life-like experiences, making them more confident, professional, and efficient quickly. It provides learning solutions from beginner to mastery level at the same time. It was awarded the AL Breakthrough Award for Best Use of Virtual Reality for Enterprise Applications, AHR Expo – Innovations Awards 2020 and named in the 2020 Inc. Best in Business list.

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EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

Paper Acquires Readlee to Address Literacy Crisis Through AI

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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Alteryx Launches Upskilling Initiative for Data Literacy

Alteryx | March 02, 2023

On March 01, 2023, Alteryx, an analytics automation platform, launched the Alteryx SparkED Datathon series, designed for data literacy and upskilling in partnership with McLaren Racing. Disney, RSM US LLP and McLaren Racing hosted two days SparkED Datathon at The University of Texas, Dallas (UT Dallas). Alteryx SparkED is its free analytics education program, helping about 977 institutions worldwide, with approximately 87% increase annually in 2022, and over 140,000 learners in different countries benefited. This upskilling initiative would help learners gain knowledge and experience in data and analytics operations and understand the importance of these operations for decision intelligence in the business outcomes of data-driven organizations. In addition, it empowers individual learners and career changers with growth opportunities and enhanced career outcomes even in the present economic crisis. McLaren Racing's Executive Director, Partnerships and Accelerator, Matt Dennington said, "Promoting STEM education pathways to help prepare today's students to become tomorrow's data leaders' forms part of McLaren Racing's commitment to making STEM careers more accessible to all." He added, "Teaming up with our partner Alteryx to host a SparkED Datathon at the McLaren Technology Centre is an exciting opportunity for data-curious students. They will need to solve challenges using real-world McLaren data on the same innovative analytics platform our team uses to power our performance-enhancing insights." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) UT Dallas' Director of MS Business Analytics and Assistant Professor of Instruction, Gaurav Shekhar said, "It's important for us to build a robust data analytics program and give our students strong networking opportunities to improve their career outcomes." He added, "Alteryx SparkED has been a key partner for upskilling our students and helping them develop highly demanded data analytics skills that every employer across every industry needs." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About Alteryx Headquartered in Irvine, California, Alteryx, a software development company, provides services for self-service data analytics, predictive analytics, spatial analytics, business intelligence, statistical analytics, strategic analytics, data analytics, data blending, data prep, and data science. It offers end-to-end automation of data engineering, analytics, reporting, machine learning, and data science processes. It empowers businesses with data analytics which is helpful for them in many business processes. Customers trust its insights for impactful business outcomes worldwide. With its software data, enterprises solve complex problems, saving their mundane data preparation work, distribution, and time.

Read More

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

Interplay Learning Launches Technology-based Apprenticeship Program

Interplay Learning | February 16, 2023

On February 15, 2023, Interplay Learning, e-learning solutions provider for online and virtual training, launched a technology-based apprenticeship program with the Department of Labor's approval. This program solves the growing labor shortage and encourages employers in the skilled trades to join. This program allows employers to enroll as participating employers in the Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Program of Interplay Learning. It will create a trained workforce, increase employee retention, and eliminate traditional managemental complexities of formal apprenticeship programs. Employers can offer apprentices on-the-job training (OJT) with Interplay's digital training in a virtual classroom with technical instructions as a part of the program. The apprentices will have an impactful training experience with its video courses and 3D simulations. In addition, they will learn about new skills, effective troubleshooting, and practice in a virtual safe environment on any device like a laptop, desktop, tablet, or virtual reality headset. Founder and CEO of Interplay Learning, Doug Donovan, said, "We're thrilled to introduce our innovative, tech-forward approach to apprenticeship." He added, "With one of the first digital and off-the-shelf solutions for apprenticeships, we seek to eliminate the pain points existing today for employers, while also providing them with a powerful training solution to address the skills gap problem in the U.S. What has traditionally been complex and especially daunting for small and medium businesses, we have streamlined the process to set up an apprenticeship program and given contractors a tool to build a better-trained workforce." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About Interplay Learning Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Interplay Learning, an e-learning provider, has been offering digital learning simulations for training, career opportunities and life experiences of customers and employees, across industries like plumbing, electrical, solar and facilities maintenance, and HVAC, since 2016. Its virtual reality interfaces engage skilled trades workers with life-like experiences, making them more confident, professional, and efficient quickly. It provides learning solutions from beginner to mastery level at the same time. It was awarded the AL Breakthrough Award for Best Use of Virtual Reality for Enterprise Applications, AHR Expo – Innovations Awards 2020 and named in the 2020 Inc. Best in Business list.

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EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

Paper Acquires Readlee to Address Literacy Crisis Through AI

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.

Read More

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