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In this blog post, Andrew Caffrey from Canopy , looks at some of the most popular AI Tools in Education. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world, and education is no exception. AI is already used in classrooms to help teachers develop learning resources, provide feedback, and automate tasks. As AI continues to evolve, it is likely to have an even greater impact on education. AI can help save teachers time in a number of ways. For example, AI can be used to create lesson plans, write letters to parents, and develop schemes of work. This can free up teachers to spend more time on tasks that require human creativity and judgment. Additionally, AI Tools can be used to personalize learning for each student, which can help students learn more effectively. At Canopy, we have been tracking AI Tools as they launch - here are some of the most popular from our Canopy AI Tools Directory.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to transform K-12 teaching and learning and educator productivity, but it can be intimidating to teachers and leaders, which is understandable. Just like any novel technology with significant educational potential, training is absolutely essential if we are to alleviate concerns about this revolutionary technology, as well as integrate it in a safe and intentional manner with our students. The focus should go far beyond discussing the potential benefits of AI; it's equally important to understand the risks of not providing teachers with proper AI training. In this blog post, we'll delve into six risks districts assume when not offering AI training to their teachers and staff.

MobileMind, the modern professional learning hub for schools, has partnered with Canopy Education CIC to offer districts robust AI training.

Professional learning is essential to a teacher's growth and development, but unfortunately, many teachers report feeling dissatisfied with their PD experiences. Here are four reasons your teachers may roll their eyes at professional development - and what leaders can do about it. "One size fits all" approach Just as learning should be differentiated for our students, it shouldn't be “one-size-fits-all” for teachers. Research suggests strong dissatisfaction with PD when it fails to consider educator needs or experience. Those who have engaged with asynchronous personalized learning have repeatedly reported that, with self-directed PD, they can be in control of their own learning. Allowing educators voice and choice in their professional learning opportunities makes all the difference! Takes them away from their classroom, and students Teachers already have a lot on their plates, and taking them away from their classrooms and students for PD can be challenging. In fact, studies show that 30% of teachers work an average of 10 to 11-hour days, with many of those hours being unpaid. That said, it is a lot to ask teachers to stay late or come in early for PD, attend in-person training during the summer, or require them to get a sub and write lesson plans in order to attend a training. Meaningful job-Embedded PD can allow teachers to complete training during the regular school day (within their contracted hours) and create authentic products they can use in their classroom. "Sit-and-get" approach Most professional development includes sitting through direct instruction in a classroom-style conference room with an administrator talking at educators - a "sage on the stage," if you will, with little collaboration. Our recent white paper shows that teachers find self-directed, hands-on virtual PD 90% more engaging than traditional face-to-face training. In addition to personalization and application of skills or concepts, educators also find that gamification and a little friendly competition can go a long way. Unintentional With teacher shortages and educators being stretched thin in general, PD is dropping down on the list of priorities in K-12 districts. Training that is not intentionally designed to fit the roles and needs of each adult learner can feel like box-checking, which doesn't respect their time, knowledge, and experience. In conclusion, PD is an essential part of a teacher's growth and development, but it must be provided to meet their needs and respect their time. By providing self-directed, interactive, and personalized PD, teachers can grow and improve while also enjoying the learning experience. To learn more about how to design and facilitate PD that teachers love, schedule a professional learning consultation with our Chief Learning Officer, Amy Vitala, Ed.D. here.

The world of K-12 federal funding is complicated and ever-evolving. However, as K-12 school districts move into the 2023 - 2024 budget season while planning next school year's goals and initiatives, it's essential to understand the changes that have been made this year to federal funding and how it relates to covering the cost of professional development. Now let's dive into the different types of funding that can be used for K-12 professional development. Title I Part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Title I is for schools and districts with at least 40 percent of students from low-income families. In 2023 Title I saw a $20 billion increase to $36.5 billion! How is PD eligible? Part of the Every Student Succeeds Act, Title I, promotes high-quality professional development to improve the teaching of academic subjects to help all children meet student performance standards. Title II Title II is the most significant source of federal funding for professional development and is all about attracting and retaining quality educators. How is PD eligible? Authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title II allocates $2.25 billion for K-12 school districts to use for all things professional development. In fact, MobileMind falls under 11 of the 15 authorized uses for Title II. Title IV Title IV is included in Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act and is intended to "improve students' academic achievement by increasing the capacity of States, local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, and local communities to provide all students with access to a well-rounded education, improve school conditions for student learning, and improve the use of technology in order to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students." How is PD eligible? Title IV is meant to promote the effective use of technology and support high-quality professional development for educators, school leaders, and administrators to personalize learning. Additionally, it can be used to provide training for suicide prevention, trauma-informed practices, crisis management, and conflict resolution for the health and safety of students. ESSER The most significant amount of federal funding ever dedicated to schooling. Though ESSER I has already been allocated, the three packages equate to approximately $195 billion. ESSER II (CAA), $54 billion to be allocated by September 30, 2023. ESSER II funds can be spent on all the same activities as ESSER I, addressing learning loss, school facility repairs and improvements, and improving indoor air quality in school facilities. ESSER III (ARP), $123 billion to be allocated by September 30, 2024. How is PD eligible? Literally, all aspects of professional development can be covered by ESSER III. This includes new hire onboarding and SEL training, as 20% of the funding must be used on SEL. The goal for this funding is to "plan for the future." Summary As you have read, 2023 will have many K-12 federal funding changes. Here is a snapshot: Title I, a $20 billion increase to $36.5 billion $800M increase in Special Ed funding $1B to double amount of counselors, nurses, and mental health professionals $1.1B for EL programs $1.6B to train teachers in special areas $30M for leadership training That is substantial funding to support educators in many different areas! We are here to help you navigate all things professional development, including giving guidance on how to cover the cost of your district's training. Schedule a call with MobileMind for more information about maximizing the impact of your district's federal stimulus funding for professional development!

MobileMind , the modern professional learning hub for schools, is taking the hub to its next level with the company’s newly expanded Partner Program. MobileMind’s Partner Program offers technology companies a program to collaborate and/or integrate. Partners with certification pathways or digital training content can leverage MobileMind’s patent-pending technology to deliver guided learning on any edtech tool. Additionally, through integration, external digital badges and training from any source can be tracked and reported in MobileMind. MobileMind’s Channel Partners have expanded opportunities, too. Partners now have the opportunity to White Label MobileMind and become a Managed Service Provider and/or deliver custom training via MobileMind as a Value Added Service. MobileMind can also be used internally by a Partner to centralize sales training on their ecosystem of vendors and products. Lastly, trainers, consultants, and Professional Development providers can partner with MobileMind to create a blended learning experience. MobileMind’s Events solution enables Partners to unite live on-site facilitation with asynchronous or self-paced training. To learn more about how to partner and collaborate with MobileMind, contact casey@mobilemind.io or visit mobilemind.io/partners .

Newline Interactive , the leading provider of quality interactive touch displays and collaboration solutions, is pleased to collaborate with MobileMind in offering Newline content on their professional learning hub. Newline Interactive, which already offers free on demand training, is now available on MobileMind’s professional development platform. Now, existing MobileMind clients will have access to Newline content with their MobileMind paid subscriptions. This content will include training videos on our latest products that will have a short knowledge check after each video. “This partnership ensures that educators new to Newline are set up for success and can leverage Newline’s award-winning interactive panels in a way that immediately impacts student outcomes,” said Tyce Miller, MobileMind’s Founder & CEO. “Newline engages students in creative learning just as MobileMind engages teachers in creative learning.” “By collaborating with MobileMind, we are giving customers another avenue to learn about Newline and what we have to offer. MobileMind’s existing clients will now be able to access all things Newline and acquire tools that encourage innovative learning in the 21st century classroom.” Stated Ty Hall, Newline’s Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Newline Interactive’s content page will be live on MobileMind’s professional learning hub soon! 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. About MobileMind Founded in 2015, MobileMind is a privately held, Atlanta-based educational technology company. MobileMind is a Google and Microsoft professional development partner offering a cloud-based, asynchronous professional learning platform designed to provide personalized growth opportunities to teachers and staff that improve teaching and learning. The professional learning hub is the only platform that allows districts to consolidate all of their PD initiatives, from new technology to curriculum to compliance. MobileMind delivers anytime, anywhere access to personalized micro-courses, activity-based learning, digital badging, and reporting to K-12 school districts.

Learn about the changes coming and how it affects Microsoft training at your school

MobileMind is taking anytime, anywhere learning to a new level with the company’s new iOS app.