Latest news with #digitallearning
National Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Why bilingualism remains a career advantage in a digital world
This article was created by StackCommerce. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links on this page. Article content In an increasingly global economy, fluency in more than one language isn't just a nice-to-have skill, it's now viewed as a career edge. But for many working professionals, the idea of adding 'learn French' or 'pick up Korean' to an already-packed schedule can be unrealistic. Article content However, digital learning platforms are certainly changing things. With online learning through apps like MosaLingua, it's become easier to find snippets of time to learn languages. Article content Learn languages with MosaLingua Article content Unlike traditional language courses that demand hours of weekly commitment or force you through endless grammar drills, MosaLingua is built for the modern, time-poor learner. It leverages a proven combination of microlearning, spaced repetition and real-world vocabulary to help users build language skills in as little as 10 minutes a day, which means no classrooms and much less stress. Article content It's a timely shift. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 40 percent of the population already speaks more than one language, a rise from past years. The demand for bilingual workers is increasing in various sectors, including healthcare and technology, worldwide. But while immersion-based learning has long been considered the gold standard, not everyone can afford to move abroad or enroll in a full-time course. Article content Article content Online platforms like MosaLingua's approach meet learners where they are. Lessons can be downloaded for offline use, and tools like built-in flashcards, native audio and an AI-powered conversation coach make it easy to practice on the subway, between meetings or while waiting in line for coffee. Article content Available languages Article content Its content library spans 11 major global languages, including French, Spanish, Korean and German. More importantly, it focuses on phrases and topics people actually use: asking for directions, ordering food and navigating work emails, not reciting outdated textbook dialogue about where the library is. Article content For professionals looking to sharpen their resume, open up new markets or simply feel less like a tourist on their next trip, this learning tool respects your time and your hard-earned money. Get lifetime access to Mosalingua Premium Language Learning for just $135. Article content
The Guardian
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Estonia eschews phone bans in schools and takes leap into AI
While many schools in England have banned smartphones, in Estonia – regarded as the new European education powerhouse – students are regularly asked to use their devices in class, and from September they will be given their own AI accounts. The small Baltic country – population 1.4 million – has quietly become Europe's top performer in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's programme for international student assessment (Pisa), overtaking its near neighbour Finland. In the most recent Pisa round, held in 2022 with results published a year later, Estonia came top in Europe for maths, science and creative thinking, and second to Ireland in reading. Formerly part of the Soviet Union, it now outperforms countries with far larger populations and bigger budgets. There are multiple reasons for Estonia's success but its embrace of all things digital sets it apart. While England and other nations curtail phone use in school amid concerns that it undermines concentration and mental health, teachers in Estonia actively encourage pupils to use theirs as a learning tool. Now Estonia is launching a national initiative called AI Leap, which it says will equip students and teachers with 'world-class artificial intelligence tools and skills'. Licences are being negotiated with OpenAI, which will make Estonia a testbed for AI in schools. The aim is to provide free access to top-tier AI learning tools for 58,000 students and 5,000 teachers by 2027, starting with 16- and 17-year-olds this September. Teachers will be trained in the technology, focusing on self-directed learning and digital ethics, and prioritising educational equity and AI literacy. Officials say it will make Estonia 'one of the smartest AI-using nations, not just the most tech-saturated'. Kristina Kallas, Estonia's minister of education and research, said during a visit to London this week for the Education World Forum: 'I know the scepticism and carefulness of most of the European countries regarding screens, mobile phones and technology. The thing is that in the Estonian case, society in general is much more open and prone to using digital tools and services. Teachers are no different.' Kallas said there were no mobile phone bans in schools in Estonia. On the contrary: a smartphone is seen as part and parcel of Estonia's highly successful digital education policy. 'I've not heard of any problems, to be honest,' she said. 'The schools establish the rules, which are followed on a local level. We use mobile phones for learning purposes.' She added: 'We have local elections coming in October this year. In local elections, 16-year-olds can vote, and they can vote online through their mobile phones. So we want them to use mobile phones to do their civic duty, to participate in an election, to get the information, to analyse the political platforms. 'It's a little bit strange if we would not allow them to use them in school, in an educational setting. That would be a very confusing message to 16-year-olds – vote online, vote on a mobile, but don't use ChatGPT on your phone to do education learning.' Kallas insisted: 'We are not banning. We've given guidelines, especially regarding younger children – younger than 12 and 13 years old – when it comes to how mobile phones should be used or should not be used, but most schools have regulated it themselves. 'They have regulated it so that mobile phones are not used during the breaks, and in the lessons they are used when the teacher asks for the phones to be taken out because there is some assignment or exercise that is done with the help of phones.' Rather than trying to resist new technology, Estonia has embraced it. In 1997 there was huge investment in computers and network infrastructure as part of its Tiigrihüpe (Tiger Leap) programme. All schools were rapidly connected to the internet. Now smartphones and AI are seen as the next step. Kallas talks about an AI revolution entailing the end of essays for homework, a farewell to the memorise/repeat/apply learning model relied on for hundreds of years, and a shift to oral exams. The challenge is to develop higher cognitive skills in young people, because AI can do the rest better and faster. 'It's a matter of urgency,' she said. 'We are facing this evolutionary, developmental challenge now. We either evolve into faster-thinking and higher-level-thinking creatures, or the technology will take over our consciousness.'
Bloomberg
22-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
25 African Startups to Watch in 2025
Zeraki offers digital learning and school-data analytics platforms to help students with their assessments and metrics to spot areas for improvement and track progress across subjects. The company, which is backed by the Save the Children Impact Fund, has partnered with Kenyan telecoms provider Safaricom to offer online remedial learning to secondary school students in the East African nation and has a business in nine other countries on the continent. Zeraki's subscription-based model offers schools and parents the option to pay daily, monthly or annual fees for access to its digital tools and services.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
TTRO expands to Saudi Arabia with AstroLabs to accelerate workforce readiness, aligning with Vision 2030
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: South Africa-based TTRO, a leading provider of corporate training and digital learning solutions, has expanded into Saudi Arabia with the opening of its Riyadh office. The strategic move, supported by AstroLabs, the Gulf's leading business expansion platform. complements the global network of TTRO's offices in the UAE, New Zealand, and the UK. 'With the official launch of its offices in Riyadh, TTRO is leading the way in shaping the future of work in Saudi Arabia and driving new economic opportunities for Saudi workers. Ultimately, this contributes to enhancing the productivity and efficiency of human capital as a means to achieving sustainable development," said Alex Nicholls, director of expansion at AstroLabs. Founded in 2008, TTRO, short for 'The Training Room Online,' has emerged as the learning transformation partner for leading organizations of all sizes and sectors. It specializes in the design and development of end-to-end innovative learning experiences that can adapt to the changing workforce needs. TTRO partners with governments, academic institutions, and businesses to upskill and empower people for the future, leveraging cutting-edge educational technologies and methodologies to support both employees and organizations in building future-ready skills. The company's grand office opening is the latest in its significant investments in Saudi Arabia and represents a tremendous step forward for its operations in the region. TTRO will use its Riyadh base to introduce its cutting-edge learning technologies to the local market through partnerships with leading entities such as Articulate, Vyond, PixoVR, Surge9, and Zensai. 'TTRO is proud of more than a decade of working on various projects within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Finalizing our company in Saudi Arabia with the assistance of AstroLabs is a milestone in the history of TTRO. We look forward to continuing to contribute value to Vision 2030 through Human Capability Development initiatives and strong technology partnerships in learning and AI. Continuing to develop local leadership capabilities in partnership with EnergyTech is a core focus for the coming months,' commented Kirsty Chadwick, CEO of TTRO. Julie Rautenbach, director of leadership Development at TTRO, noted, 'We are proud of our Saudi Arabian entity, marking a significant milestone in our long-term commitment to supporting leadership development across the Kingdom.' 'With the establishment of our local presence, we are now expanding our capabilities to include specialized solutions such as Energy Transition, Business Fundamentals, Board Governance, and Project Management, equipping leaders with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape,' Rautenbach further added. Building on the success of its work with EnergyTech under the Qudwah brand, TTRO has delivered high-impact leadership development programs to a range of organizations in Saudi Arabia. These programs are designed to meet the distinct needs of various industries and individual clients with an unwavering focus on quality. About AstroLabs AstroLabs is the leading business expansion platform in the Gulf, propelling high-growth companies across strategic industries. With a decade of supporting economic development in emerging markets, AstroLabs is the partner of choice for over 1,500 companies that have expanded across the region, engaging a vibrant network of 10,000+ market leaders in the UAE and KSA. Bridging key gaps in fundamental industries in the Gulf, AstroLabs designs sector-focused and outcome-driven programs in partnership with government entities and the private sector. AstroLabs is committed to building the future of key sectors, driving market access, and contributing to regional visions like Saudi Vision 2030. About TTRO TTRO delivers transformative learning experiences that go beyond traditional training to drive real impact. We are a 'learning transformation' partner, creating solutions that ignite growth and organisational success. By aligning learning with our customers' strategic objectives, we empower employees to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our approach is driven by deep customer understanding and fuelled by a 'Never Stop Learning' ethos.
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Yango Oman and Esrar partner to empower hundreds of drivers' families through education
Yango Oman, part of the global technology company Yango Group, has joined forces with Esrar, Oman's leading digital learning platform, to provide children of Yango's partner's drivers with access to premium academic support. The initiative focuses on students from Grades 5 to 12 and aims to strengthen their educational outcomes through Esrar's cutting-edge mobile platform, and build future-ready skills. Through this initiative, co-sponsored by Yango and Esrar (part of Abwaab Group), students will benefit from Esrar's comprehensive suite of learning features. These include live and recorded lessons, summary files, a responsive Q&A feature offering immediate academic assistance, and the largest question bank in the Arab world, covering ministry exams and custom practice tests. All of this is available via a single app on iOS and Android, offering students an integrated and flexible learning experience. With this partnership, Yango and Esrar aim to uplift families and contribute to long-term educational progress in Oman. This collaboration aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which highlights the critical role of education in building a competitive, knowledge-driven society. Sheikha Ambuali, Country Manager of Yango Ride in Oman, commented: 'Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make in the future of our communities. At Yango, we believe it is our responsibility to support the long-term well-being and aspirations of our partner's drivers and their families. This partnership with Esrar reflects that commitment. By helping their children thrive academically, we're playing a role in a stronger, more resilient future for the nation.' As part of the partnership, Yango will also provide Esrar with marketing and outreach support, helping the platform reach more students across Oman and further scale its impact within the education sector. The collaboration offers a dual benefit, uplifting families while supporting the growth of local digital education. Mizna Al Rahbi, GM at Esrar, added: 'Our mission has always been to make high-quality education easily accessible to students across Oman. By joining hands with Yango, we're able to bring our platform to families who need it most, ensuring that every child has pathways for academic success. This collaboration is a step forward in building a more inclusive and empowered learning ecosystem.' This initiative is part of a broader set of community programmes by Yango to support the drivers community, from financial assistance to skills development. By addressing real-life challenges and empowering families, Yango is enabling drivers to thrive both on and off the road. About Yango Group Yango Group is a tech company that transforms global technologies into everyday services tailored for local communities. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, the company reshapes and enhances leading cutting-edge technologies from around the world into seamlessly integrated daily services for diverse regions. The mission is to bridge the gap between world-leading innovations and local communities, fostering connections and enhancing everyday living experiences. About Esrar Academy Esrar is a leading Omani online learning platform providing students in Grades 5 to 12 with best-in-class academic support. The platform features live and recorded lessons, downloadable summaries, a responsive Q&A tool, and the largest question bank in the Arab world. Students can access the platform via a dedicated mobile app on iOS and Android. Esrar also offers a VIP service, which includes personal academic advisors, regular performance reports, and both digital and in-person testing to enhance academic outcomes.
