Now in its 11th year The EdTech Awards, hosted by EdTech Digest, recognizes those who are advancing education through the use of technology. This past week the winners and finalists of the competition were announced honoring edtech’s best innovators, leaders and trendsetters.
The US-based competition has a worldwide audience of educators, technologists, students, parents and policymakers who have an interest in transforming education. Once a year a spotlight is placed on “cool tools, inspiring leaders and innovative trendsetters” across the K-12, Higher Education, and the Skills and Workforce sectors. Within each of those areas there are categories by specializations such as AI solutions, Administrative Tools, Product or Service Setting a Trend, among others. A winner is selected for each of them and EdTech Digest publishes a list of both the winners and the finalists.
With the pandemic dramatically disrupting education, Victor Rivero, Editor-in-Chief of EdTech Digest, emphasizes the importance of recognizing those whose contributions had a meaningful impact during the crisis.
“The worldwide pandemic put education and training to the test, but remote learning and working—in many unexpected ways—ultimately brought us closer,” said Rivero. “Trying times revealed strengths and capabilities of people, and workability of products. Leaders and innovators with their tools and techniques worked hard to keep the learning world connected to knowledge and each other. As so many have shown, nothing can stop the human spirit—and we continue to move forward,” said Rivero.
The National Institute for STEM Education (NISE) participated in the competition and was chosen as a Cool Tool Award finalist in three categories.
“We are excited to be recognized for our solutions to help teachers advance their teaching skills in STEM and in the virtual classroom with highly targeted, affordable professional development,” said Dr. Whitney Dove, senior manager for learning design and technology at NISE. “STEM isn’t just about science, technology, engineering, and math; it’s about excellent teaching across the curriculum.”
Entrants were judged on pedagogical workability, efficacy and results, support, clarity, value and potential. Some of the past winners who measured up to those standards include: Claned, Soundtrap, Blackboard and Discovery Education. Now the 2021 class of winners joins others who have been honored, but with the special distinction of having contributed solutions during the COVID-19 crisis, a very unique period in American education.
The tech transformation underway in education has gained the support of venture capital firms. Just last year Juvo Ventures was launched and placed eight investments across North America, supporting entrepreneurs who are driving innovation in education.
“After a year like no other—to all those innovators, leaders, and trendsetters in K-12, Higher Ed, and Workforce Learning— staying connected, productive, persistent, and bringing us closer despite all challenges: We salute you,” Rivero enthusiastically states.
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