EDTECH ShowDaily
ORLANDO JAN. 25, 2024 Oser Communications Group
Trafera Acquires AXI Education Solutions
SchooLinks’ New Portfolio Solution Elevates College & Career Readiness for Next Generation
Trafera announced the acquisition of AXI Education Solutions, a leading provider of Promethean interactive flat panels, educator professional development and related products and services to U.S. K-12 school districts across the mid-South. “Bringing together Trafera and AXI will help us bring even more value to our school district partners,” commented Scott Gill, Chief Executive Officer of Trafera. “AXI’s talented team has earned the trust of their customers with a focus on Promethean interactive displays. Coupled with their exceptional professional development platform and stellar installation services, I’m excited to welcome the AXI team to Trafera and look forward to growing together.” Dale Viola, Founder of AXI, noted, “Trafera really understands and appreciates the technology challenges faced by educators and district IT leaders today. I’m thankful that our customers and employees will have the opportunity to be part of an organization that shares our commitment to improving student outcomes through technology.” Trafera is a portfolio company of Rotunda Capital Partners. Rotunda, along
SchooLinks, the pioneer in modern college and career readiness solutions, announced enhancements to its Elementary Solution, designed to instill the foundations of self-discovery and career exploration among young learners. These innovations highlight the necessity of nurturing students’ interests and potential from an early age, providing them with the tools to embark on a lifelong journey of personal and professional growth. In an era of evolving career landscapes and rapid technological advancements, it has become imperative to introduce students to the world of possibilities as early as possible. Recognizing this, numerous states nationwide have taken proactive measures to incorporate college and career readiness programs into elementary school curricula. The objective is clear – to equip students with essential skills that will shape their futures and cater to the demands of the ever-evolving workforce. SchooLinks’ Elementary Solution emerges in response to this growing necessity. It acknowledges that young minds need time to foster self-awareness, discover their passions, and understand how these passions can translate into potential professions. By facilitating early exposure to diverse careers and industries, students
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Calcasieu Parish School Board Advances STEAM Education with MakerBot 3D Printers
How Modern Learning Platforms Help Power Personalized Learning Journeys
MakerBot, a Stratasys company, announced that Calcasieu Parish School Board has invested in 200 MakerBot SKETCH Classroom™ sets, totaling 400 SKETCH 3D printers, to further advance its STEAM education and build critical skills among its students. The addition of SKETCH 3D printers brings the latest technological innovations to students to enhance classroom learning across grade levels and better prepare them for the future. “We want to make a difference with our students and give them all equal opportunities to succeed,” said Kim Leblanc, Chief Technology Officer at Calcasieu Parish School Board. “To do that, we need to give them tools and resources that will help them develop critical thinking, collaboration and creativity skills. We believe that 3D printing and the MakerBot 3D printers fits right in and can support our teachers and students along their learning journey.” Located in southwest Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish School Board is the fifth largest school district in the state. The district has 29,500 students across its 60 elementary, middle, and high
An interview with Graham Glass, Chief Executive Officer, CYPHER Learning.
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ESD: Why are you passionate about personalized learning? GG: Throughout my career, I’ve taught thousands of people, both in higher-ed settings and in corporate environments, so I know from experience that personalization in learning is crucial. However, as a senior lecturer at the University of Texas at Dallas, I realized that when working with many learners at once, it was more difficult to provide personalized instruction and feedback equitably, and on a large scale. That’s why I created CYPHER Learning – a company that puts personalized learning at the forefront of its modern learning platform, to help educators provide personalized instruction for students leveraging a competency-based approach. This way, they can absorb and master information at their own pace, the way they want to learn. ESD: What makes personalized learning so effective? Continued on Page 5
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Thursday, January 25, 2024
EverDriven and School Bus Logistics Team Up to Streamline Routing and Logistics for Districts EverDriven Technologies, the leader in technology-enabled alternative student transportation for school districts nationwide, announced a new alliance with School Bus Logistics (SBL) to provide a comprehensive suite of logistics and routing services to schools and districts. Together, SBL & EverDriven will analyze and optimize routes for busing and small capacity vehicles, which will enable all drivers and vehicles to be used as efficiently as possible and ultimately minimize the impact of the ongoing bus driver shortage. With this alliance, school districts will be able to tap into the EverDriven and SBL suite of service offerings, including route optimization, daily route planning, fleet analysis, bell-time studies and boundary analysis, to help them improve their overall routing operations. “As part of our commitment to go above and beyond for our customers, we are taking a comprehensive
approach to providing solutions that enable district leaders to optimize their routing and look into further efficiencies,” said Megan Carey, Chief Development Officer at EverDriven. “Our district partners can now find new efficiencies for both their traditional yellow school buses and alternative transportation operations with the
combination of EverDriven’s and SBL’s innovative services, while maintaining safety and efficiency for their kiddos.” By working together, EverDriven and SBL will bring together all the ways students get to and from school which will help districts save funds by addressing top transportation pain points, including: • Driver Shortages: Using district data, SBL will optimize routes to find
EdTech Show Daily possible reductions in the number of drivers required. • Reduced Budgets: By continually evaluating bus and small capacity vehicle ridership changes, routes will be adjusted to make sure they remain efficient and cost effective. • Out-of-Date Maps and Boundaries: Working together, EverDriven and SBL can ensure maps and boundaries are updated on an as-needed basis to reflect any changes. • Changes in Bell Times: From sleep studies to after-school athletics, EverDriven and SBL will identify and evaluate the transportation impact of any bell-time changes and will adjust transportation accordingly. • Lack of Software Knowledge – Training is critical to keep routing and operations running smoothly. EverDriven and SBL provide customized training sessions online or on site to ensure transportation professionals know how to use alternative transportation and industry leading busing platforms as efficiently as possible.
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For more information, go to www .everdriven.com/school-bus-logistics.
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Newline Interactive Unveils Cutting-Edge Q Pro Series Newline Interactive, a global leader in interactive display solutions, announced the launch of its two latest innovations, the Q Pro Series interactive flat panel featuring Google EDLA and the Google EDLA Certified OPS Android Computer. These groundbreaking products set a new standard in interactive display technology, bringing together powerful performance and seamless Google integration to create an unparalleled user experience. The new Q Pro Series featuring Google EDLA and the Google EDLA Certified OPS Android Computer are designed to empower educators, businesses and professionals with advanced
computing capabilities, enabling them to unlock new levels of productivity and collaboration. Leveraging the power of Google’s ecosystem, the Q Pro Series and OPS Android Computer seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace, allowing users to access their files, applications and collaborative and administrative tools directly from the interactive displays. Key features of the Q Pro Series featuring Google EDLA and Google EDLA Certified OPS Android Computer include: 1. Certified Compatibility: The Q Pro and the OPS Android Computer are Google EDLA (Enterprise Device
Licensing Agreement) certified, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance with Google applications and services. 2. Google Integration: The Q Pro Series and Google EDLA Certified OPS Android Computer both offer seamless integration with Google Workspace that enhances productivity by providing easy access to Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and other applications. Users can collaborate in real time, edit documents and share ideas effortlessly. 3. High-Performance Computing: Equipped with state-of-the-art hardware, including the latest processors and ample memory, the Q Pro Series and Google EDLA Certified OPS Computer deliver lightning-fast performance for multitasking and resource-intensive applications. 4. Simplified Setup: The OPS Onboard computer is designed for hasslefree installation. With a plug-and-play setup, users can instantly connect the OPS unit to Newline’s displays, eliminating the need for complex configurations. 5. Enhanced Collaboration: The Q Pro Series and Google EDLA Certified OPS Android Computer promotes collaborative learning and teamwork by offering interactive whiteboarding, video conferencing support and seamless content sharing. “We are excited to introduce the Q Pro Series featuring Google EDLA and the Google EDLA Certified OPS Android Computer, which marks a significant leap forward in interactive display technology,” said Ty Hall, Senior Vice
Lee M. Oser Founder
President of Sales and Marketing at Newline Interactive. “Our new Google EDLA products reflect our commitment to providing innovative solutions that empower educators and professionals to engage, collaborate, and achieve more. By harnessing the power of Google’s ecosystem, users can streamline their workflows and elevate their interactive experiences.” The Google EDLA Certified OPS Android Computer is now available for purchase and can be integrated into a wide range of Newline Interactive’s interactive displays. The Q Pro Series featuring Google EDLA will be available to purchase in Q1 of 2024. For more information, pricing and technical specifications, visit www.newline-interactive.com/usa/. About Newline Interactive Headquartered in Allen, Texas, Newline Interactive is a leading supplier of interactive touch screens and innovative software that increases productivity and enables collaboration. Newline Interactive develops products that help organizations in a wide range of vertical markets including financial services, education, healthcare, law enforcement, manufacturing, municipalities and legal services. For more information, go to www.newlineinteractive.com, call 888.233.0868, email sales@newline-interactive.com or stop by booth #2924.
Thursday, January 25, 2024
EdTech Show Daily CYPHER Learning (Cont’d. from p. 1)
GG: Think about it: We all benefit from personalized attention. I know that whether I’m teaching a student about astronomy or mitosis, learners will better comprehend and retain the information when the delivery is tailored to their needs. It’s difficult for one teacher to give individualized guidance and attention to everyone – especially with more than 100 students per class, lecture-hall style. That’s where a modern learning platform can help scale per-
sonalized learning for hundreds of students at a time and really help teachers make sure no student is left behind. ESD: How can AI help with the personalized learning process? GG: There are several ways that incorporating AI can help teachers better tailor the learning journey. It starts with the understanding that any AI tool is there to be a co-pilot to the teacher and will not replace the human element of personalized instruction. A
modern learning platform with AI can accelerate and scale learning by building class curriculum in minutes and creating quiz banks that assess student knowledge and comprehension. A modern learning platform can also recommend strategies for individual learners. For example, if a student gets an 85 percent competency rating in geometry, the modern learning platform can recommend the next course of action, which could be a deeper dive into geometry proofs or a brand-new aspect that builds on the areas the stuVisit www.trafera.com.
About Trafera Trafera is a leading provider of educational technology to K-12 schools and a top K-12 focused reseller of Google
Chrome devices. Trafera offers a broad range of additional hardware and software solutions that support better outcomes through technology and also offers a robust set of services including deployment and warranty support. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company also has operations in Hills, Minnesota, and Arden Muskogee, Oklahoma, supporting the needs of school districts nationwide.
SchooLinks (Cont’d. from p. 1)
purpose and direction from an early age.
gain a head start in honing their skill sets, allowing them to cultivate and develop these talents throughout their educational journey. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive and accessible platform, SchooLinks Elementary has undergone a remarkable transformation, incorporating various features designed to enrich the learning journey and prepare young minds for a successful future.
2. Student Portfolio: Portfolios allow students to document artifacts on their profile, like projects. The student experience is designed differently for elementary to walk them through each item step by step.
by providing individualized learning plans for each student. With the ability to monitor progress and upload documents for portfolio tracking, staff can provide a collaborative approach to education to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive.
Trafera (Cont’d. from p. 1)
with other investors, provided additional capital for the acquisition of AXI. AXI will continue to be based out of Madisonville, Louisiana.
Key Features of the Revitalized SchooLinks Elementary Product: 1. Career Learning Units: Educators now have access to an extensive library of career learning units, enabling them to seamlessly deliver engaging and informative content to young students. These units ignite curiosity and broaden horizons by introducing students to various career pathways, instilling a sense of Calcasieu (Cont’d. from p. 1)
schools. Its mission is to “build foundations for the future,” and it does so by providing students with the latest technologies they need to be successful in and out of the classroom. In addition to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) classes, the school district offers programs for advanced placement, gifted, and career and technical education to prepare students with skills needed for 21st century careers. Using its allocated funds from the Title I, Part A federal grant program to purchase the 3D printers, Calcasieu Parish School Board continues to ensure that all of its students have equitable access to technology that will help accelerate learning in the classroom and support the development of cognitive and technical abili-
3. SMART Goals: Students can create goals in a way that suits them best, offering both guided and self-led experiences. In the guided experience, students are taken step by step through the SMART acronym, as they build their goal by selecting from a variety of options. The self-led experience encourages students to take charge and type out each part of the SMART acronym independently.
About AXI Education Solutions AXI Education Solutions, the 2020 Promethean Partner of the Year, is a leading provider of educational technology focused on enhancing teaching and learning. With a portfolio of products and services including interactive displays and professional development, and a host of supportive tech-
5. Tailored by Grade Level: Understanding the diverse needs of students across different grade levels, SchooLinks Elementary has curated content that is segmented and customized for various age groups. This thoughtful approach ensures that the platform’s offerings are age-appropriate and resonate with students’ developmental stages.
4. Individualized Learning Plans: In compliance with K-12 ICAP initiatives and state mandates, SchooLinks Elementary empowers educators and guardians alike
“One challenge many of our partners share with us is that they do not have enough time to help students plan for their futures. We believe the conversation needs to start early, and it needs to
ties. Each SKETCH Classroom includes two SKETCH 3D printers, ISTE-certified MakerBot Certification™ training programs for educators and students, and additional accessories and materials. Calcasieu Parish’s EdTech partner for the introduction to MakerBot was Bluum, the leading provider of transformational technology solutions for educators. The driving force behind the purchase was the opportunity to give students equal chances to learn and use 3D printing to help develop their problem-solving and design thinking skills. Calcasieu Parish School Board takes its education seriously and works to ensure its teachers are well-equipped with the tools and resources needed to teach their students. In addition to the SKETCH 3D printers, the district has other MakerBot 3D printers, laptops, desktops, coding robots, and other
STEAM technologies. One of the district’s goals with 3D printing is to integrate it seamlessly into teachers’ curricula, along with other technologies offered. Calcasieu Parish School Board offers its teachers ongoing technical and 3D printing curriculum support through a series of in-person trainings, webinars, and more. The district plans to run additional activities to engage students and the community, including tech camps for the summer, design competitions, a STEM bus, and community events to showcase the technologies used in the schools. “Bluum’s mission is to provide a future where every student has access to a world-class education, improve learning and make it more accessible,” Bluum Vice President of Product Ryan Semans said. “So, it is thrilling to see a district like Calcasieu Parish,
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dent needed to master. On the flip side, if a student is struggling, the platform can identify which areas they need to review, and share content accordingly. Similarly, learning doesn’t follow a onesize-fits-all approach. AI can power much-needed personalization with recommendations that cover not only next steps and individual content items, but the entire learning journey. For more information, go to www.cypherlearning.com or email cypherlearning@threeringsinc.com. nologies, AXI partners with school districts to support college and career readiness for every child regardless of social or economic background. AXI is based in Madisonville, Louisiana, with a customer base of school districts spanning the mid-South states. Visit www.axiedu.com. For more information, www.trafera.com.
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start with self-discovery and awareness. Establishing a sense of self is not only a need but a prerequisite to being able to relate to the world of work,” said Katie Fang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at SchooLinks. “Our continued development and releases on not just our Elementary Solution but the overall platform represents our commitment to always stay feedback-driven and help our districts with growing needs.” As SchooLinks unveils its advanced Elementary Solution, it stands at the forefront of a transformative educational movement. By fostering a holistic approach to college and career readiness, SchooLinks empowers young learners to dream big, discover their passions and ultimately embark on a journey of personal and professional fulfillment. For more information, www.schoolinks.com.
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where the entire student population is granted access to the federally assisted National School Lunch Program, use its resourcefulness to equip its student body with 400 cutting-edge 3D printers with little to no cost out of its pocket. We’re incredibly proud to be a technology partner with such a forward-thinking school district that is leveling the playing field in real-time.” “We believe that STEAM education is important to the success of future generations,” said Nadav Goshen, Chief Executive Officer of MakerBot. “3D printing’s versatility as a learning tool as well as a training tool unlocks the possibilities of what can be achieved. Calcasieu Parish School Board continues to stand at the forefront of education to provide the latest technologies to its students to enable them to succeed.”