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Marketplace trend update: 4 ed-tech developments

marketplace technology

Remaining a tech-savvy educator means keeping on top of the myriad changes and trends in education, how technology can support those trends, and how teaching and learning can best benefit from near-constant change.

Below, we’ve gathered some of the latest and most relevant marketplace news to keep you up-to-date on product developments, teaching and learning initiatives, and new trends in education.

Ultimaker [1], a 3D printer manufacturer, launched the Ultimaker Pioneer Program, which introduces 3D printing and design to North American students – both K-12 and higher education. As part of the Pioneer Program, educators (‘Pioneers’) can access 3D printing content on the Ultimaker Education website, which can be shared with students. The site welcomes contributions, and users maintain content ownership through Creative Commons Attribution, Share-Alike and Non-Commercial licensing. Read more [2].

Kaplan Test Prep is launching a free, live PSAT preparation program beginning October 1, with lessons that cover every section of the exam. Free for all students, Kaplan’s PSAT Prep Live [3] will give the 3.8 million students who take the PSAT annually groundbreaking access to live interactive instruction online, taught by master teachers who can answer their questions in real time. Read more [4].

CodeCombat [5] has significantly enhanced its platform in time for back to school by adding new capabilities including Game Development and Web Development. It also quadrupled the number of levels available to users of its original Learn to Code module, giving students plenty of runway to keep enhancing their coding skills. CodeCombat enhancements available Sept. 1 include an adaptive personalized learning system that recommends extra practice levels when it senses a student is having trouble with a concept to ensure they have mastered a skill before they move on; a new hint system that automatically provides assistance to users who are stuck within a level; and the ability for users to personalize their CodeCombat Hero (player persona) and add a Pet, both of which have been proven to increase engagement. Read more [6].

Sterling Partners’ Education Opportunity Fund [7], a fund focused on partnering with purpose-driven companies and leaders who foster innovation within the education sector, announced today that it has invested in Panopto [8]. Panopto’s partnership with the Education Opportunity Fund will allow the company to build upon its position as a technology leader in video content management, recording, and live streaming, and will fuel Panopto’s plans for business expansion. Read more [9].