Latest news with #EdTech
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Education Design Lab's XCredit, powered by Credentialate, named finalist in 2025 Learning Impact Awards from 1EdTech
Innovative solution bridging life experience and skills recognition XCredit earns global acclaim as a finalist in 1EdTech's 2025 Learning Impact Awards. 'Our shared learner-centric approach to skills recognition and this nomination validates our commitment to providing impactful solutions for skills recognition and learner empowerment.' — Dan McFadyen, Managing Director, Edalex MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA, June 2, 2025 / / -- Edalex , an EdTech company connecting learning, skills and evidence, is proud to announce that Education Design Lab 's XCredit, centrally powered by Edalex's Credentialate platform, has been recognised as a finalist in the 2025 Learning Impact Awards by 1EdTech Consortium. This prestigious international program recognises the impact of innovative technology on learning outcomes and educational practices worldwide. The program is open to all 1EdTech Contributing Members worldwide, and winning solutions exemplify effective, efficient, and engaging learning. 'We are delighted that the Lab's XCredit has been recognised as a Learning Impact Awards finalist,' said Dan McFadyen, Managing Director of Edalex. 'XCredit was developed through a collaborative effort including the Lab, SmartResume, Unicon, Muzzy Lane and ourselves, with XCredit centrally enabled by Edalex's Credentialate platform. Our shared learner-centric approach to skills recognition and this nomination validates our commitment to providing impactful solutions for skills recognition and learner empowerment.' 'Connecting the XCredit ecosystem was an exciting technical and human challenge, and the result is a blueprint for scalable, skills-first credentialing,' said Tara Laughlin, EdD – Director, Skills Validation + Development at Education Design Lab. 'The success of this initiative signals that high-quality, interoperable recognition of life and work experience isn't a future aspiration – it's achievable right now with the right design and the right partnerships.' XCredit is a groundbreaking skills validation and credentialing solution that addresses the critical challenge of recognising skills gained outside of traditional education. This innovative approach empowers non-traditional learners, career changers, and gig workers to gain recognition for their valuable competencies, bridging the gap between their abilities and employer visibility. Learners receive immediate recognition for both full competencies and individual sub-competencies, enabling them to showcase their verified skills to employers in near real-time. Since its launch in July 2024, XCredit has already impacted over 4,500 learners across eight workforce organisations, issuing over 5,000 sub-competency credentials and 700 full competency badges. The program, funded by Walmart and offered at no cost to pilot organisations, demonstrates a significant return on investment by improving skills validation, enhancing learner employability, and strengthening connections between educational institutions, workforce organisations, and employers. 'The Learning Impact Awards highlight the power of collaboration and innovation in transforming education. The recognition of XCredit as a finalist underscores the commitment of all the collaborators to skills transparency, open standards, interoperability, and scalability, paving the way for a more equitable and skills-based future of work,' said McFadyen. This recognition as a Learning Impact Awards finalist adds to Edalex's consistent track record of innovation and impact in the education technology sector. Recent accolades include two Edalex platforms, Credentialate and openRSD, recognised as a finalist at the 2025 Cool Tool EdTech Awards and being selected for a fifth consecutive placement in the HolonIQ ANZ EdTech 50 in 2024. The winner of the 2025 Learning Impact Awards will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on 5 June 2025 during 1EdTech's Learning Impact Summit. The public is invited to cast their vote for the finalists HERE . Online community voting ends on Wednesday, June 4, at noon EDT. Kristine Chompff Edalex +61 409 598 408 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ATLAB supports GCC's K–12 and Universities with creative STEAM learning, showcases solutions at GESS Saudi Arabia 2025
Middle East EdTech market projected to reach USD 573.1 billion by 2031, with new solutions transforming classrooms. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are driving the adoption of blended learning, data insights, and gamified tools to enhance education and student engagement ATLAB, a leading educational solutions provider and a subsidiary of Centena Group, showcases playful, tech-rich learning solutions designed to bring education to life by redefining classroom experiences across K–12 and universities at GESS Saudi Arabia 2025. These solutions support the Kingdom's ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering a future-ready, knowledge-driven society. The Middle East EdTech market is rapidly expanding, projected to grow USD 573.1 billion by 2031, reflecting a global shift toward immersive, hands-on learning. In K–12, classrooms are evolving into science workshops: coding robots, interactive AR/VR experiments, and maker kits are as common as textbooks. Higher education is also racing ahead, with universities integrating AI programs, autonomous vehicle labs, and biomedical engineering projects into their curricula. With a focus on immersive, experiential learning, ATLAB is well-positioned to meet this growing demand and support the development of educational institutions in the region with hands-on STEAM activities, cutting-edge lab kits, AI-enabled tools that seamlessly blend fun and practical problem-solving into every lesson. The solutions aim to transform traditional classrooms into dynamic learning environments that spark curiosity, build critical thinking, and inspire lifelong learning. Nilesh Korgaonkar, CEO of ATLAB, said: 'In K–12, we believe learning should be joyful, adaptable, and deeply engaging. We help teachers create meaningful connections with their students by turning classrooms into dynamic spaces where differentiated learning becomes a strength, not a challenge. Moreover, higher education today must do more than inform, it must inspire, simulate, and prepare. We are working closely with universities and schools across Saudi Arabia and the GCC to position continuous innovation as an integral facet of mainstream education.' At the event, the company is presenting 'hands-on, minds-on' model of education, empowering educators with the tools to create playful, inclusive learning environments where all differentiated learners can actively engage, explore, and thrive through curiosity-driven, experiential learning in the classroom. In the higher education and vocational training landscape, ATLAB is empowering institutions to shape global citizens equipped for the demands of tomorrow's industries. The company's advanced learning solutions are tailored to meet the dynamic industrial needs enabling students to move beyond textbooks into real-world, industry-relevant environments and embrace futuristic learning. Through solutions from LEGO® Education, KUBO, Sphero, Ozobot, ClassVR, and PASCO, ATLAB will equip educators with powerful tools to deliver customized and impactful learning, fostering curiosity, creativity, and real-world problem solving in every classroom. Additionally, partnering with globally respected brands such as TecQuipment, Quanser, SMC, and Emona, ATLAB equips universities, technical and research institutes with solutions that replicate authentic workplace scenarios, ensuring students gain practical expertise in high-growth sectors. In addition to offering these advanced solutions, ATLAB also supports capacity building by providing product application and curriculum design training for teachers. Over 50,000 educators across the region have already benefited from these initiatives, many of which are tailored to support the specific needs of Gulf-based institutions. According to reports, countries in the GCC, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, are witnessing the integration of blended learning, data-driven insights, and gamified learning to improve educational outcomes and engage students in new and exciting ways. From equipping schools in Saudi Arabia with interactive STEM labs to facilitating regional teacher development workshops, ATLAB's trailblazing initiatives continue to play a critical role in ensuring that students across the Middle East region have industry-specific skills that empower them to tackle future challenges. For further information, please contact: CommuniGate Middle East 500270, Dubai, UAE E-mail: info@ Website:
Associated Press
26-05-2025
- Associated Press
Librarian Kristina A. Holzweiss Recognized for Leadership in Innovation, AI Integration, and Community Building
Kristina A. Holzweiss, a Trendsetter Winner of the 2025 EdTech Awards, is an educator setting a trend creating resources, events, and communities. 'On a good day I teach; on a great day I learn.'— Kristina A. Holzweiss SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY, UNITED STATES, May 26, 2025 / / -- Kristina A. Holzweiss, MLIS, MA, a digital librarian, educator, and nationally recognized thought leader, has been named the 1st Place Winner in the Trendsetter category of the EdTech Awards 2025, under the division of Educator Setting a Trend. This prestigious honor celebrates Holzweiss' innovation in education and her ongoing efforts to build impactful resources, events, and communities that support educators and learners. Through organizing SLIME: Students of Long Island Maker Expo across Long Island, launching A Digital Librarian's Survival Toolkit and the Epic Ebook of Web Tools & Apps crowdsourced ebooks during the pandemic, creating Edcamp Cardigan Camp for librarians and people who love libraries, and organizing Canva Virtual Showcases, Holzweiss has consistently championed collaboration and creativity in the edtech and library world. Presented by EdTech Digest, the award recognizes Holzweiss for her outstanding contributions to education through technology, including her visionary work integrating artificial intelligence in schools and her steadfast commitment to inclusive, forward-thinking learning environments. Since starting her education career in 1995 as a seventh-grade English teacher, Kristina Holzweiss has shown unwavering dedication to her work. Today, she is a leading voice in school libraries and educational technology, speaking internationally on topics such as the maker movement, digital literacy, and AI in K–12 education. Her dedication and impact have earned her numerous accolades, including: * 2015 School Library Journal School Librarian of the Year * 2024 New York Library Association School Librarian of the Year * 2018 Library Journal Mover & Shaker * Excellence in Equity - Champion of Equity (Librarian or Media Specialist) category * National School Board '20 to Watch' Emerging Education Technology Leader * NYSCATE Lee Bryant Outstanding Teacher Award * Fred Podolski Leadership and Innovation Award from the Long Island Technology Summit * Barnes & Noble 'My Favorite Teacher' Award Holzweiss was featured in the 2023 Princesses with Power Tools STEM calendar, published by Reinvented Magazine. She is also the creator of the School Library Planner, published by Demco, a resource designed to support librarians in organizing, planning, and innovating within their unique learning environments. This award acknowledges Kristina Holzweiss' vital role in modern education as a school librarian and a leader in integrating technology, fostering digital literacy, and creating inclusive learning environments. Her work has a profound impact, demonstrating that school librarians are at the forefront of educational technology, providing crucial support for students and teachers, ensuring access to resources, and promoting a culture of inquiry and innovation vital for student success. Holzweiss is also a tireless advocate for school libraries. After a decade-long vacancy, she successfully led efforts to reinstate a librarian at her district's sixth-grade center. She has represented her region during the National Week of Making in Washington, D.C., is the founder of SLIME (Students of Long Island Maker Expo), and a founding member of the Nation of Makers. Holzweiss is the co- author of Hacking School Libraries and the author of several children's books, including eight titles on makerspaces, My First Book of Trains, and My First Book of Airplanes. Her work promotes creativity, critical thinking, and connection—essential skills for today's ever-evolving educational landscape. To explore the full list of 2025 EdTech Award winners, visit: 🔗 Quotes from Kristina A. Holzweiss: 'When we teach students to create, collaborate, and communicate, we're not just preparing them for the future—we're giving them the tools to shape it.' 'Libraries are no longer just quiet spaces; they are launchpads for ideas, creativity, and community.' 'To be a digital librarian in today's world is to bridge past and future, helping others navigate with curiosity, compassion, and confidence—even as new tools like AI emerge in the classroom.' 'The more our society changes technologically, the more our humanity will be our greatest commodity.' 'On a good day I teach; on a great day I learn.' Kristina A. Holzweiss Kristina A. Holzweiss [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Bluesky Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Hans India
PAL Works: Launch of India's first collective to drive system-wide adoption of Personalised Adaptive Learning in school education
PAL Works, a pioneering body committed to accelerating the adoption of Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) across India's public education system, was launched today in New Delhi. This powerful coalition brings together EdTech innovators, education nonprofits, research experts, ecosystem enablers, funders and philanthropies, and supportive government bodies - uniting diverse expertise to transform learning outcomes for every child in India by leveraging Education Technology (EdTech) effectively. The nation stands at a pivotal moment in its education journey. With foundational learning receiving focussed attention under the Government of India's NIPUN Bharat Mission and digital adoption rapidly advancing across states, the opportunity to embed contextualised, evidence-based and tech-enabled solutions at scale has never been greater. In the presence of leaders from across the education ecosystem, the convening 'Learning for All, At Scale: Exploring the Role of Innovation, Tech, and Partnership' hosted by PAL Works, focussed on what it will take to make this vision a reality in India's classrooms. Why PAL Works and why now? Indian classrooms are highly diverse with students at varying learning levels, making it difficult for even the most skilled teachers to cater to each child's individual learning needs. As a result, many students struggle to keep pace with grade-level expectations, leading to widening learning gaps and even dropouts. Addressing this problem at scale is vital to realising the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'. PAL software solutions use technology to assess each student's learning level and deliver tailored instruction, adjusting content and pace in real time. This student-centric approach enables every child to learn at their own pace, significantly improving learning outcomes, up to two times what an average child in Indian learns in a year - especially for those who start out behind. PAL also empowers teachers with actionable data and supports the creation of more inclusive, effective classrooms across India. Multiple research studies have shown the effectiveness of PAL in diverse classrooms, including in Indian contexts. It has been endorsed by critical national education frameworks, including the ICT Framework for Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI Guidelines. PAL solutions are already being implemented across many states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, reaching thousands of schools, teachers and students. In a rapidly changing world, it is important to leverage technology at scale to accelerate the unique learning journey of each child in India. PAL clearly offers that possibility. PAL Works is committed to working with key stakeholders to help deliver the promise of education and progress to the nation. Quotes from leaders: 'Learning levels in Indian classrooms are highly heterogeneous, with students at diverse points on the learning curve. Heterogeneity also exists in the skills and strengths of teachers. Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) is proven to address this heterogeneity very effectively. I am hopeful that PAL Works will accelerate the growth of India's EdTech ecosystem, fostering collaboration and sustainable impact across the country.' - Dr. Santhosh Mathew, Country Lead - Public Policy and Finance, Gates Foundation 'The potential of PAL is nothing short of revolutionary. When implemented at scale, it transforms the classroom from a one-size-fits-all model to a dynamic environment where every child's learning journey is recognised and supported. For too long, schools across India have adopted EdTech solutions without evidence. It gives me immense pleasure to see the evidence-backed approach that PAL Works and its members are taking. To me, solutions like PAL, grounded in rigorous evidence, will chart the future of education in India.' - K. Sandhya Rani, Board Member- CRISP, Former Commissioner, School Education, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh "The launch of PAL Works marks a pivotal step in India's education ecosystem. This collective is bringing together the deep expertise of EdTech innovators, implementation muscle of technical partners, research capabilities from experts, and strong support of ecosystem enablers like Central Square Foundation. It hence has the potential to generate the much-needed momentum for an evidence-backed learning approach like PAL. Leveraging EdTech for learning is a core part of our system-reform work, and we are seeing early green shoots in student learning outcomes in states like Andhra Pradesh. We are excited about and committed to support the role that PAL can play in laying the foundation of a Viksit Bharat where all students learn and thrive.' - Shaveta Sharma-Kukreja, CEO and MD, Central Square Foundation
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Boom, Bust And Rebuild? What's Next For EdTech
Post by Dr Christine Côté, Associate Professor (Education) of International Business at the Department of Management at LSE, Professor Saul Estrin, Emeritus Professor of Management Economics and Strategy at the Department of Management at LSE, and Katie Nunner, LSE Alum (Development Management, 2016). Educational technology concept, online connection of educational information. In the early 2000s, Sam Paddock's father was a part-time law lecturer in South Africa spending hours commuting to and from campus. Sam built him an online system to deliver lectures remotely and allow students from across the country to enroll in his course. It worked - not only in terms of logistics, but economics. The income from his distance learning course quickly surpassed what his father earned from his law practice. Sam's business GetSmarter, the focus of our recently published business case study, was born. It focused on 10-week online courses aimed at executives. Leading universities like MIT, Oxford, and Harvard became interested and the company set a new benchmark in the online learning space. Between 2011 and 2015, as demand for flexible, high-impact education exploded, the online higher education market grew by 130%. In 2012, The New York Times declared it the 'year of disruption' for higher education, with edX, Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning all in on the boom in online adult learning. This was the birth of EdTech, (educational technology) using technology to enhance teaching and learning. By 2017, GetSmarter had attracted major attention. 2U, an EdTech that specialized in partnering with universities to provide online graduate degrees and short courses, was keen to expand its global footprint and acquired GetSmarter for $103 million. The deal signaled a new phase in EdTech: one where acquisition and scale became the dominant strategic narrative. 2U pursued further acquisitions, including Trilogy Education in 2019 for $600 million and edX in 2021 for $800 million. All three firms addressed different student and education segments and also showed strength in student enrollment and retention, key drivers in an Ed Tech business. This aggressive vertical integration meant that 2U was betting on becoming the go-to intermediary between top universities and a growing base of adult learners. But that bet came with bigger risks. When Covid hit, education systems across the globe were forced online overnight. For a moment, it looked like EdTech would boom. Enrollment numbers soared, and venture capital poured into the sector. But many platforms found it difficult to achieve economies of scale. Universities, once reliant on third-party providers to digitize courses, began building their own internal capabilities and student retention and completion rates fell. For 2U, the post-pandemic period brought significant turbulence. Enrollments began to decline, while operating costs remained high, and long-term university partners such as University of Southern California (USC) began to question whether there remained value in the relationship. Additionally, questions arose about the sustainability of its business model from investors. 2U's value proposition needed to evolve and differentiate itself, including facilitating placements for students in specialized programs and leveraging data to help universities navigate the future of higher education. The high cost and long-term commitment of degree partnerships make them a tough sell compared to a traditional university credential. While our case examines one of 2U's acquisitions, it demonstrates the increasingly competitive nature of the EdTech market and the dynamics and synergies of a merger between a developed country and an emerging market multinational in the platform space. The EdTech industry is crowded. Companies must redefine their value propositions to collaborate with universities rather than just serve them, including making learners at the center of the decision-making. The optimism of the last decade has given way to a more grounded phase. For entrepreneurs and investors, the next wave of winners in EdTech won't be those who grow fastest. Those that win will be the EdTech firms that truly understand the needs of students seeking accessible, high-quality education while at the same time adding value for top universities who might be considering bringing their online programs in-house or moving away from online delivery entirely Sam Paddock's original idea that distance learning can unlock both access and opportunity still holds true, but who can best deliver this remains to be seen. Follow LSE's Department of Management on LinkedIn. Check out our website.
