EdTech 10: Shining a Light on Progress

With winners announced for NewSchools Ignite’s Science Learning Challenge, 22 districts added to Digital Promise’s League of Innovative, $3 million in new awards from the US Dept. of Education for STEM, and Skills Fund raising $11.5 million… This week’s news shines a light on exciting progress in EdTech.

Blended Schools & Tools

In a league of their own. Digital Promise announced the addition of 22 districts to the League of Innovative Schools, a coalition of forward-thinking districts and district leaders (including our friends in El Paso). The League now includes 73 school districts in 33 states, representing more than 3.2 million students. Karen Cator, President and CEO of Digital Promise recently joined us in crafting 25 Impact Opportunities in US K-12 Education.

6 new states, 22 new districts, endless possibilities. Meet our new League members: https://t.co/ypu85kAsZS pic.twitter.com/bSHiDfOAzi

— Digital Promise (@DigitalPromise) October 20, 2015

Digital Developments

From dream to reality. Seattle-based technology product design and development company Artefact, shared their work with DreamBox Learning of designing and developing a new Insights Dashboard, an intuitive, actionable app that features real-time data visualizations for educators. Another example of the innovative work of DreamBox Learning in building unstoppable mathematicians.

Our latest collaboration with @DreamBox_Learn is another step toward transforming #edtech: http://t.co/9y2JjHJnLz pic.twitter.com/Re72Ayy7Sg

— Artefact (@artefactgroup) October 15, 2015

Cue the Opening Bell. Noodle launched Noodle Markets, dubbing themselves as “the first marketplace for K-12 education.” But, before you buy, check out the Smart Series Guide to EdTech Procurement.  

.@NoodleMarkets — “marketplace that will ↑ district & ed agency buying IQ, leveling the playing field for vendors” https://t.co/ZK2l6mhbFk — tyler (@post_west) October 27, 2015

Acquisition and implementation navigation. Navigating the Digital Shift: Mapping the Acquisition of Digital Instructional Materials is a new report from SETDA that provides information and guidance on the acquisition — similar but different to Navigating the Digital Shift: Implementation Strategies for Blended and Online Learning.

New “Navigating the Digital Shift” @SETDA report provides info and guidance on #EdTech acquisition https://t.co/gbD3Iy6iiX #EdTech10

— Megan Mead (@MegMarMe) October 27, 2015

Micro-credentials, macro-potential. Making Professional Learning Count Recognizing Educators’ Skills with Micro-credentials is a new report from Digital Promise. Micro-credentials have HUGE potential when it comes to EdLeader PD — for more, check out Preparing Leaders for Deeper Learning.

“It’s critical that emerging resources are harnessed as legitimate & beneficial learning opps for educators” @kcator https://t.co/ystiWPQayh — tyler (@post_west) October 27, 2015

Dollars & Deals

Mills for Skills. Skills Fund raised $11.5 million to issue loans to students of leading high-quality accelerated learning programs. Launch partners include top schools such as Galvanize, Dev Bootcamp, Hackbright Academy, Metis, CodeU, and Sabio.  

$11.5 million for @Skills_Fund to fund partnerships with #coding bootcamps https://t.co/RTVlyClp2Y #EdTech10 #hourofcode — tyler (@post_west) October 27, 2015

Stem Gems

Starry night. It was Astronomy Night at the White House last week. As part of the event new private-sector commitments were announced that further Obama’s Educate to Innovate campaign. Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Noyce Foundation, who work with 30+ states in supporting over 500K students in after school STEM programs, were cited as leaders to note in this effort.

#AstronomyNight at the @WhiteHouse brings new private-sector commitments to #STEM https://t.co/iqcgZOg5QX #EdTech10

— Catherine Wedgwood (@C_Wedgwood) October 27, 2015

STEMming success. $3 million in new awards from the US Dept. of Education is going to 13 colleges and universities that serve largely students of color to strengthen STEM learning. Here’s 34 STEM networks and maker resources worth noting.  

.@usedgov awards $3 million to 13 institutions who serve majorly students of color for #STEM ed https://t.co/2hcuAwkloJ #EdTech10 #HigherEd — tyler (@post_west) October 27, 2015

Let’s Get Personalized

College & career RFP. Nellie Mae Education Foundation (supporters of Smart Parents: Parenting for Powerful Learning) announced a five year, $200 million initiative, “with the goal of driving college- and career-readiness for all students,” said CEO Nick Donohue. Listen to our recent podcast with Nick.

.@NellieMaeEdFdn Launches $200 Million College and Career Readiness Strategy https://t.co/epQ0kqFE2X #CCR #competencyed #sclchat #plearn

— Carri Schneider (@CarriSchneider) October 26, 2015

Movers, Shakers & Groundbreakers

Eye on the prize. 15 companies and nonprofits were selected as winners of NewSchools Ignite’s Science Learning Challenge. Prizes continue to inspire, encourage and promote innovation.

We are thrilled to announce NewSchools Ignite’s 1st cohort of innovative #edtech developers https://t.co/Gb7VJiwECi pic.twitter.com/WR5oMaMIzi

— NewSchools (@nsvf) October 20, 2015

For more EdTech 10’s, check out:

• EdTech 10: Taking EdTech to the Next Level
• EdTech 10: 3rd Annual Smart List Series
• EdTech 10: With Arne Duncan Leaving… Now What?

DreamBox Learning, Connections Education and K12 are Getting Smart Advocacy Partners.

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