News Roundup - 11/22

Our weekly roundup of education technology, workforce technology, and venture capital news.

With constant technological innovation, the integration of innovative technologies presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. This week's roundup covers the various facets of how technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and educational tools, is reshaping traditional learning environments. From engaging students with interactive historical figures to offering higher education programs in prisons, these summaries highlight the transformative power of education technology. They also examine the importance of evidence-based practices and the urgent need for educational reforms that adapt to the modern workforce landscape.

Should Students Chat With AI Versions of Historical Figures? – Lynn Rogoff, a veteran multimedia producer and professor, has leveraged AI technology to create an innovative educational film, "Bird Woman: Sacagawea," which allows viewers to interact with animated depictions of historical figures, including Sacagawea, to learn about their lives. By integrating elements typical of video games, Rogoff aims to engage young audiences actively, prompting them to take an interest in history. While her approach raises concerns about the reliability of AI chatbots and the risk of oversimplifying history, Rogoff believes that stimulating students' curiosity can ultimately drive them to explore primary resources and foster a deeper understanding of historical events. This innovative use of technology exemplifies the potential of edtech to make learning more engaging and accessible, thereby cultivating lifelong learners.

Evidence in Ed Tech: A Matter of Importance – The effectiveness of educational technology (edtech) is a pressing concern for both educational institutions and edtech companies, especially as many are managing thousands of tools without the financial support previously provided by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding. A study from LearnPlatform by Instructure revealed that school districts accessed an average of 2,739 distinct edtech tools in the 2023-24 school year, emphasizing the need for evidence of their positive impact on student outcomes. This evidence is vital for educators to select tools that genuinely enhance learning, rather than simply relying on marketing claims. Companies that provide well-researched, evidence-based products are more likely to gain traction in a crowded market and contribute to cultivating trust among educators. Resources like Instructure's Education Policy Atlas are aimed at simplifying the complex evidence requirements that vary by state, aiding schools in making informed decisions while ensuring their investments are both effective and cost-efficient, and establishing a culture of continuous improvement in edtech.

It used to be a notoriously violent prison. Now it’s home to a first-of-its-kind higher education program – At Pelican Bay State Prison in California, a groundbreaking bachelor’s degree program by Cal Poly Humboldt is transforming the lives of incarcerated individuals. Initiated after three years of effort, the program is designed to provide higher education, foster personal growth, and reduce violence within the prison. The initiative, enabled by new federal Pell Grant rules, aims to offer a route to education that could shorten sentences and improve post-release job prospects. Students have reported a supportive community and a desire for ongoing educational opportunities, marking a notable cultural shift at a prison once known for violence and isolation. The program’s success highlights the transformative power of higher education in prisons, showcasing how it can promote personal development, reduce violence, and enhance the prospects for reintegration and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals.

How Broadening AI Access Can Help Bridge the Digital Divide – As AI technology becomes more pervasive in education, there is a growing concern that the costs associated with paid AI services may deepen the digital divide between wealthy and low-income students. To address this issue, generative AI (GenAI) companies could offer their premium products for free to financially disadvantaged college and university students. Providing such access could enhance learning outcomes through personalized tutoring, improve digital literacy, assist with research, and offer mental health support. Additionally, methods like partnering with educational institutions, establishing means-tested access, and integrating AI tools within existing learning management systems could facilitate this initiative. By implementing these strategies, GenAI companies can contribute to leveling the playing field, fostering innovation, and ultimately benefitting both students and the companies themselves.

OPINION: Students need more educational choices after high school – Trust in higher education has diminished significantly due to rising student debt and doubts about the return on investment of college degrees, with only 40% of business leaders believing graduates are workforce-ready. Yet, researchers project that by 2031, 72% of jobs will require post-high school education or training. This presents a crucial opportunity for edtech and workforce tech companies to innovate and support the development of alternative pathways, such as skills-based credentials and competency-based education, which align with employer needs while fostering inclusivity and accessibility. By leveraging partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, these companies can help bridge the gap between education and employment, ultimately addressing immediate labor shortages and contributing to economic mobility.

5 Essential Questions Educators Have About AI – The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms has initiated critical discussions among educators about its role in enhancing learning experiences and fostering strong student-teacher relationships. Teachers emphasize the importance of redefining educational practices to prioritize meaningful connections over mere efficiency, while also exploring how AI can facilitate student-centered learning and ethical understanding. Discussions highlight the necessity for a progressive curriculum that teaches students about AI ethics, data privacy, and digital citizenship from an early age. By empowering students to engage with AI responsibly, educators aim to cultivate a future where technology enhances learning and promotes equitable and compassionate use across communities.

Upon reflection of these insights, it’s clear that the future of education hinges on harnessing technology to foster inclusivity, engagement, and personal growth. By prioritizing evidence-based methods, broadening access to emerging tools, and cultivating meaningful connections in the classroom, educators can create a more equitable and dynamic learning environment. Embracing these innovations not only prepares students for the challenges ahead but also empowers them to take ownership of their educational journeys.

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