From learning science and social studies through public radio to animated ed-tech video games and big data, these three startups will improve learning

ed-tech-startupsWe are living in a defining moment for ed-tech startups, despite concerns of being in a “bubble.” To be sure, in 2013, entrepreneurs raised more than half a million dollars, compared to more than $200 million in 2008.

Indeed, this is an exciting time for both ed-tech entrepreneurs and for educators and administrators.

It should be recalled that technology in and of itself should not replace traditional teaching and instruction. Technology, when used correctly, should be viewed as a powerful tool to enhance the learning experience.

Are you considering launching your own ed-tech startup? Watch this informational video here.

http://youtu.be/KgBhAgBore8

Below are three new ed-tech startups you should know about and might want to consider using to compliment and boost traditional lecturing.

(Next page: Three ed-tech startups making a difference)

1. Listen Edition

Launched in 2012, Listen Edition curates public radio stories and builds custom lesson plans around them that are written to the Common Core State Standards. The lesson plans include class activities, homework, links to additional resources, and assessment evidence.

Listen Edition teaches students critical listening and thinking skills. Using current public radio stories allows teachers to implement 21st century interdisciplinary themes into core subjects, such as literacy and global awareness.

As a subscription-based service with about 35,000 students from schools and districts in Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and Massachusetts, Listen Edition is seeking funding to launch a new website this summer for teachers to produce assignments based on the radio stories.

Listen Edition founder Monica Brady-Myerov explains the inspiration for the creation of this new startup in this video.

http://youtu.be/wkG7cIMtLrk

2. LearnSprout

As the system of record, a student information system (SIS) holds critical insights about student activity and performance. Collecting and analyzing data requires a lot time and patience. Educators can use LearnSprout to access their SIS and unlock its true potential in minutes.

Founded in 2012, LearnSprout is a free analytics tool that leverages a direct connection with a school or district’s SIS. By tapping directly into the system, LearnSprout automatically generates the latest student performance data.

LearnSprout is free to schools and districts, can be setup in a matter of minutes and requires no training to use. The startup has raised 4.7 million and has analyzed data in over 2,000 schools in 47 states and nine nations.

Watch LearnSprout’s official video.

http://youtu.be/TCDl3LhDZIU

3. Curiosityville

The Maryland-based startup Curiosityville is a personalized learning site for children ages 3-8 to improve math and literacy with their families. CEO Susan Magsamen says her company was launched “to bring together a collaborative and interactive community of families, educators, and experts in the field of early learning,” and has raised millions in funding to hire additional staff and to develop a smartphone app.

The educational and trade publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt recently acquired Curiosityville for an undisclosed amount to help take the education startup to the next level.

Magsamen explains more here.

http://youtu.be/nZZ8TxtcJuE

Michael Sharnoff is Associate Online Editor at eSchool News. Follow him on Twitter @Michael_eSM.

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