EdTech
Education Technology is a multi-billion dollar sector of companies innovating in both software and hardware for teaching, learning, and running schools, districts, and state and federal education departments. We document some of the most essential technical innovations and companies that support learning, teaching and more.
Better College Essays? There’s a Platform for That
Story2 teaches students how to tell their stories out loud using the power of storytelling to write powerful essays in their own voice. Story2 is an online writing application that helps students “build a bridge” from what they’ve done already to what they want to do in the future.
Smart List: 36 Ways to Learn Almost Anything
The 3rd Annual Smart Lists continues! Today we are recognizing 36 open resources for K-12, postsecondary, and anytime learning including Gooru, Edmodo, Coursera, PowerMyLearning, and Curriki.
Where the OECD EdTech Report Missed the Mark
A recent OECD report resulted in kneejerk headlines like, “don't bother buying computers for schools.” This OECD report reflects the fact that technology has been layered on top of the ineffective and inequitable education system we have.
Machine Learning: The New Infrastructure for Everything
Enter the rise of machine learning--programming computers to learn from data. With a good machine learning algorithm more data means more learning. Machine learning draws from neuroscience, evolution, psychology, physics, and statistics to build better algorithms.
Smart List: 55+ Great Blogs & Blasts
Today we are recognizing 54 thought leading blogs, blasts and EdTech sites you should be plugged-in to, including Straight A's, Intelligence Report, KQED Mindshift, and the Level Up Report.
EdTech 10: Coming Together to Focus on What Works
Startups, organizations, teachers and students are huddling over new tools, partnerships, and reports that are moving the needle and creating real progress on what’s working to support next-gen learning.
Innovative Blend Could be the Spark for South Africa
Located in between what a local school head called "up market apartments" in a converted five story office building in Johannesburg, SPARK Ferndale is an attractive and inviting facility on a tiny lot where every square meter is utilized. The first of four SPARK Schools serves 529 K-4 students in a flexible, blended model.
Making MOOCs Teacher-Centered, Competency-Based and Personalized
The Learning Differences team at the Friday Institute is employing a modified take on the “traditional” MOOC structure, for their MOOCs for Educators, or MOOC-Eds, which is allowing them to meet the unique learning styles of teachers participating in the new course.
DreamDegree Offers Mobile HigherEd Platform, Affordable GenEd
DreamDegree is a cloud-based mobile platform that assesses student learning, and serves up only what the student doesn't know. The platform prompts learners each step of the way with notifications. It get’s to know the learner and their preferred communication style.
Smart Review | Transforming Schools Using Project-Based Learning, Performance Assessment, and Common Core Standards
Getting Smart Teacher Blogger Amber Chandler shares why she's giving her copy Bob Lenz's "Transforming Schools Using Project-Based Learning, Performance Assessment, and Common Core Standards" to her superintendent.