November, 2024
The closed and media captions for elementary digital interactives are now available in both English and Spanish. This includes all speech and sound effects (e.g., “Happy Music Plays” or “A lion roars! Rawwwr!”). This update allows us to further inclusivity and accessibility for all science learners.
November, 2024
As the first and longest-standing premium IM-certified partner, Imagine Learning is thrilled to share that the new IM v.360 high school courses for Imagine IM are currently in development and will be available for back to school 2025. These courses — Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Integrated 1, 2, and 3 — will bring the power of problem-based learning to your classrooms, fostering critical thinking and deep mathematical understanding. With this innovative approach, your high school students will engage with real-world problems and collaborative learning experiences that help them develop essential math skills for the future.
As a premier partner of Illustrative Mathematics, we’re excited to offer the full K-12 suite of IM v.360 content, providing comprehensive, high-quality math instruction to meet your students’ needs across all grade levels.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to launching these exciting new offerings and click here to explore samples of the Imagine IM high school courses.
November 18, 2024 7:00 am
Academic integrity is one of the biggest challenges educators face in today’s digital classrooms. Imagine Learning’s recent webinar explored how widespread cheating has become, why students resort to it, and the cutting-edge strategies available to address it.
Maintaining academic honesty is essential to fostering a productive learning environment, but as more learning takes place online, the avenues for academic dishonesty have increased. Imagine Learning’s recent webinar, “Navigating Academic Integrity in Online Learning,” featured insights from Deborah Rayow, VP of Product Management, and Cindy Rojas, Product Management Director. Together, they addressed the current scope of academic dishonesty, how digital tools have complicated the landscape, and what educators and districts can do to create an environment of integrity.
“Cheating has certainly been an issue in education for as long as there’s been secondary school and colleges,” shared Deborah Rayow, reflecting on the persistence of this challenge. Cheating rates have grown alarmingly over the decades. In the 1940s, only 20% of college students admitted to cheating. Today, that number has surged, with studies showing that anywhere from 75% to 98% of college students admit to some form of dishonesty. Even at the high school level, around 95% of students admit to cheating.
Why the sharp rise? Rayow suggested it may come down to perception: “The vast majority of students who cheat report believing they won’t be caught.” When students feel disconnected from the learning process or doubt they’ll be held accountable, they may be more inclined to engage in dishonest behavior.
Districts should consider adopting clear policies on academic integrity, making expectations and consequences known. By providing training and resources that align with these policies, districts can support teachers and create a consistent approach across schools.
In today’s digital classrooms, students have access to a variety of tools that make cheating easier and more sophisticated. From scripts and bots that can automate tasks to answer-sharing platforms, students can leverage technology to bypass traditional learning efforts. “Our data tells us that students feel empowered by these tools because they feel the risk of being caught is low,” explained Rayow.
Educators can reduce opportunities for dishonesty by diversifying their assessment strategies. Consider options such as:
These methods do more than deter cheating — they allow students to demonstrate their understanding in meaningful ways.
Upholding academic integrity is not solely the teacher’s responsibility; it requires support at all levels, especially from district administrators. By establishing district-wide guidelines on integrity, school systems can empower teachers to maintain these standards in their classrooms.
The webinar highlighted how teachers can set clear expectations, provide consistent reinforcement, and design assessments that discourage dishonesty. While teachers play a frontline role in fostering honesty, districts can support this mission with broader policies and resources.
Districts should consider adopting clear policies on academic integrity, making expectations and consequences known. By providing training and resources that align with these policies, districts can support teachers and create a consistent approach across schools.
One of the exciting highlights from the webinar was Imagine Learning’s upcoming Lockdown Browser, a tool designed to create a secure and fair testing environment by limiting access to other tabs, applications, or resources during online assessments. “Our goal is to support teachers with tools that create fair testing environments,” said Cindy Rojas. The Lockdown Browser, as well as other easy-to-use academic integrity tools, not only makes it more challenging for students to cheat, but also helps teachers focus on what truly matters — their students’ learning.
When reliable tools are in place, teachers can concentrate on student progress without the constant need to double-check for signs of dishonesty. By reducing the temptation to cheat, tools like the Lockdown Browser support a more straightforward assessment process, where teachers can confidently assess students’ work and provide constructive feedback. This shift allows educators to prioritize meaningful interactions and focus on advancing each student’s understanding, rather than second-guessing the authenticity of their responses.
Stay informed on user-friendly technologies that reinforce academic integrity. Implementing secure, accessible assessment tools helps create a culture of honesty, giving students the structure to approach their studies authentically and allowing teachers to devote their energy to supporting each learner’s academic journey.
Academic integrity is a complex issue in online learning, but educators have powerful tools and strategies at their disposal. By fostering a classroom culture that values honesty, utilizing varied assessment types, and embracing new tools, educators and districts can build an online environment where integrity thrives.
November 17, 2024 8:04 am
Discover how AI is reshaping education through personalized learning, improved efficiency, and increased teacher engagement. Explore the latest insights from educators on AI adoption, professional development needs, and the importance of ethical use and data privacy.
Imagine stepping into a classroom where every student’s unique needs are met, where teachers have more time to engage with their students, and where the latest technology supports every aspect of learning. This isn’t a distant dream — it’s happening now, thanks to the power of artificial intelligence (AI). The 2024 Educator AI Report, conducted by Michael Hallowell, Market Research Manager at Imagine Learning, gives us a glimpse into how educators see this exciting transformation.
total participants in the 2024 Educator AI Survey
Educators are expressing increased optimism regarding AI’s positive impact. Teachers are beginning to see AI not as a replacement for their roles but as a powerful tool that can enhance their teaching. AI can take over routine tasks, such as grading and attendance, allowing teachers to focus more on personalized instruction and student engagement. This shift enables educators to spend more time on what truly matters — fostering a deeper connection with their students and addressing individual learning needs. By automating administrative tasks, AI helps teachers manage their time more effectively and dedicate more attention to high-impact teaching activities.
50%
of participants who use generative AI in the classroom find it makes their job easier.
Despite the many benefits, the integration of AI in education highlights the need for professional development and support. Teachers express the necessity for ongoing training to effectively utilize AI tools and integrate them into their teaching practices. Schools and districts must invest in professional development programs that equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage AI technology. Providing access to resources, workshops, and continuous support can help teachers feel more confident and competent in using AI, ensuring its successful implementation in the classroom.
38%
of participants report satisfaction with AI implementation. A major source of dissatisfaction is insufficient training.
84%
of participants view training sessions as most valuable in supporting generative AI implementation.
Teachers’ familiarity with AI in the classroom is on the rise, and so is their adoption and acceptance of it. From the 2023 to the 2024 report, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of educators who are not only aware of AI tools but are also actively integrating them into their teaching practices. This growing familiarity is accompanied by a shift in perception — from skepticism to optimism about the potential benefits of AI. As more teachers explore AI’s capabilities, they discover new ways to enhance their teaching methods and improve student outcomes. The increasing adoption and acceptance of AI reflect its potential to transform education and support teachers in their mission to help every student reach their full potential.
86%
of participants are familiar with AI in education, a significant increase from 75% in Fall 2023.
50%
report increased AI usage among teachers and students since Fall 2023.
November 13, 2024 8:00 am
Research-Backed Tool Enables Educators to Detect and Address Reading Challenges for Students in Grades PreK–3
November 13, 2024, Tempe, Arizona — Imagine Learning, the largest national provider of digital-first curriculum solutions, today announced the acquisition of the EarlyBird, a dyslexia screener and early literacy assessment for students in PreK–Grade 3. The EarlyBird game-based assessment enables the early identification of dyslexia and other reading challenges to give educators the data they need to intervene. This acquisition underscores Imagine Learning’s commitment to supporting the 18 million K–12 students and educators who rely on its products in over half of the school districts nationwide.
“We are excited to add the EarlyBird assessment to the Imagine Learning portfolio,” said Jonathan Grayer, Chairman and CEO of Imagine Learning. “With its ability to identify reading challenges like dyslexia at an early stage, EarlyBird equips educators to take action sooner. Paired with our intervention solutions, which empower teachers to deliver targeted, research-backed instruction, EarlyBird enhances our ability to support students’ literacy journeys from day one, fostering growth, confidence, and long-term success.”
Meeting the Critical Need for Early Literacy Screening
A 2021 report by the Institute of Education Sciences, encompassing over 20 years of research and 75,000 students, confirmed the effectiveness of early literacy interventions, showing that additional instruction significantly increases a student’s likelihood of becoming a successful reader. Early literacy screening is essential to identify students who need timely intervention to prevent long-term academic challenges. Developed and scientifically validated at Boston Children’s Hospital in partnership with faculty at the Florida Center for Reading Research, the EarlyBird assessment makes early literacy screening engaging, effective, and accessible for educators and students.
EarlyBird’s unique, child-friendly, game-based approach is aligned to the science of reading, assessing students on critical foundational skills including phonemic/phonological awareness, phonics, oral language comprehension, sound-symbol correspondence, and naming speed.
The assessment is computer adaptive to each child’s skill level as they progress through activities, providing precise insights into their strengths and areas needing support. The application provides a wealth of real-time data for educators, enabling early intervention with highly targeted strategies via an intuitive dashboard organized in alignment with the science of reading and divided into individual subtest skills as they pertain to the Simple View of Reading.
Integration with Imagine Learning
EarlyBird joins Imagine Learning’s Imagine+ Assessment portfolio, a comprehensive system delivering screening, diagnostics, standards benchmarking, and formative assessments. This portfolio empowers personalized learning and enables informed instructional decisions in conjunction with Imagine Learning’s English Language Arts solutions. “EarlyBird is a powerful addition to our robust literacy portfolio,” said Sarah Anderson, SVP of Product & Platform at Imagine Learning. “By uniting EarlyBird’s early literacy screening with our literacy intervention programs, including Imagine Language & Literacy, Imagine MyPath, and the recently enhanced Imagine Sonday System, a systematic, multisensory reading program based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, we’re providing educators with end-to-end solutions that enhance both assessment and targeted instruction. This integration enriches our assessment tools, allowing educators to personalize learning journeys and respond to students’ needs in real time with data-driven decisions.”
About Imagine Learning
Every classroom, every student is bursting with potential. That’s why we pursue relentless innovation at the intersection of technology, people, and curricula. Imagine Learning creates K–12 digital-first solutions, working alongside teachers to support 18 million students in over half of the districts nationwide. Our core portfolio includes Imagine IM, Imagine Learning EL Education, Twig® Science, and Traverse. Our robust supplemental and intervention suite equips learners with personalized instruction for English and Spanish literacy, math, coding, and more. Imagine Edgenuity® and Imagine EdgeEX offer innovative courseware solutions, complemented by Imagine School Services’ Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more: imaginelearning.com.
Discover how journalism has evolved over time in this Explainer video.
Five Ways the Media Influence Elections
Genre: Article | Creator: Andra Brichacek | Date: 2022
Background
University of Oregon director of communications Andra Brichacek explains the role of mass media, especially social media, in the election process. As voters seek out analysis beyond the headlines, cable news networks have shifted their focus and perspective in many cases. This source puts into perspective how much of today’s media is driven by providing news that is entertaining.
The media have played an important role in politics since the First Amendment established freedom of the press as a cornerstone of American democracy. Voters need information to make educated decisions, and it’s journalists’ job to give it to them.
But can the media alter the outcome of an election? Two scholars from the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication explained what the research says about the media’s evolving role in the election process.
1. To cover or not to cover
The first way journalists get involved in elections is by choosing which candidates to cover and how much.
“The biggest thing that drives elections is simple name recognition,” said Regina Lawrence, associate dean, author of “When the Press Fails: Political Power and the News Media from Iraq to Katrina” and editor of the journal Political Communication. “Research has shown that some candidates are invisible because they can’t win enough interest from the media.” The decision to cover some candidates more than others is often driven by economics, as outlets want to publish stories they think will drive traffic in the competitive 24/7 news cycle.
2. Selective exposure and bias
Since news consumers can get the basic facts from an internet search, many publications differentiate themselves by shifting from news to analysis. This can become a problem when people consume news only from biased sources.
“Selective exposure is the tendency to seek out news sources that don’t challenge what we believe about the world,” said Lawrence. “We know there’s a relationship between selective exposure and the growing divide in political attitudes in this country.”
3. Echo chambers and direct lines to the masses
According to a 2021 Pew Research Center study, about half of Americans get their news via social media. But they might not realize their newsfeed is heavily filtered.
“What we see on social platforms is dictated by algorithms that decide what you see based on what you like and dislike, what you comment on and click on,” said journalism professor Nicole Dahmen, who researches visual communication and social media in politics. “Rather than getting a diversity of perspectives that contribute to political discourse, we see an echo chamber.”
Social media also gives users more direct access to candidates than ever before. “With social media, voters may believe they have an intimate relationship with a candidate they will probably never meet in person,” said Lawrence.
4. A picture is worth 1,000 words
For most people, visuals carry an even more powerful impact than words. The photos that outlets choose to publish and such factors as size and layout can influence voter perceptions.
“Visual communication research has shown that images, especially of political candidates, convey emotions, actions, realism and credibility,” said Dahmen. “These images form a lasting impression in the minds of the voting public.”
5. Fact-checking, polls and the self-perpetuating cycle
Thanks to data-journalism tools that make verification fast and accurate, fact-checking has become a major part of the election media cycle.
“Organizations like PolitiFact are doing good-quality journalism,” Lawrence said. “They’re asking tough questions about what candidates are saying and testing them against the available record. But research suggests that, because of people’s pre-existing beliefs, fact-checks will not necessarily change somebody’s mind.”
Polls also influence voter perception. “We know how candidates are doing in the polls can influence the type of coverage they get,” Lawrence said.
This can create a self-perpetuating cycle when media flock to the front-runners, often propelling them even higher in the polls.
Pose the following question to students.
How has the media changed over time?
Go around the room, and have each student share aloud a short, quick response to the question. After all students have responded, ask:
Use this additional sourcing information to further contextualize the source in order to deepen students’ analysis and evaluation.
This source puts into context the different roles the media plays in elections, such as increasing social media coverage, fact-checking, making money, or covering the candidates who charm viewers.
The source’s purpose is to give people an understanding about the roles that both social media and cable news networks play during an election.
The intended audience for this source is the general public, policymakers, politicians, and journalists.
The media has always played an important role in American democracy, one that is protected under the First Amendment. But in modern times, as this source points out, its role has become complicated due to technology (social media), partisanship, and a fragmented audience.
Although this article is broken into five clear chunks, students may have trouble discerning between social media influences and cable news network influences. Encourage discussion after each section to better understand the claims of the article.
Students may feel inundated with journalistic or communications terms, which can hamper their overall understanding. Remind them of the content vocabulary and footnote features in order to assist with unfamiliar terms.
To extend discussions, consider asking the following questions.
October, 2024
With the Bulk Import Wizard, Imagine EdgeEX educators can now create all course sections simultaneously, significantly reducing the time spent on individual section creation.
October, 2024
Imagine EdgeEX now allows you to add units to courses, sections, or enrollments. This feature helps align with your district’s scope and sequence or break units into smaller, testable pieces, enhancing student success monitoring and measurement.
October, 2024
Educators can now make the course syllabus available to students, featuring an Academic Integrity Policy and the primary teacher’s name. Teachers can also control how their name is displayed in the Display Name field of their profile.
October, 2024
Teachers can now give feedback to students on their assessment performance in product! This will strengthen their instructional feedback by having the ability to respond to students directly in their assessments, opening more conversations with their students on their learning journey.
