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If you’ve been in education long enough, you will have encountered many different ‘digital learning and data platforms.’ These platforms entice potential partners with one or several modest characteristics for managing learning, especially assessment. However, you will note that many, if not most, of these platforms, lack the tools, intuitive interface, a deep understanding of data collection, assessment and communication management between all key stakeholders of a school community. Most of these platforms fall short of providing educators with a professional apparatus that follows modern assessment theory and communication protocols in a compact, simple, robust, and yet extensive package using the latest web technologies tweaked to meet the needs of teachers, students, and parents. You might even wonder if that’s possible. Well, it is, and its name is Edsby.

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Contact us to post your career opportunities here!

The future of learning is no longer restricted to four walls. As painful as the pandemic has been, we've seen many innovations emgerging thanks to technology powered pedagogy. 

Buckle-up for massive change.  In the next 12 months in education I predict well see a flurry of mergers, acquisitions and closures. A prospering education system is the lifeblood of society. The digital leap thrust upon teachers, professors and parents is showing cracks in systems that previously hung on to old models. Many EdTech Companies will thrive while others will struggle to get the attention of educators unless their solutios are deemed mission critical. 

It is without a doubt the most exciting time to be in education with the promise and potential for new and innovative teaching and learning methods to support personalized learning 

Yes, the factory model is back in some districts who are forced the province to embrace straight row desks and low tech teaching methods. This will see parents flock to other options online, home schooling,  and yes innovative private schools. 

Teachers are not replaceable but need the tools to teach and help students thrive. 
I have received messages from teacher friends desperate for computers as the majority were given away in the spring to families in need. They are not being returned any time soon. This will put teachers' creative and innovative teaching practices to a test! 

If you have any technology you are willing to lend, or donate. Please drop me a note as I have many educators who will put it to good use! 

People on the move in Ontario! Congrats to Colleen Russell-Rawlins, who takes on the role of Permanent Interim Director of Education, Peel District School Board  Dr. Debbie Donsky, who has recently taken on a Superintendent role with the Toronto District School Board. And welcome back to the GTA her former colleague, Dr. Tanya Sterling, who takes on a Superintendent role back at her former district in York Region. We will be featuring many  more names from across Canada making their move up the ranks. Tom D'Amico, recently stepped into his new role as Director of Education, Ottawa Catholic School Board. 

On the EdTech front, Prodigy Learning has made three significant hires to their executive team in Kulsum Qasim as Chief Marketing Officer, John Stetic as Chief Product Officer, and Jean-Luc Dery as Chief Technology Officer. This strategic investment in leadership will allow Prodigy to accelerate its growth at this pivotal moment for educational technology. as the look to raise the bar in education with their highly popular math gaming platform.  A BIG part of their success has been adapting to where the kids are at with their game-based math learning platform. The school to home connection has made them an EdTech darling and a past Canadian EdTech Company of the Year Award winner. Stay tuned for BIG things to come from this Canadian EdTech darling! 

I was honoured recently to be appointed back on the Board of Lingo Media, providers of English Language Learning (ELL) platform. This has a special place in my heart. I am proudly a first generation Canadian. My mother, Giovanna immigrated from Italy in the 50's and never had an opportunity to go to school during WWII as a child. She came to Canada illiterate as an adult. Despite this, my mom was a very wise woman and an inspirational storyteller, who did everything to support my education. Sadly, my mom passed a few years ago never learning to read or write.  Perhaps this helps explain my passion for public education and supporting all learners through tech infused pedagogy, while embracing the notion of lifelong learning. 

If you have an event or story to share, please tell us about it! We also encourage you to share your comments!

Until next time, keep the digital learning curve steep!
R.M.

Computational Thinking in BC’s K-12 Classrooms                        
October 14, 2020

2020 2nd Intl. Conf. on Information Technology & Education Technology: ITET                         
November 6-8, 2020

5th Canadian International Conference on Advances in Education, Teaching & Technology 2020                                                                           
December 12-13, 2020