Education Technology Insights : News

Project-based learning (PBL) is an effective teaching approach that actively engages students in solving real-world challenges. When enhanced by technology, PBL fosters immersive learning experiences that build critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills essential for success in the modern world. Elements and Technological Integration in PBL PBL is an educational approach emphasizing real-world applications and encouraging students to engage with authentic tasks. Key elements of PBL include authentic tasks relevant to students’ lives and interests, designed to mirror real-world challenges. This relevance not only fosters engagement but also makes learning more meaningful. In a PBL environment, students take ownership of their learning and make decisions and choices throughout the project. This student-centered approach empowers learners and encourages independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Students are also expected to collaborate, sharing ideas, resources, and responsibilities to achieve a common goal. In addition to critical thinking, students must effectively communicate their findings and processes, honing their written and verbal communication skills. Technology enhances PBL by providing research, collaboration, creation, and presentation tools. Integrating technology allows students to access various resources and tools that support their learning. Research and information gathering are some of the first steps in a PBL project. Digital libraries and databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, and EBSCOhost provide access to academic and peer-reviewed resources, enabling students to conduct in-depth research. Online research tools like Google Search and DuckDuckGo make it easier for students to gather information quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, fact-checking websites such as Snopes and FactCheck.org help ensure the information students collect is accurate and reliable. Collaboration and communication are vital aspects of PBL, and technology facilitates these processes. Online collaboration platforms like Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, and Slack enable real-time teamwork, allowing students to share documents, ideas, and updates seamlessly. Video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams further support virtual meetings and discussions, connecting students across distances. Social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram can also be used to create project-specific accounts, where students can engage with the broader community, share updates, and receive feedback. The creation and production phase of PBL can be enhanced with various digital content creation tools. Students can use platforms like PowerPoint, Prezi, and Google Slides for multimedia presentations. At the same time, video creation tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie, and WeVideo allow students to produce engaging video content. Infographics and visual content can be created with tools like Canva and Piktochart, and interactive websites can be built using platforms such as Wix or Weebly. Additionally, coding and programming can be introduced with languages like Python, JavaScript, or Scratch, enabling students to develop interactive and innovative projects. Once the project is completed, students can present their work using digital tools. Digital presentation platforms like PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi, and Canva allow students to design engaging presentations that capture the essence of their projects. Video conferencing can be used to conduct virtual presentations, enabling students to receive feedback from a wider audience. Creating online portfolios allows students to showcase their work and reflect on their learning journey, building a digital record of their achievements. To ensure effective implementation of PBL with technology teacher professional development, educators must be trained on both PBL pedagogy and integrating technology into the classroom. Students must also be taught digital literacy, including critical thinking, information literacy, and digital citizenship, to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. Equitable access to technology is crucial, ensuring all students have the tools and internet access necessary for success. Learning environments should be designed to support collaboration, independent research, and project work, allowing for flexibility and adaptability. Authentic assessments, such as peer feedback, self-assessments, and project evaluations, should be used to measure student learning and progress throughout the project. ...Read more

To increase student enrollment, institutions must integrate targeted marketing, impactful engagement initiatives, and a strong academic reputation. Schools, colleges, and universities can achieve this by adopting innovative, student-centered strategies designed to both attract prospective learners and retain current ones. Leveraging digital platforms, personalized communication, and active community involvement enables institutions to create meaningful connections, strengthen trust, and ultimately drive sustainable enrollment growth. Digital marketing plays an integral part in gaining future students. Institutions should optimize their websites for search engines (SEO) to improve visibility when students search for programs online. Targeted social media campaigns help institutions engage with potential students. Regular content, including student testimonials, faculty interviews, and virtual campus tours, creates an emotional connection and fosters interest.   Automated email campaigns tailored to different student segments ensure prospects receive relevant information about courses, scholarships, and campus life. Live chat support and quick response times make students feel valued and increase conversion rates. Hosting interactive webinars and virtual open houses allows direct engagement with prospective students and their families, addressing their concerns and showcasing institutional strengths.  Partnerships with schools, community organizations, and businesses play a key role in expanding the reach of educational institutions. Collaborations with high schools through workshops, career counseling, and scholarship programs help introduce students to a range of academic opportunities. Pikmykid aligns with these initiatives by supporting communication and engagement strategies that strengthen connections between institutions and their communities. Additionally, industry partnerships create internship opportunities and defined career pathways, enhancing institutional appeal for students prioritizing employability outcomes. Institutions must prioritize student satisfaction and retention to drive word-of-mouth referrals. Happy students become brand ambassadors, sharing their positive experiences with friends and family. Creating a supportive learning environment, offering mentorship programs, and enhancing campus life contribute to a fulfilling student experience, ultimately attracting more applicants. Bright Horizons College Coach supports career pathways through services that enhance academic opportunities and strengthen partnerships across education and industry sectors. Data-driven decision-making improves marketing effectiveness. Institutions should track enrollment trends, analyze student feedback, and assess the performance of marketing campaigns. Tools like CRM systems help institutions efficiently refine their strategies and allocate resources. By continuously optimizing outreach efforts, institutions ensure sustained enrollment growth.  Schools need to abide by a holistic system. It suggests forming a brand that resonates with prospective students, utilizing social media and online marketing to reach them effectively, and personalizing interactions to make each student feel valued. Building strong partnerships with local organizations can also enhance visibility. Enriching the overall student experience and paying attention to data can guide meaningful improvements. By embracing these strategies, institutions can attract and support more students for lasting success. ...Read more

White Bear Lake, Minnesota – CheckIT Learning, a global edtech startup providing neuroscience-based classroom tools, announced today that it has been named a finalist in four categories of the EdTech Digest Awards. These recognitions reflect the wide range of applications for CheckIT Learning’s tools in closing curriculum, performance, and equity gaps in K-12 and higher education, highlighting its innovative, research-backed approach to driving transformation in today’s classrooms. This year marks the 16th edition of the EdTech Digest Awards program, the world's largest program focused on recognizing and celebrating the biggest names and achievements in  educational technology.  “Congratulations to The EdTech Awards 2026 finalists and winners! We’re no longer asking if technology will transform learning—it already has. The leaders honored here are defining what comes next,” said Victor Rivero, who as Editor-in-Chief of EdTech Digest, oversees the program. “The future of learning isn’t something we’re waiting for—it’s unfolding right now, shaped by innovators who aren’t reacting to change, but creating it across classrooms, workplaces, and beyond,” said Rivero. CheckIT Learning was recognized in the following four categories: • Cool Tool Award: Learning Management System Solution • Cool Tool Award: Professional Development Learning Solution • Trendsetter Award: Product or Service Setting a Trend • EdTech Leadership Award: Founder(s) / CEO – Startup Each category recognizes excellence in advancing education through technology as a means of empowering students and teachers to grow and succeed. CheckIT LMS with an integrated neuroscience-trained AI mentor, Cleo™, is a powerful ecosystem built to address student disengagement, reduce teacher overwhelm, and expand the role of AI beyond simple content automation.  The Science of Learning professional development program developed by CheckIT Learning provides educators with classroom-ready skills and confidence for applying brain-based strategies in classrooms. Rooted in cognitive research and designed to drive measurable results, this program helps schools drive measurable impact in classroom.  Commenting on this achievement, Myriam Da Silva, CheckIT Learning CEO, said:  “This recognition truly reflects our commitment to bringing meaningful innovation into the heart of education. We believe that responsible and ethical use of AI can help education better serve each student’s purpose while supporting teacher well-being. Being named a finalist is an honor, and we’re excited to continue growing and evolving to meet the needs of today’s classrooms.” Herself recognized as a notable edtech leader, Myriam Da Silva was recently named one of the top 100 influencers in the State of EdTech Report by EdTech Digest. With over 15 years of experience in language education and educational leadership, she brings a globally informed, evidence-based perspective to the future of learning. Her work in the field aims to offer practical tools and guidance for educators to leverage neuroscience principles to drive student growth and success. The EdTech Awards recognition comes shortly after CheckIT Learning was named a Top Neuroscience-Driven Learning Management System by Educational Technology Insights, recognizing its evidence-backed approach to LMS design. About CheckIT Learning CheckIT Learning provides neuroscience-based tools for K-12 and higher education to bridge curriculum, achievement, and equity gaps. Its AI-powered LMS is designed to provide individualized learning experiences for every student, while at the same time reducing teacher workload and improving instruction quality. Designed to meet the needs of today’s diverse classrooms, CheckIT LMS features Cleo™, a neuroscience-trained AI mentor, which helps students learn how to learn and acts as a 24/7 co-pilot for teachers. By integrating brain-based principles into the study process, Cleo helps students build learning and life skills, while supporting teachers’ growth and well-being. ​ CheckIT LMS has a Responsibly Designed AI certification issued by Digital Promise. It is a formal member of the UNESCO Global Alliance on the Science of Learning for Education and part of iRAISE (International Research-driven Alliance for AI Serving Every child). ...Read more