Sabine Wallis

A recent Edsurge article by Tanner Higgin, Ph.D. on moving away from a technocentric approach to edtech research really resonated with me (https://lnkd.in/eW6MiXbJ). There were a few key takeaways for edtech research and product development that really align with how we try to approach things at Sown To Grow: - First thinking about the intervention and how it would work in classrooms, then determining how (and if) technology can help enable that intervention at scale. - Thinking about our logic model and conducting ongoing feasibility studies, with an eye to iterative product design and development that includes educator and student voice. Efficacy research is important, but so is this more formative research. - Design in a way that enables flexibility, as there are so many varied classroom and school contexts, and a one-size-fits-all approach won't always be effective. I'm very thankful for the support that we have gotten through the IES SBIR Program and Edward Metz and our partnership with Leanlab Education - this has enabled us to really approach product development and research in a deliberate, informed way.

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AI Literacy for Teachers: Best Practices and Tools Need to get up-to-speed on how AI can help your students? Read this guide to learn about AI best practices and transformative tools for K-12 educators and students. The 3 best practices for educators using AI: 1. Focus on Pedagogical Value 2. Ensure Equity and Accessibility 3. Maintain Human Oversight https://lnkd.in/ewP84pWT

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What other strategies and/or sources would you add to this list for educators who are in the process of integrating AI into the classroom?

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Transforming Childcare in Seattle: Success Stories from 3 SI In this video, we explore the significant impact of 3 SI in Seattle over the past decade. Discover how strategic initiatives have led to over $150 million in funding for early learning services in underserved neighborhoods, addressing crucial childcare access issues. #ChildcareAccess #SeattleSuccess #EarlyLearning #3SIImpact #CommunitySupport #EducationFunding #AccessDeserts #LocalInitiatives #ChildCareReform #KingCounty

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“Sustaining and scaling innovation in education is not about jumping on the latest technology bandwagon. It’s about thoughtful, deliberate growth that places student learning at the center. By creating structured pathways for innovation and fostering collaboration between IT and instructional teams, school districts can ensure that the tools they adopt are not only exciting but transformative—and built to last.” Thank you to Education Technology Insights for the opportunity to share our framework. See the complete tech framework at http://stvra.in/itf #innovation #EdTech #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfLearning

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There's increasing evidence that pulling kids out of the core / grade-level track for a remedial track doesn't always work. This is why Carnegie Learning takes an asset-based approach. Our solutions empower students and teachers to start at grade-level and work targeted supports into the core classroom. This also elevates teachers to become the expert on that whole student. Great article from EdWeek that should make us all pause! https://lnkd.in/edfpE_Z9

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Make math more meaningful for students using our new eBook. #matheducation

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I've been fascinated to learn how teachers' view on AI in the classroom have evolved in a short time. Clever's 2024 Classroom of the Future Report includes insights from over 1,600 educators, this report explores the latest trends in K-12 innovation. Learn more about AI, inclusion, and more: https://lnkd.in/gz7_rm46

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Yesterday, I joined an insightful webinar on AI in EdTech, hosted by Leanlab Education and moderated by CEO Katie Boody Adorno. The session explored findings from six co-design studies by Leanlab, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in this space. While there is strong alignment between educators and EdTech entrepreneurs on what’s needed, barriers like technical issues and mistrust in AI-generated content remain significant. A few key takeaways stood out to me: 1️⃣ AI Investment Shifts Malvika Bhagwat noted that while the initial surge of investments into all things AI has slowed, there is still significant capital for AI-native EdTech companies—especially those offering complete product suites that address real challenges. 2️⃣ AI and the Teacher Shortage Bhagwat also addressed fears of AI replacing teachers. In reality, with the severe teacher shortage in the U.S. and globally, technology often steps in to fill gaps rather than replace educators. AI becomes a tool to ensure learning continues when a teacher isn’t available. 3️⃣ Trust through Precision Peter Gault emphasized the importance of comprehensive iterative testing before launching products. He also shared how narrowing the scope of AI-generated content—such as Quill’s sentence-by-sentence feedback—can build trust with users by focusing on specific, actionable improvements. Leanlab’s work underscores the need for thoughtful collaboration between educators and EdTech companies to realize AI’s potential in education. It was an inspiring discussion that reinforced how technology, when used wisely, can help bridge critical gaps in the system.

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🌟 How Technology Can Transform SEL in Schools: My Perspective as an EdTech Founder & CTO As an EdTech startup founder and CTO, I’ve worked closely with educators and counselors passionate about supporting students’ social and emotional development. Over time, I’ve realized that while SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) is foundational to student success, the tools supporting it have not kept pace with technological advancements. This inspired me to explore how SEL should evolve to meet the needs of today’s schools. In a newly launched article series, I share a vision of SEL powered by data-driven insights, personalized learning paths, and real-time emotional support—offering educators actionable strategies they can adopt now. 📖 Excerpt from the First Article: "From Books to Data: Why SEL Needs a Modern Approach" “Traditional SEL programs, while well-intentioned, are often limited by static, one-size-fits-all lesson plans and delayed feedback through surveys. As classrooms become more diverse and students' needs more dynamic, SEL must evolve into a proactive, data-driven model. By capturing real-time emotional and behavioral data, schools can create adaptive learning environments where every student receives personalized support.” 💡 Read the Full Article Here: https://lnkd.in/gxEAFzJh I’ll be sharing more in this series on how technology, data, and AI can help transform SEL for educators, counselors, and students alike. What are your thoughts? How do you see technology reshaping SEL in your experience? #EdTech #SocialEmotionalLearning #SEL #EducationInnovation #StudentSupport #DataDrivenSEL

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I'm not a big podcast listener, can't really explain why. Just not. That being said, I have recently found one that I truly enjoy and look forward to, Monster in My Closet. Their humorous approach to workplace topics that folks shy away from is refreshing and informative. The workplace isn't all rainbows and puppies, though shining a light on the "monsters" can help try make it that way. #MonsterinMyCloset #Medusaas #leadership #newpodcast #workplace #culture #businesspodcast

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My last school board held me accountable for the impact my technology choices had on student learning. Does yours? When school districts fail to question the status quo, they miss out on innovations that could improve student outcomes. Rubber stamping educational products from legacy providers without digging into their effectiveness betrays communities’ expectations for their children’s development. But that’s not to say boards should be in the business of prescribing solutions. Simple mandates to adopt a different product or program miss the mark by revoking teachers’ autonomy and potentially worsening student outcomes. Instead, boards need to lean into their community responsibility and recognize opportunities for improvement by pushing for more innovative ideas that connect directly to student outcomes. But before exploring new learning solutions, schools need to reckon with the shortcomings of existing ones – and that’s where data can help. By demanding access to data, administrators can measure existing outcomes and gain insight into where providers are falling short. These granular insights allow for better allocation of funding that focuses on solving a problem without being beholden to the promises of a new provider. A data-driven approach helps school boards challenge assumptions and hold legacy providers accountable. By holding their school to a higher standard, school boards can ensure districts provide the highest quality experiences and educational opportunities for their students.

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check out our new blog post https://lnkd.in/eZ8Du8fn Using Physical Books in Online Learning: 4 Game-Changing Tips. #onlinelearning #tips #educators #onlineteachers #musicteachers #onlineeducation

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Unlock the secrets to a more efficient educator growth process with the latest @SchoolStaus ebook! Packed with valuable insights and actionable tips, it's a must-read for school leaders and administrators. Get your free copy today and take your team to new heights! https://lnkd.in/espYjGTD

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Ryan Hoover’s blog makes a strong point about prioritizing utility over community hits home. I believe, that in the edtech space, if the product doesn’t solve a real need, the community won’t stick. The community should support and amplify the product, not replace its core value. This article is a great reminder that the primary focus should always be on creating something genuinely useful first. #ProductDevelopment #EdTech #CommunityBuilding #UtilityFirst

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Another brilliant article from Eric Hudson. Key takeaways for me: decisions about AI should not be taken by schools lightly and must be linked to the development of a clear strategic vision; key personnel in schools need to become AI literate and see AI’s uses for themselves as an essential part of this process.

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@techlearning recently spoke with Discovery Education's own @ryanbrusco about how the NEW Mystery Writing's "wow" content helps K-5 students develop confidence in writing. Read on below to learn more!

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💙 It always feels great to hear from teachers how much they appreciate the co-design process – it’s one of the most important parts of EdTech product development. Four reasons why: 🎒 Teachers' firsthand knowledge ensures tools align with real classroom dynamics, making them intuitive and practical. ⚙ Tailoring tools to well-understood, and diverse student needs helps support personalization, boosting student engagement and success. 📈 When teachers contribute to the design, they trust and champion the tools, leading to higher rates of integration and use. 👀 Teachers are expert at identifying potential barriers early, ensuring the creation of robust, adaptable, and long-lasting EdTech solutions. S/o to the UXRs at ETS who prioritize co-design and educator testing to build impactful, user-centric educational technology that truly transforms the learning experience. 👏 🙏 Would you like to be one of our educator co-design and testing partners for our innovative skills measures - and get to hang out with Amanda Jensen, MFA and Melody Pickle? Send us your info at the link in the comments! 👇 #Codesign #UserTesting #Skills

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