This week’s biggest stories in education technology come from platforms that continue to revolutionize the learning environment. The top players, SchooLinks, Blackboard, and Canva, are leading significant changes in how students, educators, and institutions interact with educational tools. Let’s dive deeper into what each platform is doing and how these changes could shape the future of Education.
SchooLinks: Expanding College and Career Readiness with New Funding
SchooLinks has been gaining attention for its College and Career Readiness (CCR) platform, which helps students across the United States prepare for life beyond high school. This week, the company secured $80 million in a Series B funding round, marking a major step in its growth. Founded by Katie Fang in 2015, SchooLinks has expanded rapidly and now operates in 40 states. The platform offers a variety of tools to guide students, such as interactive assessments, personalized career path recommendations, and gamified lessons in critical areas like financial literacy.
SchooLinks is for more than just students. It supports teachers and school districts, helping them align their educational programs with real-world career requirements. This recent funding will allow the platform to enhance its workforce solutions. Connecting students to educational opportunities and employers and helping districts offer more practical guidance to students.
Katie Fang, SchooLinks’ CEO, noted that this investment. Will help the company continue evolving its services. focusing on equipping students with the tools needed for success after graduation. With more districts signing up and more students using the platform. SchooLinks is poised to be a leader in the education technology space for college and career readiness.
Blackboard vs. Canvas: The Learning Management System Showdown
For years, blackboard and Canvas have been schools and universities’ go-to Learning Management Systems (LMS). These platforms are crucial in managing courses, distributing assignments, and tracking student progress. While both Blackboard and Canvas have their strengths, they continue to evolve, adding new features and improving user experience to stay competitive.
Blackboard: Powerful Data and Customization
Blackboard remains a favourite for its deep analytical capabilities. The platform allows teachers to create custom exams, track student performance, and analyze the data across different subjects or even entire schools. This makes Blackboard a powerful tool for administrators and educators who want a detailed view of student success. Additionally, Blackboard’s integration with other systems means teachers can manage their courses more effectively by pulling data from various sources.
Another strong point for Blackboard is its ability to customize grading. Teachers can set up complex rubrics and grading systems, which is essential for institutions looking to adopt more sophisticated evaluation methods.
Canvas: User-Friendly and Collaborative
On the other hand, Canvas has become popular due to its simplicity and collaborative features. The platform allows students and teachers to collaborate on documents, share ideas in real time, and participate in group projects. Canvas is widely appreciated for its intuitive design, making it easy for students and teachers to navigate assignments, grades, and course materials. One standout feature is its SpeedGrader tool, which helps teachers provide feedback on assignments faster.
Canvas also integrates seamlessly with popular third-party applications like Google Drive, making it a flexible solution for classrooms with various tech needs. Both platforms are strong contenders, and schools often choose between them based on their specific needs.
Canva for Education: Creativity in the Classroom
Canva, known for its easy-to-use design platform, is also making waves in Education. With Canva for Education, teachers can create visually appealing lesson materials, while students can design projects like posters, presentations, and infographics. What makes Canva so popular is its simplicity. Even students with no design experience can quickly get the hang of using templates to create professional-looking work.
In a world where digital skills are becoming increasingly important, Canva offers a way for students to develop these skills creatively and engagingly. Canva for Education is free for K-12 teachers and students, which makes it accessible to many schools. It also integrates with learning platforms like Google Classroom, allowing teachers to incorporate creative projects into their lesson plans easily.
Other Key Developments in EdTech
Beyond these three platforms, the education technology space continues to advance rapidly. New tools are being introduced to help students and teachers succeed in virtual and physical classrooms. This week, several other notable developments have taken place, adding to the momentum of tech in Education.
SMART Technologies and the N50 Project
SMART Technologies, a major player in interactive classroom solutions, partnered with the N50 Project. This initiative aims to provide digital access to underserved communities worldwide. Together, they plan to bridge the digital divide by bringing essential technology to students who lack reliable internet and digital tools.
By working with organizations focused on global connectivity, SMART Technologies ensures that no student is left behind, especially as technology becomes a central part of Education. The partnership highlights the importance of creating innovative tools and ensuring they are accessible to all learners.
Salesforce’s $23 Million Investment in AI and STEM Education
Salesforce, a global customer relationship management software leader, is also moving into Education. The company recently pledged $23 million to support AI and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education in U.S. schools. This funding will provide schools with resources to help students develop skills in emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, which are critical for future job markets. Salesforce’s Salesforce investment will benefit middle and high school students, helping them prepare for careers in tech-driven industries. By focusing on STEM education, Salesforce contributes to developing a future workforce ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Final Thoughts: The Future of EdTech
As we look to the future, platforms like SchooLinks, Blackboard, and Canva are leading the charge in transforming Education through technology. These tools are not just helping students learn; they are preparing them for life beyond the classroom. Whether through career readiness, innovative classroom management, or creative expression, these platforms are shaping the future of Education.
With more investments pouring into EdTech and companies focusing on making their tools accessible to all. Technology’s role in Education will only grow. Schools, educators, and students will continue to benefit from these advancements. Ensuring that learning remains dynamic, engaging, and relevant in today’s world.
Tech enthusiast and digital expert, Techo Wise is the driving force behind techowise.com. With years of experience in viral trends and cutting-edge software tools, Techo Wise delivers insightful content that keeps readers updated on the latest in technology, software solutions, and trending digital innovations.
