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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TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Businesswire | June 02, 2023
Swing Education, an online marketplace that connects schools and substitute teachers, announced today $38 million in Series C funding. The funding round was led by funds advised by Apax Partners LLP (“Apax”), a leading global private equity advisory firm, and by edtech investment firm Reach Capital. The funding enables Swing Education to invest in its growth and better address the nation-wide substitute teacher shortage.
This financing follows a 2018 Series B funding co-led by GV (formerly Google Ventures) and Owl Ventures and a seed round from a consortium that included Social Capital, Kapor Capital, Moment Ventures, Ulu Ventures, Red House Education, and Edovate Capital.
Swing believes that every classroom deserves a teacher, and every student deserves to learn without disruption. Since its founding in 2015, Swing has worked to improve the experience of being a substitute teacher and made it easier for K-12 schools to grow and manage their substitute teacher pools. Swing currently works with over 2,800 school partners and in the 2022-23 school year has supported these schools in filling over one million instructional hours with substitute teachers.
Teacher vacancies are an ever-present challenge for school administrators, with 45% of public schools operating without a full teaching staff at the start of the 2022-2023 school year. While school leaders recognize the need for substitute teachers, improving processes around substitute teaching and investing in programs and tools that support substitute well-being often go unprioritized. Swing aims to fill this gap. By combining dedicated success teams and a comprehensive technology platform, Swing works to ensure that substitutes are treated better, which, in turn, attracts more individuals to the profession.
“We’re thrilled to have Apax Partners and Reach Capital as strategic investors,” said Mike Teng, CEO of Swing Education. “The need for substitute teachers is acute. This additional funding highlights the current strain on our schools and positions Swing to grow our impact, placing even more substitute teachers in even more classrooms.”
“Swing Education is a truly impactful business, bringing much needed digitalization to the substitute teacher staffing marketplace and making it easier and more efficient to match talent with schools,” said David Su, Partner, Apax Global Impact. “We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Mike and the broader team to help grow the business and execute on our joint vision for the company.”
“Beyond broadening and diversifying staffing pools, Swing’s distinct marketplace model provides upskilling opportunities and unlocks innovative pathways to the teaching profession,” said Steve Kupfer, Venture Partner at Reach Capital. “Each of these goals aligns with our mission as education investors. We are thrilled to support the Swing team through this next stage of growth.”
"Even prior to the pandemic's amplification, the teacher shortage in the United States profoundly impacted the K-12 education system. Under the visionary leadership of Mike and Asha, Swing Education has built a transformative way for K-12 schools and substitute teachers to connect,” said Amit A. Patel, Managing Director at Owl Ventures. “Their technology platform has harnessed the power of data to enable a seamless match between teacher absences and qualified substitutes as well as ensure uninterrupted student learning."
Swing currently operates in California, Arizona, Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. and will use this latest funding round to grow its substitutes and school partners in these regions. Swing will look to expand to new regions in 2024.
About Swing Education
Swing Education is an online staffing marketplace that connects substitute teachers with schools. Founded in 2015 by former K-12 educators and administrators, Swing makes it easier for schools and districts to find reliable, qualified substitute teachers when they need them most. With over 300,000 absence days filled to date, Swing is dedicated to improving the experience of finding substitute teachers, becoming a sub, and keeping student learning on track. Swing serves over 2,800 partner schools across California, Arizona, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
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CORPORATE EDUCATION AND TRAINING
PRnewswire | April 05, 2023
Surgent Accounting & Financial Education, a division of KnowFully Learning Group, today announced the introduction of four new continuing professional education (CPE) courses, broadening its content library and enabling the accounting community to navigate critical new concerns, such as the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) and how to prepare for a potential banking crisis.
"Though the education landscape is always evolving, the recent introduction of AI through tools such as ChatGPT and the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and others are particularly noteworthy events that deeply impact the accounting and finance professions," said Liz Kolar, Surgent's executive vice president. "Our new CPE courses, which will debut just after the April 18 tax-filing deadline, include offerings that address these significant developments and demonstrate Surgent's commitment to meeting customers where they are with the absolute timeliest of content."
Each two-hour-long course will debut with a live webinar and then be available for on-demand learning. They are as follows (including first air date):
• April 19: A Complete Tax Guide to Exit Planning (EXP2)
• April 27: Lessons Learned from Recent Accounting Malpractice Actions (AMA2)
• May 2: The Risks and Benefits of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence (CHT2)
• May 11: Preparing for and Navigating a Potential Banking Crisis (PBC2)
A Complete Tax Guide to Exit Planning
Worth two CPE, IRS or CTEC credits, this course takes learners through the various issues needed to achieve an effective management and/or ownership change, including tax implications. Designed for CPAs in industry and public accounting who want to gain an understanding of exit planning considerations for their clients, the course will compare exit planning between entity types (C-corporations, S-corporations, partnerships, etc.).
Lessons Learned from Recent Accounting Malpractice Actions
This course provides a current overview of accounting malpractice litigation throughout the U.S., allowing accounting or financial services professionals to understand the types of claims asserted against CPA firms and strategies to employ to avoid such claims. It is worth two CPE credits.
The Risks and Benefits of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence
It is difficult to overstate how much will change with the rise of AI technologies, such as ChatGPT and its future incarnations, or how important it is that companies embrace the opportunity to leverage them correctly. Having conversations regarding the proper adoption of these technologies and tools is a crucial first step, including drafting policies to assist companies with their beneficial and thoughtful implementation and use.
Worth two CPE credits, this course will define the state of AI tools, what benefits and risks exist, and which steps to take to begin adopting these technologies with appropriate guardrails, policies and training.
Preparing for and Navigating a Potential Banking Crisis
The collapse of FTX followed by Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank renewed concerns among accounting and financial executives and their boards regarding how to navigate a potential banking crisis and survive.
Worth two CPE credits, this course explores the challenges of the current monetary trends, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and insurance reserves. Learners will analyze their collective and individual impact on accounting and financial executives in areas of credit markets and banking, risk management, cash flow planning strategies, debt and equity mix impacts in uncertain markets, and globalization of the financial markets in times of uncertainty. Specific recommendations and insights will be offered to deal with the challenges, including a discussion on the nuances of FDIC.
"Deciphering the FDIC rules, which are often misunderstood, is top of mind for CFOs, controllers, accountants, and any other accounting and finance professionals who are focused on surviving and learning from our current banking crisis," said Kolar. "This of-the-moment content – and all the information shared in these four new courses – will help prepare accounting and finance professionals to better serve their clients."
About Surgent Accounting & Financial Education
Surgent Accounting & Financial Education, a division of KnowFully Learning Group, is a provider of the high-impact education experiences that accounting, tax and financial professionals need throughout their careers. For most of the company's 35-year history, Surgent has been a trusted provider of the continuing professional education (CPE), continuing education (CE) and skill-based training that professionals need to maintain their credentials and stay current on industry changes. More recently, Surgent became one of the fastest-growing certification exam review providers, offering adaptive learning-based courses that help learners pass accounting and finance credentialing exams faster.
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