Starring SMART Technologies, The Kennedy Institute and Salesforce : ETIH rolls out the biggest education technology news stories of the week
The team at ETIH is here to keep you updated on the latest innovations and developments in edtech that are shaping the future of learning. From exciting new programmes to insights on the latest technology trends, we’ve compiled this week’s top stories to help you stay informed and inspired.
Here are the top stories from the past seven days that you need to know about:
Kelvinside Academy appoints new leadership to drive innovation and educational technology
Independent school, Kelvinside Academy, has made three senior appointments as it looks to position itself as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
David Sassarini has been appointed as the school's first Director of Educational Technology and Innovation. Kelvinside has also appointed Catriona Calvert as Head of Junior School and Dr Gillian Thomson as Chief Operating Officer.
Kelvinside Rector Daniel Wyatt praised the appointments, saying:
“We are in a privileged position to attract talent of the calibre of Catriona, Gillian, and David, and all three will add fresh ideas, impetus, and experience to our senior leadership team as we navigate a new, challenging, but exciting time in the world of education.”
Adam Hinds on how the Kennedy Institute is shaping civic education in the USA
ETIH sits down with Adam Hinds, CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, to explore the launch of the Institute’s new AI policy program as part of their award-winning Senate Immersion Module.
Adam shares insights on how this initiative will enhance civic and digital literacy, helping students navigate key tech issues like AI, data privacy, and social media regulation in a hands-on, legislative environment.
Engineering Tomorrow welcomes new leadership as Megan Barrett takes over as Executive Director
Engineering Tomorrow, a U.S. charity committed to promoting engineering careers among high school students, has announced a leadership change.
Megan Barrett, the former Director of Operations, will succeed Timothy McNiff as the organisation’s Executive Director. McNiff, who led the organisation through a period of rapid growth and digital transformation, will step down from his position but remain involved as an advisor on special projects
Salesforce pledges $23 Million to U.S. schools for AI education and STEM initiatives
Salesforce has announced $23 million in new grants to support schools and education nonprofits across the U.S. as part of its ongoing commitment to education.
The newly announced grants will be used to fund AI and STEM education in middle and high schools across the country, with $13 million allocated to schools in San Francisco, Oakland, New York City, Chicago, and Indianapolis.
Suzanne DiBianca, EVP and Chief Impact Officer at Salesforce stated:
“To succeed in today’s workforce, people must build the skills to use technology effectively – and that starts in school. Together with our partners, Salesforce is helping give schools the tools they need to keep up with the pace of innovation and prepare students for an AI future to make sure that no one is left behind.”
Xendee and UIUC team up to develop low-carbon power solutions for data centres
Xendee Corporation and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) have teamed up to explore innovative solutions for powering data centres using renewable energy and advanced nuclear technology.
The partnership will focus on creating a phased approach that integrates Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with renewable energy sources, providing reliable, carbon-free power for data centres as demand for digital infrastructure rises.
Dr. Timothy Grunloh, Principal Research Scientist at UIUC, noted:
"Our partnership with Xendee enables us to dig into the details of optimality based on varied, and sometimes conflicting, objectives of economics, reliability, and decarbonisation.”
SMART Technologies partners with N50 Project to bridge global digital divide in education
SMART Technologies has entered into a strategic partnership with the N50 Project, a global initiative working to provide digital access to the three billion people worldwide who currently lack reliable internet connectivity and essential digital tools.
Jeff Lowe, Executive Vice President at SMART Technologies, emphasised the importance of providing digital access for all students:
"For 35 years we've seen how the right technology helps teachers change the lives of students, helping them to become all they can be. It's not acceptable that nearly half the world's children are denied this opportunity."
Expert IEP launches AI platform to support families of students with special educational needs
A new AI-powered platform, Expert IEP, has been introduced to support parents of K-12 students with special educational needs and disclosed disabilities in the USA.
Developed by cognitive scientist Antoinette Banks developed the platform to streamline managing Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and improve educational outcomes for students requiring specialised support.
