This year's EconEd focused on one key idea: the decisions we make in our lives, classrooms, and society have far-reaching impacts. To explore these critical choices, we invited world-renowned economists to share their perspectives on issues vital to our economy. One topic that continues to shape our world is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had one of the greatest economic impacts in recent history. While it may feel like we’ve moved past discussing COVID-19, revisiting it now, with hindsight, offers invaluable lessons. Enter Alex Tabarrok, co-author of Marginal Revolution and Macmillan Learning’s Modern Principles of Economics, to guide us through “The Economic Way of Thinking During a Pandemic”.  The Simple Math of a Global Crisis At the heart of Tabarrok’s EconEd presentation, which he shared with economics instructors from across the U.S.,  was a clear message: spending significant resources upfront can prevent far greater economic and human costs down the line. This cost-benefit analysis formed the foundation of the economic response to the pandemic. “The entire world economy really became dependent on a single sector: the vaccine sector,” Tabarrok pointed out. Ensuring this sector’s success was key to reviving industries like travel, hospitality, and retail, which were devastated by lockdowns and restrictions. However, Tabarrok believed that the vaccine sector alone couldn’t carry the burden, and that governments had to step in to take on financial risks that private companies weren’t willing to bear. This approach allowed for a faster recovery, as the public sector shouldered the uncertainty to pave the way for vaccine production and distribution. Tabarrok highlighted vaccine development as an example of how public investment mitigated the pandemic’s economic fallout. Economists advocated for governments to subsidize vaccine production well before approvals were in place. This meant investing in clinical trials and building manufacturing capacity, even when the success of vaccines was still uncertain. While the financial risk was high, he argued that the potential rewards—saving millions of lives and preventing further economic collapse—justified the strategy. Operation Warp Speed in the U.S. exemplified this approach, where government subsidies accelerated production and distribution. The costs of supporting the vaccine sector and implementing public health measures were minuscule compared to the potential costs of prolonged economic shutdowns, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and the human toll of unchecked virus transmission, he noted. “Billions are less than trillions,” he said, calling it “the world’s easiest cost-benefit test.”  Understanding Exponential Growth: The Case for Early Action Tabarrok also emphasized the importance of understanding exponential growth—an often overlooked factor that shaped economists’ sense of urgency during the pandemic. Early in 2020, the number of COVID-19 cases seemed small compared to other causes of death, leading many to question the need for drastic measures. But economists like Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), saw that waiting to act could result in a catastrophe. Hatchett raised the alarm about the potential for millions of deaths early on and secured funding for vaccine development, including Moderna’s, in January 2020—long before the virus had reached pandemic status. Tabarrok pointed out that this kind of early, data-driven decision-making exemplified the economic way of thinking. “If you're not too early, you're too late,” he emphasized. Profits and Public Health: Striking the Right Balance Throughout his presentation, Tabarrok touched on another key issue: the tension between public health and the potential profits from pharmaceutical companies. There were widespread concerns about profiteering during the pandemic, particularly around vaccine sales. “The American people should never be left doubting if the government will put public health over profits during a pandemic.”  He also made a case for profitability being a necessary incentive for rapid vaccine development. Without the promise of returns, private companies likely wouldn’t have taken on the significant risks of vaccine production. Tabarrok noted that while some worried about the cost of vaccines, the real value of vaccines to the global economy was far greater. A single course of vaccines, in economic terms, was worth thousands of dollars, yet governments were often hesitant to act quickly over relatively small per-dose costs. He used Australia as an example, where delays in purchasing vaccines led to slower recovery and economic losses that far exceeded the short-term savings. Tabarrok’s message was clear: focusing on immediate costs missed the larger picture—timely vaccination had the potential to save trillions of dollars in economic losses globally. Economic Principles in Action Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Alex Tabarrok’s presentation at EconEd provides a crucial reminder of how economic principles can guide decision-making during crises. His central message—"spend billions to save trillions"—underscores the importance of early, decisive action and the willingness to take on financial risks for long-term benefits. From subsidizing vaccine production to leveraging human challenge trials, Tabarrok's analysis demonstrates how the economic way of thinking helped limit the pandemic's damage. While not everyone may agree with every conclusion, the lessons drawn from this real-world test of economic principles could shape how we respond to future global challenges. If you’d like to see the full presentation from Alex Tabarrok, co-author of Macmillan Learning's Modern Principles of Economics, you can see his presentation here. Stay tuned to more insights from EconEd. ... View more

Emojis are used every day. We see them in our friends’ text messages, our social media feeds and even the occasional work email. They’ve come a long way from their humble beginnings of 176 emojis designed for early mobile phones, evolving into a rich visual language that’s now integral to our digital communication. But when it comes to the classroom, should they make the cut?  As a learning company, we’re interested in understanding more about whether or not different communication tools, like emojis, influence the classroom experience. And if they do, what kind of impact do they have? Could they serve as a bridge between instructors and students, making learning more engaging and accessible? Can they help create a sense of community and belonging within the classroom? Or do they risk undermining the professionalism of academic spaces? This is one of the many topics that has intrigued our learning science and research team. In their review of existing studies on classroom communication and student engagement, they found compelling reasons why emojis might just work in the classroom. Here’s what they learned. Emojis Can Enhance the Learning Experience At their core, emojis are all about communication. They can express emotions, clarify tone, and make interactions more personal. In the classroom, that means they have the potential to break down barriers between instructors and students. For example, an encouraging "thumbs up" 👍 or a supportive "heart" ❤️ can turn what would otherwise be a dry message into something that feels a little more human. And in the age of AI-enabled classrooms, adding some humanity can go a long way in engaging students. “Thoughtfully selected and strategically placed emojis can be especially helpful in online settings, as they make up for the lack of non-verbal cues, boosting engagement and making interactions more effective,” notes Hilary Duplantis, Learning Research Specialist at Macmillan Learning. Research shows emojis can help instructors: Make their communication more approachable and relatable Capture attention and add a bit of humor, especially during long or complex lessons Help clarify their intent, making it easier for students to connect with the material Instructors who use emojis thoughtfully might find that their students feel more engaged, more connected to the content (and to them), and maybe even a bit more motivated. But There are Real Challenges of Using Emojis in the Classroom It’s not all “smiles” 😊 and “thumbs up” 👍. While emojis can help bridge the gap between instructors and students, there’s a delicate balance to strike between creating a positive experience and overdoing it. Many students and faculty are hesitant to use emojis in academic settings because they feel too casual and can feel out of place, especially when students are communicating with authority figures like their instructors. Overuse—or worse, inauthentic use—of emojis can make communication seem forced or even unprofessional. “Emojis can shape how students view their instructor’s expertise, trustworthiness, and likability. When used the right way, they can boost these perceptions; however, using them poorly might have the opposite effect,” Hilary added. For example, if an instructor uses emojis excessively when discussing a serious academic topic, it could come off as insincere. It’s also advised to be mindful that not all emojis have positive associations. An example of this is the “thinking face” 🤔. Though we may use it in communication with friends, it’s rarely used in academic settings because it can be interpreted as disbelief or sarcasm. There’s also the potential for misunderstandings when using emojis, and miscommunication is a legitimate concern. “It is essential to connect with your students, but it is equally important to be mindful of your audience when using emojis, as they can sometimes convey an unintended tone,” cautions Duplantis. This is especially true when you factor in the way different cultures and generations interpret emojis.  For example, Gen Z uses the "skull" emoji 💀 to express laughter, while older generations might take it a little more literally. Also, there are emojis that convey passive-aggressive connotations for Gen Z, as opposed to older generations who often use them more literally. The 👍may not offer the encouragement you think it does; GenZ often views the thumbs up as a passive-aggressive, dismissive and abrupt way to end a conversation.  Cross-cultural differences can add another layer of complexity. In some cultures, emojis are used more freely, while in others, they’re seen as inappropriate for formal communication. While the basic interpretations of most emojis are largely universal, differences in usage patterns, subtle connotations, and specific preferences exist. Interpretation of emojis can vary across different cultures, as each may use and understand emojis in distinct ways, affecting their effectiveness in communication. For example, folded Hands 🙏 are commonly used to mean "thank you" or as a symbol for prayer, but can also represent a "high five" for some users. However, in Japan they are often interpreted as a gesture of apology or a request for help. Building Community with Emojis Where emojis can really shine is in helping to build community. Classrooms thrive when students feel like they deserve to be there and belong there–and emojis can help create that. In digital learning platforms like Achieve or online environments, where it’s easy for interactions to feel impersonal, a well-placed emoji can make a big difference. A quick “smiling face” 😊 or “winking face” 😉 from an instructor can turn a formal comment into a friendly, supportive nudge. This kind of personal touch can make students feel more connected to both their peers and their instructors. “Emojis enhance communication by clarifying messages and establishing a social presence, making interactions feel more authentic and fostering cohesion among students,” added Hilary. Emojis can also clarify communication, softening critical feedback and helping instructors strike the right tone. “Softening the tone of feedback through emojis has the potential to encourage students to be more inclined to receiving and processing what they may consider criticism,” notes Duplantis. A little emoji can go a long way toward humanizing interactions and making students feel seen and heard, even in large online courses. And when used thoughtfully, they can encourage participation and create a more relaxed, inclusive classroom environment. Ultimately, emojis are here to stay, and they’re already influencing the way we communicate.  But are they tools for building engagement and connection, or is that the wrong time and place to use the icons? A case can be made for saying they do belong in the classroom. But like any tool, they need to be used with care. Instructors should set clear expectations for emoji use, keeping in mind their students' cultural backgrounds and varying levels of digital literacy. The challenge is finding the right balance between the informal warmth they bring and the professionalism that academic settings require. Al-Zou'bi & Shamma 2021, Dunlap et al. 2016, Hayes & Fatima 2024, Chen et al. 2024, Cherbonnier & Michinov 2022, Dunlap et al. 2016, Svoboda 2022, Togans et al. 2021, Zhukova & Brehm 2024, Doiron 2018, Franzini & Pilli, 2024, Sia et al., 2024, Veytia-Bucheli et al. 2020, Dunlap et al. 2016  ... View more

I remember Hurricane Andrew as if it were yesterday. It struck the week before my first day of High School in Miami, Florida. My family was convinced that it wouldn’t hit, and if it did it would be no big deal. After all, Florida has had no shortage of hurricanes. But this was my first. I worried about the tchotchkes around the house, my friends, my school year—small things that felt enormous at the time. And it turns out, my worries weren’t unfounded. The dirty side of the storm hit us hard, and the Category 5 winds made their way into our home, tearing through the front doors and ripping up the roof. In the aftermath, we were displaced from the city for a week and from our home for nearly a year.  We learned that school would start a few weeks late through the print edition of the Miami Herald, but weren’t sure about what the school year would look like. Many of us were without power for weeks after school started. While much has changed since then (like building codes and daily delivery of a print newspaper) so much about the human experience has not. Over the past week, Hurricane Helene has left a similar trail of destruction across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, dumping unprecedented amounts of rain in its wake. Many students and educators are now facing the same uncertainty I felt back then. Beyond the physical damage, lives are disrupted—daily routines are turned upside down, and fear for loved ones’ safety lingers long after the storm has passed. When you’re without power, water, or basic services, your focus should be on being ok, not upcoming assignments. Supporting students through this time means more than just addressing the logistical challenges. It’s about empathy and understanding the emotional toll a disaster like this takes on everyone. Whether it's offering flexibility, emotional support, or practical solutions, there are actions that can benefit both students and teachers during this period of recovery. Here are some to consider that I know I would have benefitted from. Maintain Open Lines of Communication: Communication has come a long way since the early '90s, but after a hurricane, it can still be a challenge. Regular check-ins through email, text, or learning management systems can help reassure students that they’re not alone. Even a brief message about class schedules or available resources can bring much-needed stability to their disrupted lives. Be Flexible with Deadlines: Many students will face power outages, unreliable internet, and even displacement from their homes. Offering flexible deadlines, alternative submission methods, or extending grace periods can help ease the burden of trying to keep up with schoolwork during such a stressful time. Provide Clear Instructions for Make-Up Work: Offer clear steps for how students can catch up when they’re ready. Having a plan laid out can make the process less overwhelming. Support Mental Health: There is a well-established link between mental health and student success. Anxiety, depression, or going through trauma (like, you know a hurricane) can significantly impact a student's ability to focus, retain information, and stay motivated. In the classroom, acknowledge the mental and emotional strain they’re under, and consider incorporating practices like mindfulness or simple check-ins with iClicker polls to create a space where they feel heard and supported. You can help by encouraging students to access the mental health resources available to them, whether through your school or campus counseling services or community support groups.  Adapt Learning Materials: If possible, provide learning materials that can be accessed offline or shared in multiple formats. Students may have lost access to print materials, or may be without power and not able to get online to read their course materials or access assessments.   Create a Supportive Learning Environment: Foster a sense of community among students by encouraging peer support and group work. Students may find comfort in connecting with others who are facing similar challenges, and working together can help them stay on track. Also consider opening a space for students to share their experiences. Sometimes just being heard can help. Offer Clear Guidance on Priorities: During the chaos of recovery, students may not know where to focus their efforts. Consider offering guidance on what is most essential and what can be put off until things settle. Clarity and understanding go a long way in helping students manage their stress levels. Much has changed since the 1990s when there were no cell phones and rarely anyone had a computer, let alone internet. But what hasn’t is students' resilience, their desire to do their best in class. When your world is turned upside down, literally and figuratively, it’s amazing just how far a little understanding and empathy goes. By fostering connection, offering flexibility, and understanding the emotional toll of events like Hurricane Helene, we can help students recover in every sense, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed when they’re ready. ... View more

Nicky Byam Shaw, who led Macmillan as CEO and Chairman for over 30 years until 2000 and served on Holtzbrinck’s Executive and Supervisory Boards from 1995 for more than a decade, passed away on Wednesday, September 25th. His legacy at Macmillan, spanning divisions such as Pan Macmillan, Macmillan Publishers US, Macmillan Education, Macmillan Learning, and Nature, is one of extraordinary vision and lasting impact, driving the group’s success across multiple markets. Nicky, after having fought in the Korean War with the Royal Navy started off with the Publisher Collins selling books by bus to bookshops around Glasgow and on the underground. He joined Macmillan in 1964 as an International Sales Executive. Despite being largely unprepared, he was sent to some of the most remote parts of the world, where he quickly gained a deep understanding of the complexities of international publishing. When he became Harold Macmillan's right-hand man, Macmillan facing a difficult economic period having rested on past glories. Yet, despite these challenges, Nicky not only adapted but thrived, laying the foundation for his eventual rise to the top of the company. He guided Macmillan through a period of international expansion while maintaining the company’s integrity and core values. Under his leadership, Macmillan created its first locally managed offices in Asia - in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Delhi, and Bangalore—pioneering the expansion of Macmillan Education and Nature into these regions. At the same time, he championed the U.S. market, recognizing its immense strength not only in trade publishing but also in academia. Nicky also expanded the reach of Nature by launching influential journals such as Nature Medicine and Nature Genetics. His ability to recognize and seize opportunities was remarkable, though he always acted with integrity—understanding where potential lay without ever being opportunistic. In 1995, Nicky made the pivotal decision to sell Macmillan to our family-owned company Holtzbrinck. This was a decision rooted in long-term foresight, despite the personal history—his father was lost during World War II in a German attack—and the potential historical sensitivities of a British publishing house being acquired by a German firm. He transformed our group, while we feel until these days the trust in us and the great responsibility that comes with it. Nicky's strength as a leader went far beyond his strategic decisions; he was an exceptional mentor. Personally, I owe much of my career to his guidance, which shaped not only my professional path but also my way of thinking. He had a remarkable ability to inspire and nurture talent, leaving a profound impact on those who worked with him. He also was centrally involved in setting up Macmillan’s "21 Club" an exclusive group for those who had served the company for 21 years, a testament to his deep loyalty and commitment to his colleagues. Though he valued respect over friendship, Nicky’s genuine interest in the lives of those he worked with and his unwavering loyalty left a lasting impression. He cultivated a sense of family and belonging within the company, with a deep dedication to Macmillan’s legacy dating back to 1843. He combined sharp business acumen with a romantic intellect, collecting stories and experiences with the same passion he brought to the publishing world. Outside of business, Nicky was an avid reader of literature and a lover of the theatre. He had a passion for painting and gardening, pursuits that reflected his appreciation for creativity and beauty. He also enjoyed horse racing, though it was clear that the company and camaraderie held as much appeal as the betting. In his later years, Nicky immersed himself in U.S. history, studying at Dartmouth, where his curiosity and intellect continued to flourish. We remember with Nicky a rare leader who blended a deep intellectual curiosity with sharp business insight. His leadership at Macmillan was not just about financial success but about fostering a culture of excellence and human connection, one that continues to define the company today. Macmillan’s reputation for quality and innovation stands as a testament to his vision. As someone who had the privilege of learning from him, I can personally attest to the profound impact he had on my career and on countless others. His legacy in the publishing world remains a lasting influence, and he will be deeply missed. Stefan von Holtzbrinck, 27th of September 2024 CEO, Holtzbrinck Publishing Group ... View more

For centuries, learning followed a simple, structured format. Chalkboards, lecture halls, and the “sage on the stage” model dominated education. In this traditional approach, knowledge flowed one way—from teacher to student—with little room for interaction or personalization. The tools of the trade remained unchanged for hundreds of years, and the idea of innovation in learning was limited to new textbooks or slightly different teaching methods. In recent decades, the pace of change in education has accelerated. Digital tools, multimedia content, and self-directed learning platforms have redefined how and where we learn. Classrooms are no longer the sole space for education. Learners have become more diverse, and their unique needs, goals, and challenges are being brought to the forefront.  At Macmillan Learning, we recognize that today’s learning landscape requires more than updated content and platforms—it demands new ways of thinking. For us, this means reaching learners whenever and wherever they’re learning. Whether it’s helping train the workforce of tomorrow, supporting educators as lifelong learners, or finding innovative ways for students to succeed, we leverage our deep expertise to solve the real challenges that stand in the way of learning. And we don’t do it alone—our employees are at the heart of this mission, working together to bring fresh ideas to life. Intrapreneurship: Redefining Learning from the Inside Out We believe that the key to innovation starts within our walls, and intrapreneurship is one of the most important ways that we can help inspire what’s possible for learners. We encourage our employees to dream about the big ‘if only’ and ‘what if’ questions that keep educators and student advocates up at night. We ask them to think about what our company can do to help learners realize their full potential. We believe that encouraging entrepreneurial thinking from within is one of the most important ways we look at the challenges facing our industry with fresh eyes. Through intrapreneurship, we’re drawing on our extensive knowledge to tackle the barriers to effective learning—whether it’s designing a course that drives active engagement, supporting a student with the answers they need, or helping someone who doesn’t feel like they belong on campus. By empowering employees to think outside their day-to-day roles and challenge the status quo, we create space for innovation to happen organically, and with a clear focus on the learner’s needs. It’s their commitment to innovation that led us to launch our Emerging Business Opportunities (EBO) program. The idea is simple but powerful: we encourage employees to think like CEOs of their ideas, guiding them through a structured process to take those ideas from concept to implementation. It’s about giving our team the tools to dream big and the resources to make it happen—all to improve the learning experience. We want to remove barriers that stand in the way of learning so every student has the opportunity to thrive; by empowering our team to explore new ideas and solutions, we’re driving the future of learning in ways that reflect our commitment to supporting every learner, wherever and whoever they are.  How Ideas Come to Life Through our EBO program, we’ve already seen exciting projects emerge, each pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a learner and exploring a different facet of how we can use our own experiences to do better. Executive Research and Development Editor @sherry_mooney is exploring one such idea. Sherry carried an idea with her for years but put it aside because she saw it as outside the scope of her job and not necessarily something our company has done in the past. But with our renewed focus on intrapreneurship through the EBO program, she felt empowered to tackle a problem she’s seen brewing since before the pandemic: systemic student and instructor disengagement.  She recognized that neither our company nor our industry should keep doing the same thing and that there was an opportunity for our company and industry to explore new approaches. She told me she wanted to “throw her oddball idea out there to see if anyone else thought it could be something.” As it turns out -- we did. We’ve given her (and about a dozen other employees like her) the time and space to explore the kind of ideas that we think can change learning for the better. Sherry’s project explores how we might introduce gamification into history classes to motivate students through a more engaging learning experience. In her words, we can “bring the fun of what you choose to do in your own time and marry it to a learning resource.” As an intrapreneur, she’s setting aside a few hours each day to dedicate to this project, researching the market and working through its details, and is motivated to learn about the impact it could have. She’s just one of the many employees pursuing different ideas to create new and better learning experiences. While her project is still in the early stages, a few other employee-driven concepts are underway, including iClicker for Work, which explores how iClicker, traditionally used in classrooms, can be adapted for corporate training and other environments. This expands our definition of a learner to include professionals seeking to grow their careers. (You can read more about how it’s being used here.) and The Institute at Macmillan Learning, which was created to support educators as learners themselves. The recently launched course, Teaching with Gen AI, empowers them to continuously develop their skills and adapt to the evolving educational landscape. You can learn more about the Institute here and more about Symphonie Swift, the intrapreneur who dreamed up the idea, here. These projects are a few of the many making their way through our EBO. They demonstrate how we challenge conventional definitions of learning and open new doors for growth across diverse environments. They are just the beginning of how we continue to inspire what’s possible for all learners. Our teams understand that innovation doesn’t come from following a single path. It comes from exploring new ideas, asking the right questions, and encouraging our team to challenge the status quo by questioning why we create, not just what we create.  Whether it's fostering a sense of belonging for students, supporting educators in their continuous development, or exploring how technology can enhance self-directed learning, our intrapreneurs lead the way in shaping these experiences. Ultimately, our mission is clear: to make learning a transformative experience. We believe the best way to achieve this is by harnessing the power of internal innovation because the greatest learning company is one that continually learns itself. ... View more

Accessibility is fundamentally important to the teaching and learning journeys of people with disabilities. It is a cornerstone of creating inclusive learning environments that support student and faculty success, no matter their abilities. But creating truly effective learning environments requires more than just policies—it requires good communication and collaboration between students, faculty, and administrators with disabilities. By working together, institutions can create practices that meet real needs and foster an inclusive educational experience for everyone. At Macmillan Learning, we understand the importance of integrating accessibility into the design of our courseware and content. We established a board of expert advisors to help us better understand how accessibility is being addressed on different campuses and to learn what we can do to help foster an even more inclusive learning environment. We discussed with them some of the challenges that they’re seeing most on campus as well as solutions that they recommend to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to succeed. Accessibility thrives when people with disabilities are included in the conversation, and that's why history professor Dr. Suzanne Ament at Radford University and Jeff Toorongian, Director of the Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning and the Campus ICT Accessibility Coordinator at Michigan Technological University both brought up collaboration and communication as areas for improvement in the accessibility landscape. As Dr. Ament, who is blind, noted: the people who need the services should have a say in what goes on—or at least have a voice in that determination. Gaps in Today’s Accessibility Landscape Despite significant progress, accessibility programs and services have room to grow to support the teaching and learning needs of people with disabilities. Differences in technological know-how, uneven resources, and varying levels of support mean that not everyone has equal access to the tools they need. Moreover, accessibility efforts often center on students, leaving faculty and staff with disabilities overlooked and undersupported. As Dr. Ament noted, “The office for accessibility at my institution, even with its limited resources, is only for students.” Faculty and staff with disabilities deserve clear processes for receiving the teaching support that they need. A stronger focus on communication and collaboration could help close these gaps, ensuring that all members of the educational community have the tools and support they need. There is also a lack of comprehensive training for instructors–many don’t know how to best integrate accessibility into their course design. Jeff Toorongian, a digital accessibility expert, noted “Instructors often have limited or no knowledge of digital accessibility and rarely can commit the time necessary to learn and then remediate their content.” That can leave educators feeling unequipped to provide accessible learning environments for all students. Adding to that, there can also be inconsistent communication between departments, leading to confusion and delays in implementing necessary accommodations. This leaves faculty and staff without the support they need, as offices responsible for these services often don’t have the right tools or resources to step in quickly and effectively. Clear processes and communication can create a more efficient system for supporting people with disabilities on campus.  Why Collaboration Matters Creating truly effective and accessible solutions requires the input of those who use them. Both students and faculty with disabilities offer a unique perspective that can shed light on what works and what doesn’t. Their lived experiences are critical in shaping policies and practices that genuinely meet their needs. Dr. Ament expressed concern that faculty are often left out of these conversations: “Textbooks may be made accessible, but the teachers’ manuals? The clicker program—is that readable quickly for the instructor?”  Jeff Toorongian echoed the importance of collaboration in solving accessibility challenges, noting that while tools like LMS accessibility checkers are helpful, “some materials can’t realistically be made accessible,” which shows just how important alternative solutions developed from the feedback of the students and faculty that use them can be. Educators’ lived experiences can help guide the creation of solutions that are both functional and truly inclusive. Dr. Ament shared a personal story where collaboration made all the difference: “Once I was on a panel about disability. I was paired with a deaf speaker. I do not know ASL, and that person could not hear me. There was not an official interpreter there, which would have prevented the problem, and I think what we did was use one of her friends who knew some signing to help out.”  Similarly, Jeff Toorongian shared a success story where collaboration with a student improved accessibility outcomes: “A quick check in Canvas revealed dozens of scanned PDF files that were completely inaccessible. Realizing that working with the instructor to fix the documents would take too much time, I introduced the student to the alternative formats feature of our Ally accessibility tool in Canvas. The student was able to request alt format documents that allowed him to use his speech-to-text software more successfully.” Accessibility should be a collaborative effort, where the voices of those directly impacted play a central role in shaping policies and practices. With the rise of new technologies, including generative AI, accessibility solutions are becoming more advanced and collaboration will be more necessary than ever. Toorongian expressed optimism about the role of AI in this field, noting that “GenAI tools will continue to make a positive impact in the accessibility field,” but stressed that human input is still essential to validate these tools’ accuracy. By removing barriers to education, accessibility in both digital and physical spaces helps foster an inclusive environment where every student can fully participate and engage. Importantly, having learning materials and experiences that are accessible helps to ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, have the same kinds of opportunities to succeed and thrive. At Macmillan Learning, we’re proud to play a part in this journey, and we encourage institutions everywhere to make accessibility a shared priority. After all, when we design with accessibility in mind, we design for everyone’s success. Read more practical tips from faculty advisors about how to enhance accessibility in your classroom and check out these practical steps you can take to ensure you’re ready for Title II changes.   Dr. Suzanne Ament is a history professor at Radford University who is also totally blind. While she never studied accessibility, her life experiences provide important expertise and help contribute to the conversation and knowledge base on accessibility. Dr Ament is a Russian historian and linguist by training and also teaches World History and History of China. Jeff Toorongian is the Director of the Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning and the Campus ICT Accessibility Coordinator at Michigan Technological University. As ICT Coordinator he leads a small team of staff that work diligently to address digital accessibility issues across the campus. This includes continuously monitoring the college’s public web and the thousands of documents posted there as well as the accessibility of content in their Canvas learning management system. He provides training and consultation to staff and instructors on how to remove digital barriers from their content.   ... View more

Non-cognitive outcomes like motivation, self-efficacy, and belonging can be just as important as grades for many students when it comes to their success. While they’re not as easy to measure as test scores, they help to shape how students connect with course material and how they push through challenges. While it can be common to see declines in motivation across a semester or school year, there are practical, easy-to-implement strategies that educators can use to support their students’ success. Here are five key ways to improve non-cognitive outcomes in your classrooms: 1. Create a Welcoming Classroom Environment A sense of belonging is essential for student engagement. From day one, work on building an inclusive space where students feel safe and valued. Invite students to share their backgrounds and experiences, and acknowledge the diversity they bring to the class. “Encourage them to share authentically about their experience to help normalize feelings of adversity or self-doubt, --everyone has struggles at some point,” noted Sarah Gray, Learning Research Manager at Macmillan Learning. These connections help build a community where everyone feels they belong. Something as simple as an icebreaker activity or using a collaborative tool like Spark (a space where students can engage with one another outside of traditional academic assignments), can help students express themselves and more easily get to know each other. One student described spark as "a fun way of connecting with classmates" and you can learn more about how it was co-designed with students here. 2. Give Personalized Feedback Personalized feedback goes a long way in helping students feel seen and supported. Make it a point to address individual student strengths and areas for improvement, as well as highlight their progress. This doesn’t have to mean extensive time commitments. Quick comments like, “I noticed your improvement,” or “I can tell you are working hard on this,” or “I can see how you worked through this challenge,” can boost students' confidence and encourage them to believe in themselves. “This is especially impactful when you can tie this back to learning goals you set for the class, and give them some clear action steps on how to better meet those goals,” Gray said. 3. Set Clear, Achievable Goals Be transparent about your learning goals for the class or for a particular assignment. This can be done by presenting learning objectives for a learning task, or providing a detailed rubric of assignment expectations. Also, give students a sense of direction by helping them set their own relevant, realistic goals for the class. Whether it’s a weekly task or a long-term project, breaking down assignments into smaller steps can make the work feel more manageable. Encourage a growth mindset by focusing on effort, not just the outcome. Tools like iClicker surveys can also help you keep track of how students are progressing and provide insight into where they might need more support. 4. Integrate Active Learning and Reflection Get students involved in their own learning. Activities like peer discussions, group projects, or problem-solving exercises give them a sense of ownership and accomplishment. Afterward encourage reflection—ask them to think about what they learned, how they approached the task, and what they could improve. Reflection deepens self-awareness and promotes self-regulated learning strategies. “Reflection doesn’t always have to be formal--you can do this through in-the-moment check-ins during instruction or by asking them to rate their confidence in their answers using iClicker confidence ratings,” Gray added.  5. Acknowledge Effort and Progress Regularly Recognition keeps students motivated. Whether it’s a shout-out in class or a quick note on an assignment, small gestures go a long way in reinforcing effort and progress. Implement an end-of-week reflection where students note their own progress, helping them stay connected to their goals and the work they’ve put in. You can use the Goal Setting and Reflection (GRS) surveys within Achieve or another tool to help guide students self-analysis. Supporting non-cognitive outcomes doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. “Think about what small things you are most comfortable doing to encourage students in your class,” added Gray. “How can you ‘bake it in’ to your class in an authentic, meaningful way without taking away from other learning activities?”  With a few thoughtful practices, you can create a classroom environment that fosters motivation, engagement, and a sense of belonging. By focusing on these areas, you not only help students perform better academically, you’re also setting them up with life skills that will stick with them long after they’ve left the classroom. Read more about Macmillan Learning’s research on non-cognitive skills here. ... View more

As a new school year begins, educators are once again tasked with finding innovative ways to engage and support their students. The tools and technologies available today are more advanced than ever, and AI is at the forefront of many of these innovations. While AI might sound futuristic or even intimidating, it’s already changing the educational landscape and reshaping classrooms and learning experiences in meaningful ways. This is true in high schools and colleges; in STEM or humanities courses; and with new and seasoned educators.  While it may feel overwhelming, there are practical steps you can take now to ensure that its use in your class helps, rather than hinders, students’ learning. From personalized learning paths to efficient administrative tasks, AI can offer a variety of practical benefits that can enhance teaching and make the learning journey more enriching for students AI is not, in any way, a substitute for human interaction.  But by embracing it thoughtfully, we can help to create more dynamic, personalized, and effective learning environments. At Macmillan Learning we believe AI can be a powerful tool that can elevate human capabilities, enrich learning experiences, and empower both educators and students. Here are some practical tips to help you seamlessly integrate AI into your classroom. 1. Start Small and Build Confidence The prospect of using AI in the classroom can be daunting, both for educators and students. You can start small by introducing AI tools that address common challenges in a simple, approachable way. For instance, you might ask students to use an AI, like ChatGPT, to brainstorm topics for an upcoming essay. This low-stakes introduction can help demystify AI, allowing students to see it as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for their creativity or effort. Over time, as both you and your students become more comfortable, you can expand the use of AI to more complex tasks, gradually building confidence and proficiency.  2. Focus on Supplementing, Not Replacing AI should be seen as an aid to enhance the teaching and learning process, not as a replacement for the teacher's role. You can use AI-driven tools like Macmillan Learning’s AI Tutor to support students' learning when, where, and how they need it most, transforming homework and self-study into an interactive and engaging experience that promotes deeper understanding. For example, the AI can handle more routine questions and provide basic explanations when the student needs it, freeing up class time for you to dive deeper into complex topics or facilitate richer discussions. Learning is an inherently human experience and this approach both maximizes learning efficiency and reinforces your essential role in guiding and mentoring students. 3. Provide Clear Guidelines and Uses Establishing clear guidelines on how AI should be used in your classroom is crucial to maintaining academic integrity. It’s helpful to outline what constitutes acceptable AI-assisted work in your class, such as using AI for brainstorming, researching information, or checking grammar and punctuation in drafts. Emphasize that while AI can be a valuable partner in a student’s learning journey, it should not replace critical thinking or be used to complete assignments in their entirety. Additionally, provide guidance on how to cite AI sources, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability. For example, if a student uses an AI tool to gather initial research, they should include a citation similar to how they would credit a book or article. (Read more about best practices for creating an AI policy). 4. Promote Ethical Use and Awareness It may not be intuitive for students to know the “right” way to use AI. While having an AI Policy in place helps students understand what is considered an acceptable use, it’s also important to explain why the policies are put in place. Make sure your students are aware of the potential pitfalls, such as AI-generated content that may be biased, incorrect, or based on outdated information. It's important to explain why certain policies are in place, focusing on the value of critical thinking, problem-solving, and helping students to build authentic communication skills. One way to do this is to discuss real-world scenarios from your assignments where AI-generated errors could have serious consequences, helping students grasp the importance of cross-verifying information and taking responsibility for the final content. By fostering an ethical mindset, you help prepare students not just for success in the classroom but for a future where AI will likely play a significant role in their careers. 5. Integrate AI into Existing Assignments Instead of creating entirely new assignments, find ways to integrate AI into what you're already doing. This can be done without compromising the core objectives of your assignments, such as critical thinking, content mastery, and creativity. For example, you might encourage students to use AI for the initial stages of a project, such as generating ideas or outlining their thoughts. After this AI-assisted start, students can develop these ideas further on their own, ensuring the final output is a genuine reflection of their understanding and creativity. This approach maintains the focus on developing critical thinking and original thought while leveraging AI to enhance the process. 6. Encourage Reflection and Metacognition Reflection can be a powerful tool for learning, helping students to think about their learning process and identify areas where they may need further improvement or additional study. Recognizing these gaps allows them to seek help, adjust their learning strategies, and focus on areas that require more attention. (Read more about our research on its impact here.) Surprisingly, there’s an easy way to integrate AI as well as encourage metacognition: design some assignments that require students to provide a critical reflection on their work and the AI's role in it. For example, after completing a project, ask students to write a brief reflection on what role AI played in their work and what they learned from using it. Did it help them think more broadly about a topic? Did they find it limited in certain ways? This exercise not only promotes metacognition but also helps students develop a more nuanced understanding of how to use AI effectively and ethically. 7. Stay Updated and Experiment AI is a rapidly evolving field, and new tools and features are constantly emerging. Make it a habit to stay informed about the latest developments in AI technology and educational applications. Experiment with different AI tools to find those that best complement your teaching style and meet your students' needs, consider signing up for Teaching with Generative AI or a similar course, and come back to the Macmillan Learning Community for tips and best practices. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just beginning to explore AI’s potential, these tips provide a solid starting point and are just some of the many ways you can get started with AI in your classroom. Like the use of AI itself, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach so it’s essential to experiment, adapt, and discover what works best for you and your students. As you begin to integrate AI, remember that it's a tool meant to enhance your teaching, not replace it. By staying curious and open to new ideas, you’ll not only keep up with the latest advancements but also lead the way in preparing students for the future. ... View more

Oregon Trail is my ‘origin story’.  The first time I played the game on the Apple 11e in my elementary school’s media center, I was transfixed. Always an avid reader, in my eight year-old mind, playing Oregon Trail took the thrill of ‘choose your own adventure’ books and amped it up by 1,000. I was entranced at this idea of ‘computer games’ actually being used for learning. Today that  idea seems antiquated, but for a little Black girl in an under-resourced elementary school, that very idea felt revolutionary. Learning didn’t just have to happen through reading and listening. Through technology, we could be immersed in experiences that made learning feel as if we are a part of it, and not just recipients. Much like the adventures in the Oregon Trail game, my professional life has been full of unexpected twists and turns. From a Political Science major to a Masters in Accounting and early career as an auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers, my path to becoming a marketing strategist in ed tech is layered and varied. Underneath it all is an imperceptible, enduring thread to that tiny elementary school library in metro Atlanta and those quaint green pixels on a black Apple 11e computer screen. And, I love it here. Here are four lessons I’ve learned along the way:  Take a Chance on the Longshot Throughout my career, rarely have I been the typical, expected candidate. When I was hired into my first role in educational publishing, I was a new mother returning back to the workforce after nearly three years on ‘the mommy track’. I had never worked in the industry before. And at 28 years old, I was already a bit older than the typical new hire. The person who hired me took a chance on me over more obvious or typical candidates. He saw me for who I was: a person eager to make an impact, passionate about education, generally unflappable, and wholly authentic. Despite how different I was from the ‘ideal’ candidate, he seemed to intuit that who I was and how I showed up in the world would connect with our customer base. He took a chance on a (relative) longshot because he had the foresight to understand that instead of being a hindrance, my departures from the norm could make the team better, the products we created better, and help the organization win more. And we did.  Every once in a while (and probably more often than we think), it pays to bet on the longshot. In a Room Full of Davids, it’s okay to be a Phoenix  Years ago, I was working on a project with a mid-sized team (about 20 people) that had more guys named David (five) than there were people of color (three). There were so many Davids that we had to use initials to clarify who we were speaking to or about. Actually, we had two Davids who had the same last initial, so we started using last names to differentiate them!  More often than not, I am the only Black person in the professional spaces that I am in. I never take the responsibility of that kind of visibility lightly. I continually invest in understanding both the theory and best practical applications of effective marketing strategy so that I am prepared, knowledgeable, and can quickly make meaningful contributions to any initiatives I am involved in.  Albeit slowly, our company and industry are becoming more racially diverse. At the moment I am the only Black woman Vice President at our company (and one of only a handful at comparable companies). To whom much is given, much is required. Much of my drive to excel is rooted in a desire for Black women and people from other underrepresented groups who are aspiring to bring their talents to fulfilling work in ed tech, or corporate spaces, to see me and feel that they too are welcome in these spaces and that their talents and insights are desperately needed.  It’s important to note that each of the Davids on that team were lovely people: considerate, helpful, sharp, and good at their jobs. Moreover, they continually affirmed that a Phoenix in a room full of Davids made our organization, as well as the experiences of the teachers and learners we serve, better. Be Precious about Personas While I can be pretty laid back and flexible about a lot of things, I, admittedly, can be a bit ‘precious’ about personas. Used in software development for more than thirty years, personas are fictitious, specific, concrete representations of a target audience. Based on an aggregate of shared characteristics of target audiences, personas are specifically developed to create a precise understanding of a target audience and what they wish to accomplish.  Specific. Concrete. Precise. These words matter. A lot. According to 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, only 20% of software developers are women and about 85% of software designers are white or Asian. So when product development decisions are made by people with strikingly similar demographic backgrounds, there is an immense risk of not incorporating the necessary perspectives, motivations, and experiences of the end user. If we are striving to improve learning outcomes of all students, it’s critical that there is a deep understanding of the user, many of whom have very different needs, perspectives, lived experiences, and motivations than the people developing the learning solutions. The power that personas can have in mitigating bias in technology development piqued my intellectual curiosity so much that it became the focus of my doctoral dissertation: ‘Personas and the Pursuit of Persistence: A Grounded Theory Study to Construct U.S. Undergraduate Engineering Student Personas’. My research resulted in the development of a framework for constructing research-informed personas. I passionately believe that through the use of well constructed personas, U.S. engineering programs and educational technologists can create curricula and learning resources that improve student persistence in engineering studies, particularly among students from underrepresented groups like Black women.  So when it comes to developing personas, I can be a bit insistent that they be created with intentionality, using research-informed methodologies, and deployed with cross-functional alignment, understanding, and commitment to how they will be used.  Diversify the rooms where ‘it’ happens As powerful as personas can be in helping to instill empathy and deep understanding in the product development process, they cannot be expected to carry the weight of an organization's lack of diverse talent. There is longstanding research on the competitive edge of diverse teams, particularly when it comes to identifying opportunities to innovate. It’s been shown time and again to be true in nearly every measure of innovation.  One recent example of the power of having diverse talent, in particular diverse marketing talent, is the launch of the Institute at Macmillan Learning. Over the past few years, our marketing department has become increasingly more diverse, including the addition of Symphonie Swift, a Black woman with immense talent and drive. After listening to the feedback from a marketing thought leadership campaign on teaching with generative AI that garnered more than 10,000 webinar attendees and views, Symphonie identified a very specific educator need for a more in-depth, hands-on professional development opportunity that offered enhanced support and community. By asking a simple question: ‘Is there something missing here?’ Symphonie identified an unmet need and went on to pitch and lead the launch of the company’s first direct-to-consumer professional development business model that in four months has already helped more than 220 educators learn to teach with generative AI. To be clear, Symphonie is a singular talent who brings insight and clarity to any space she’s in. We are fortunate that she’s decided to share her myriad talents with us. The truth is that she is going to be successful with or without our company. However, Symphonie’s Institute launch reveals three critical takeaways for people leaders: Create and nurture environments where all talent, especially those from underrepresented groups, feel a sense of belonging and of being valued.  Encourage curiosity and new ideas by empowering your teams to feel free to ask the, ‘what if…?’ questions that lead to new ideas.  Move beyond mentorship to sponsorship of talent from underrepresented groups. Advocate for opportunities for them to demonstrate their talents and ability to make an impact to the business. Sponsorship opens doors in ways that mentorship could never. Opening doors to rooms from which people have historically been absent, can make teams better innovators and creative problem-solvers. To diversify the rooms where ‘it’ happens you may be required to take a chance on a person who is not the typical or expected option. But remember, sometimes it pays to take a bet on the longshot.   Final thoughts Educational technology has undergone significant transformations since the launch of the Oregon Trail game. Gone are the days of simple graphics and text-based scenarios. We’ve learned a lot more about pedagogy and the science of learning since then. Innovative, immersive learning experiences can turbo charge student engagement and lead to better outcomes for all learners. Creating these types of learning technologies require partnership of product, research, user experience and marketing teams who design, build, package, and market with empathy and a deep understanding of the needs, motivations, and desires of teachers and learners.  Because when we listen to our customers, and they see themselves represented in our products, and we can bring our authentic selves to this shared work -- that is when the magic happens. ... View more

Hey there, psychology educators! Macmillan Learning is excited to announce its support of a new opportunity that you don’t want to miss called Intro Psych Academy, created by renowned educators for educators. If you teach introductory psychology and want to take your course to the next level, then this workshop is for you. The inaugural event will take place from November 7-8, 2024, at Oregon State University - Portland Center.  Macmillan Learning's sponsorship of the Intro Psych Academy underscores our commitment to advancing the field of psychology and supporting its educators. By partnering with leaders in the teaching of psychology, we not only contribute to the discipline but also gain valuable insights from attendees that can drive innovation in our educational resources. What’s the Buzz About?  Co-founded by Dr. Regan Gurung of Oregon State University and Garth Neufeld of Cascadia College, the Intro Psych Academy aims to provide educators with the tools, resources and support needed to design and deliver meaningful and effective introductory psychology courses. The academy will focus on removing the barriers that often hinder ideal curriculum development by offering a comprehensive framework that includes: Pre-Meeting Prep: The workshop will kick off with some engaging preparatory activities to set the stage for a fantastic learning experience. Hands-On Training: Dive into interactive sessions where you’ll get to work on your course material and exchange ideas with fellow educators. Ongoing Support: Even after the workshop ends, the facilitators will be there for you with follow-up support to help you implement what you’ve learned. Event Highlights Get ready for a fun evening on November 7th with a group dinner and a kickoff presentation by Dr. Gurung and Professor Neufeld. The next day, you’ll get to explore how your current teaching methods align with your university’s needs and personal philosophy. You’ll then dive deep into course design, from blueprints to course building, all while getting feedback from our facilitators and your peers. Plus, you’ll earn a certificate upon successful completion! How to Register This inaugural event is open to all intro psych instructors across the U.S. The registration fee is only $175, but you’ll need to cover your travel and lodging. Seats are limited, so don’t wait! Express interest in attending by clicking here. About the Co-Founders Dr. Regan Gurung is an Associate Vice Provost, Executive Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, and Professor of Psychology at Oregon State University. With over 25 years of experience teaching introductory psychology, Dr. Gurung has played significant roles in several APA task forces and initiatives aimed at enhancing psychology education. He is an accomplished author and has received numerous teaching and scholarship awards. Garth Neufeld is a Professor of Psychology and Chair of Social Sciences at Cascadia College. He has founded multiple projects to improve the teaching of psychology and has been recognized with awards such as the APA’s International Humanitarian Award for his work with at-risk children in Thailand. Neufeld is dedicated to creating impactful educational experiences. For more information about the Intro Psych Academy, visit Intro Psych Academy 2024. ... View more

Digital accessibility benefits all users. For many, this is well known, but for some it may be news: closed captioning on videos, contrast options on websites, and customized fonts (among other features) all stem from accessibility needs but benefit a broad audience. This alone is a wonderful reason to make accessibility a priority every day, but that’s not always the case. Thankfully, accessibility has long been supported by legislative efforts as well. Recent changes to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are quickly bringing accessibility back in the spotlight and prompting universities and the education-oriented businesses that support them to reassess their digital accessibility strategies.  The update from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) requires state and local governments, including public colleges and universities, to make their websites and mobile applications accessible to people with disabilities. In broad terms, this means complying with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA standards. In practical terms, it may mean that colleges and universities, administrators and faculty may need to make some changes to comply within the next two to three years. Accessibility has been important to Macmillan Learning for quite some time, earning the company global recognition and certifications. We recognize that it is an ongoing journey to creating a world in which every learner succeeds, no matter their background or abilities. But  each company and institution is on their own accessibility journey, and may be in a different stage of compliance or development. So to help colleges navigate these changes, we’ve outlined some key practical steps to ensure efficiency and compliance with the new rules. 1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit Conducting an accessibility audit is a big task and can take a lot of resources. While ideally the first step in addressing the new regulations is to perform a comprehensive audit of all digital content including websites, mobile apps, and digital course materials, that’s not always feasible with staffing and financial restrictions. If resourcing is an issue, start by focusing on your college’s public-facing website pages, like admissions, course catalogs, and student services.  Develop a schedule for auditing that gives you a steady but reasonable pace to uncover and resolve issues. Plan to focus some attention on your Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital learning systems to be sure they are compliant. To do this, reach out to your partners, like Macmillan Learning, and ask where they are on their own accessibility journey and what their roadmap looks like for compliance. And of course, you’ll need to review digital course content, including syllabi, lecture notes, multimedia resources and any interactive tools or forms. Templates, like an accessible syllabus template, can help move the needle by giving every faculty member the tools they need to contribute. The audit should identify areas that fall short of WCAG 2.1, Level AA standards. It's always helpful to brush up on the standards (detailed information about them can be found on the W3C website.) 2. Develop a Compliance Plan Once the audit is complete, the next step is to create a detailed compliance plan. Start by identifying high-priority areas for immediate action, particularly those with the most significant impact on users. Look for areas which prevent access to certain users or areas that are accessed frequently and could rapidly lead to frustration. While these can be more complex problems to solve, they will help you on the way to create a viable pathway for all students and instructors using the sites you’re reviewing. Pair these with the ‘low hanging fruit’ or ‘quick wins’ to ensure you and your colleagues have the satisfaction of seeing progress. The plan should set realistic timelines for achieving compliance, bearing in mind the DOJ’s two-year deadline for large entities and three years for smaller ones. Then assign clear responsibilities to specific individuals or teams, ensuring accountability throughout the process. If you’re not sure where to start with assigning responsibility, there are plenty of resources available including this model from the W3C. 3. Training. Because accessibility should be a team effort.  Training your staff in accessibility best practices helps ensure not only that your existing digital content is compliant for the DOJ’s upcoming deadlines, but remains compliant as new content is created. To do this, ensure that everyone involved in content creation and management is well-versed in accessibility standards.  A broad introduction to what accessibility is and who it impacts is a great start. This can be self paced, allowing staff to work through the material as it fits into their schedule but is most effective when it concludes with the staff member making a commitment to accessibility in their every day practice.  After that, consider role specific training. This includes training web developers and IT teams on WCAG 2.1, Level AA standards and how to implement them in web and app development. Instructional designers and faculty should be trained on how to create accessible course materials, including text alternatives, captions for videos, and keyboard accessibility. While this is done automatically within platforms like Achieve, some products (especially OER) do not have much of the required functionality. These trainings can also help ensure that when new digital products or spaces are created that they are built with accessibility and the required standards in mind. Be sure to regularly update training to reflect the latest best practices and technological advancements in accessibility. 4. Use accessible tools and platforms  Adopting tools and platforms designed with accessibility in mind is crucial for maintaining compliance. For your LMS, choose platforms that support accessibility features and offer robust tools for creating accessible content. Any content creation tools should include software that has built-in accessibility checks to ensure documents and multimedia are accessible from the start.  Use digital learning platforms that don’t just comply with standards, but that focus on usability and experience. Ask if they are testing with users with disabilities and incorporating that feedback and if they have a support plan for students that have trouble with accessing their content, no matter how compliant it is. At Macmillan Learning we make regular updates to Achieve, our digital learning platform, to make it more friendly for users with disabilities. We run user experience interviews with students with disabilities, connect to disability support offices through conferences as well as our Macmillan Learning Accessibility Advisory Board, and provide customized support to students and instructors that contact us. Additionally, for the fifth consecutive year, we were recognized as Global Certified Accessible by Benetech. This means that we provide “born accessible” digital learning options that ensure that every student, no matter their ability, has the same access to information. Benetech certified our conformance to the accessible EPUB creation guidelines, which are based on WCAG 2.2 AA standards, exceeding what the DOJ requires for compliance. 5. Monitor and update continuously Accessibility is not a one-time task but a journey -- one that requires an ongoing commitment. To maintain compliance, continuously monitor your web content, course materials, and mobile apps for accessibility issues. Also, while you can make every effort to be compliant, there may be something you miss or a way you can improve. It’s helpful to establish channels for students and other stakeholders to report any accessibility issues they run into, and use this feedback to make improvements.  The changes to Title II of the ADA present both challenges and opportunities for colleges. By following these practical steps—conducting audits, developing a compliance plan, training staff, utilizing accessible tools, engaging experts, and maintaining continuous monitoring—institutions can ensure they meet regulatory requirements while enhancing the educational experience for all students. Taking these proactive steps not only helps avoid potential legal challenges but also demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and equal access, aligning with the broader mission of education. Learn more about Macmillan Learning’s accessibility journey, standards and more. ... View more

Creating effective AI policies for classrooms can be a challenging but crucial task. By implementing good policies, instructors can create a robust set of instructions that not only guide students in the ethical use of AI tools but also foster a learning environment where they can develop their critical thinking and independent learning skills. Learning how to create a policy, and what should be included, are some of the learning objectives in the “Teaching with Generative AI Course” from the Institute at Macmillan Learning. While course participants get hands-on experience and guidance creating policies that are best suited for their classrooms, there are some best practices that are universally beneficial. Here are six ideas to help you create an effective and impactful policy. Define Clear Guidelines for AI Use, Including Use Cases. Clearly outline what is allowed and what is prohibited when using AI in coursework to avoid any ambiguity. Outline acceptable uses, prohibited uses, and how to attribute and cite uses. For example, some uses you may want to consider as being acceptable or not could include: brainstorming ideas, checking for grammar or formatting errors, paraphrasing complex source material, summarizing key themes and arguments in source texts, or exploring different perspectives on a topic.  You may find only some AI tools acceptable, or want to specify different guidelines for ChatGPT, Gemini, Grammarly, CoPilot, and Claude, among many others. For example, you might specify that AI tools like Grammarly can be used for grammar checks and style improvements, while tools like ChatGPT can be used for brainstorming ideas but not for generating entire paragraphs or essays. For instance, "Students may use ChatGPT to generate ideas for essay topics but must draft the actual content themselves." Adam Whitehurst, Senior Director of Course Design at Macmillan Learning noted, “Given how rapidly AI tools are evolving, it's likely that you will discover what AI is and isn't good at alongside your students. Set a tone that leaves an opening for grace and flexibility.” Explain Why the Policies are Put in Place. Whether it be to maintain academic integrity, help students develop their own critical thinking skills, or teaching appropriate references and citations, there are many good reasons to have a policy in place. While it may be tempting for students to take an easy way out of their work, they would be missing out on many of the benefits of learning. Explaining this or other reasons for the policy can be helpful in doing that. "It's important to connect your guidelines with your course outcomes so that students understand why the use of AI in your course does or does not support their learning," Whitehurst said. One instructor has the following language in their policy: “College is about discovering your own voice and style in writing, creating the version of yourself you want to be in the future. To do that, you need to trust in your own ideas and develop the skills you have to become that person you want to be.” Help Students Develop Strategies for Responsible AI Use. Provide students with practical ways to integrate AI into their learning process without relying on it to do their work. This sets them up for success in your class and better prepares them for entering a workforce where AI will likely be used. AI tools can be used to enhance learning, and can provide additional resources and perspectives. But using them as shortcuts to bypass the learning process can be harmful and deprive students of the knowledge they need to succeed in classes that build on what they should have learned in your course. For example, you may want to encourage students to use AI tools for initial brainstorming or to explore different perspectives on a topic. For instance, “Use ChatGPT to generate a list of potential research questions, then choose the one that interests you the most and develop your thesis from there.” Outline Misuse Clearly. Creating clear guidelines around the misuse of AI tools can be done by defining misuses explicitly, providing concrete examples, and explaining the consequences of misuse. This puts everyone on the same page and helps foster a culture of integrity by emphasizing the importance of using AI tools ethically and the value of academic honesty.  For example, you may explain in your policy that misuse of AI includes, but is not limited to, using AI to generate entire essays, copying AI-generated content without proper attribution, and submitting AI-generated content as your own work. For example, “Submitting a paper where the majority of content is generated by Chat GPT without proper citation is considered academic dishonesty.'" It’s also important to outline what happens when there is misuse. Speaking of misuse … Create Consequences for Misuse. Clearly state the consequences for submitting AI-generated content as their own to uphold academic integrity. Policies should include any penalties students will incur if they submit AI work outside of assignments' parameters. Consider whether the consequences should be different on the first offense and later offenses. Consider building in flexibility when it comes to consequences, but lay out the options in a way that allows you to tailor them as needed.  Consequences may range from a warning to a failing grade on the assignment or in the course. For example: "First offense: The student will receive a warning and be required to redo the assignment. Second offense: The student will receive a failing grade for the assignment and may be referred to the academic integrity committee. Third offense: The student may receive a failing grade for the course and face disciplinary action." By outlining the consequences of misuse, you strengthen your policy and help students better understand what's at stake. Require Transparency, Documentation and Attribution. Ensure students understand the importance of citing AI tools appropriately in their work by asking them to include attribution. Students may not be sure the best way to do that, and having a policy that clarifies how will eliminate the excuse of not knowing whether use was allowed. Detailing documentation of how AI tools were used in assignments encourages students to be fully transparent and also reflect on the way the tools have impacted their work and their learning. Some examples of this could include: “[Text/Visuals] were created with assistance from [name the specific Gen AI tool]. I affirm that the ideas within this assignment are my own and that I am wholly responsible for the content, style, and voice of the following material Text generated by ChatGPT, OpenAI, Month,Day, Year, https://chat.openai.com/chat."  Crafting effective AI policies is essential to fostering an environment where students can leverage technology ethically while developing their critical thinking and independent learning skills. By implementing policies that meet their unique needs, instructors can ensure that AI serves as a valuable tool for enhancing education rather than undermining it. A balanced, transparent, and accountable classroom that prepares students for the future, equipping them with both the technical know-how and the ethical framework to succeed in an AI-enabled world. Want more on AI? Check out: How Authors & Educators Can Shape AI’s Future in Education  Can AI Create a More Engaged Student? Answering Your AI Questions with Laura Dumin, PhD Answering Your AI Questions with Daniel Frank, PhD Answering Your AI Questions with Antonio Byrd, PhD   ... View more

Whether we’re besting our besties at Worldle, guessing the almost right answer when Jeopardy! is on, or playing solitaire on our phone, games seem to be everywhere. They’ve been around for millennia, captivating people of all ages and backgrounds. But what is it about games that makes them so universally appealing? And, importantly, as educators, how can we harness the same principles to create learning experiences that are just as compelling?  As it turns out, game design offers a wealth of strategies that can be applied to educational contexts to transform how students interact with and absorb information. In a session at the Textbook & Academic Authors Association annual meeting in June, textbook author and former instructor Thomas Heinzen encouraged authors to “try thinking like a game designer.” “We love phones and games; why can’t we create textbooks as compelling as them?” he said. Here are some ways that instructors can do just that: The Power of Storytelling and Visuals: Games are masterful at weaving narratives that draw players in. Similarly, incorporating storytelling into educational materials can make learning more relatable and memorable. Use visuals that evoke positive emotions and depict successful student journeys to add joy and context to the learning process. Simplifying Complex Concepts: Just as hopscotch is a universally appealing game due to its simplicity and collaborative nature, educational content should be broken down into manageable, engaging segments. Simplified explanations and interactive examples can make even the most complex subjects accessible and enjoyable. Gamifying Skill Progression: One of the key elements in games is the concept of leveling up. In an educational setting, this can translate to mastery learning, where students progress at their own pace, mastering foundational skills before moving on to more advanced topics. “Think in terms of ‘badge’ mechanics,” Heinzen said. This method ensures that students build a solid understanding, fostering confidence and competence.  Encouraging Collaboration and Peer Coaching: Games often promote spontaneous, stigma-free interactions among players. In the classroom, creating opportunities for students to coach each other can lead to organic, effective learning experiences. This peer-to-peer interaction helps reinforce understanding and builds a supportive learning community. Designing for Intrinsic Motivation: The ultimate goal is to make learning so interesting that students are intrinsically motivated to engage with the material. Use game mechanics like points, badges, and leaderboards to create a sense of achievement and competition. Ensure that these elements are designed to foster learning and curiosity rather than mere completion. Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool: Games teach players to fail forward, using setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve. In education, this can be applied by allowing students multiple attempts to master a concept, recording only their highest score. This approach reduces the stigma of failure and encourages a growth mindset. Speaking of failing forward … Help Students Cheat: But do it in a way that maximizes their learning.  Let students take the tests as many times as they want with only the highest score recorded (but don’t give them the answers, and change the questions so students are motivated to search for them.) Creating Positive Onboarding Experiences: The beginning of any learning journey should be engaging and exciting. Just as games use captivating introductions to hook players, educators should design the start of a course or textbook to grab students' attention and set a positive tone for the material ahead. By incorporating the principles of game design into educational practices, we can create learning experiences that are not only informative but also engaging and enjoyable. By thinking about the experience we're delivering, we have the chance to do novel things in education, inspiring and motivating students in new and exciting ways. “Game designers don’t design games, they design experiences,” Heinzen said.  ... View more

As the world comes together to celebrate the Olympic Games in Paris, we are reminded of the dedication, discipline, and strategies required to achieve greatness. Educators, much like Olympic athletes, face a series of challenges that require innovative solutions and relentless effort. Here, we outline some of the most pressing educational challenges and offer practical solutions, drawing analogies from the Olympic spirit to inspire and guide instructors. Engaging Students in Active Learning Engaging students in active learning is akin to an Olympic coach motivating their athletes to give their best performance. Just as athletes need constant feedback and motivation to improve, students benefit from interactive tools that transform traditional lectures into dynamic sessions. Using student response systems like iClicker for polls, on-the-fly quizzes, and group activities can make a meaningful impact. These real-time feedback tools act as a coach’s stopwatch, providing instant formative assessments that help students understand their progress and areas for improvement. Ensuring Reliable and Trustworthy Content In the same way that Olympic athletes rely on high-quality equipment and coaching to excel, students need reliable and accurate learning materials. Unreliable resources can be like faulty equipment that hinders an athlete’s performance. To counter this, it’s crucial to seek materials from reputable sources, ensuring that students receive the best possible information. The decline in the cost of source materials over the past decade means more accessible, high-quality content that supports students’ educational journeys. Navigating AI's Impact on Teaching and Learning AI in education is like a new, state-of-the-art training facility for Olympic athletes. While it offers incredible potential for personalized teaching and learning, it can also disrupt traditional methods. Educators can navigate this landscape by participating in professional development courses, such as the Teaching with Generative AI course from Macmillan Learning. These courses help instructors integrate AI ethically and effectively into their classrooms, much like how athletes learn to harness new technologies and training methods. Addressing Student Preparedness Every student enters the classroom with unique strengths and areas for growth, similar to how athletes come to the Olympics with varying levels of experience and expertise. Instructors can use assessment tools to identify knowledge gaps and tailor instruction to meet individual needs, akin to a coach creating a personalized training regimen. Creating a supportive and inclusive classroom atmosphere fosters engagement and a sense of belonging, essential for student success. Providing Personalized Learning Personalized learning in a large classroom can be as challenging as a coach training a diverse team of athletes. Adaptive learning technology acts like a tailored training program, personalizing questions and feedback based on student performance. Tools offering just-in-time support, like hints and detailed solutions, help students navigate assignments and improve understanding in real-time. Macmillan Learning’s AI tutor and study aids enhance personalized learning experiences, ensuring every student gets the support they need to succeed. Time Management for Instructors Balancing teaching responsibilities with administrative tasks is similar to an athlete balancing training with recovery. Effective time management is crucial to ensure instructors can dedicate sufficient time to both teaching and administrative duties. Time-saving tools like scheduling and planning apps can streamline classroom activities and administrative tasks, much like how athletes use training schedules to maximize their performance. Automation tools for grading and feedback free up more time for instructors to focus on teaching and student engagement. Keeping Up with Educational Trends Staying updated with the latest educational trends is as vital for educators as keeping up with the latest training techniques is for athletes. Continuous learning through professional development opportunities and workshops is essential. Subscribing to educational journals, joining online communities, and participating in programs like Macmillan Learning’s Teaching with Generative AI course can help educators stay ahead of the curve. Engaging with other instructors through collaborative networks allows for the sharing of strategies and support, offering fresh perspectives on common challenges. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of innovative tools, ongoing professional development, and a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Just as Olympic athletes strive for gold, educators can achieve excellence by leveraging these strategies. You can read more about how to solve many of these challenges with Macmillan Learning’s digital learning platform, Achieve, here. ... View more

In February, I attended a panel at axe-con called "Human-Centered AI and Accessibility" that combined two topics I often think about separately, but rarely together: AI and the disability community. The webinar is free, so I don't want to spoil it too much, but the speakers shared a variety of ways AI is and could further be applied to accessibility technology, as well as the very real risks of applying it without due thought or caution.  The talk was interesting and informative, but it mostly got me thinking: every major technological advance I can think of has had both positive and negative effects on people with disabilities. The internet opened the floodgates of information and community for many people, and mobile devices make apps like BeMyEyes and Speak For Yourself possible – but inaccessible technology also leaves a lot of people behind. Just ask the many blind users who can look up a restaurant website, but not read the menu.  So: as AI takes over the world (hopefully not literally), I wanted to learn more about how it can also help or hinder students and instructors with disabilities. Naturally, I started my research by asking ChatGPT, and after some back and forth conversation and a couple of iterations, it gave me the following benefits and risks: Benefits of AI for Instructors and Students with Disabilities: Personalized Support and Adaptive Tools: AI offers customized learning experiences for students and adaptive teaching resources for instructors, accommodating unique needs and enhancing academic success for both. Assistive Communication and Engagement: AI-powered communication aids and immersive technologies improve classroom interactions and create engaging, dynamic learning environments, benefiting students and instructors with disabilities. Enhanced Mobility and Independence: AI technologies like robotics and exoskeletons assist with physical navigation and independence, supporting both students and instructors in accessing and participating fully in educational activities. Risks of AI for Instructors and Students with Disabilities: Dependence on Technology: Over-reliance on AI tools may reduce the development of essential skills and coping strategies for both students and instructors, potentially impacting effectiveness and independence. Bias and Inequity: AI systems may perpetuate biases, leading to unequal access to resources and opportunities, and failing to adequately address the diverse needs of students and instructors with disabilities. Privacy Concerns: The collection of sensitive data about disabilities raises privacy and security concerns, posing ethical and legal challenges for both students and instructors in managing and protecting this information. Technical Barriers: The effectiveness of AI tools is limited by technical issues, insufficient resources, and lack of training, which can hinder the benefits for both students and instructors with disabilities. Exclusion from Mainstream Activities: Poor integration of AI solutions can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion from general classroom activities, affecting social inclusion and participation for both students and instructors with disabilities. Not wanting to rely solely on AI, I asked Macmillan Learning’s AVID (Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities) employee resource group the same question in our monthly meeting. What do my fellow disabled employees think are the actual benefits and risks AI presents them with? The responses I got only proved that the human element remains invaluable – ChatGPT could never have predicted some of what was said. Of course, some of the ideas put forward by ChatGPT were echoed by our community members. We talked about the potential promise of virtual tools that could help with organization or communication, and some further added that they already use ChatGPT to help lessen anxiety around things like brainstorming ideas or writing emails. Community members also agreed with ChatGPT's concerns around AI causing job displacement, and some even shared real-world examples they'd witnessed. Others recounted more disturbing encounters, ranging from Google Search AI's now-infamous recommendation to drink urine for kidney stones to actual medical misinformation showing up in AI tools used by their doctors' practices. In researching this post, I landed on a story about parents with disabilities being possibly flagged by AI for presumed neglect. Overall, AVID members were most concerned about losing the human touch. People with disabilities often have specific needs or circumstances that may require out-of-the-box thinking; our current crop of AI tools, by definition, can't think too far outside of the box. One of my own chronic illnesses was ultimately diagnosed because a doctor thought to ask a question that no one else had thought to ask; if she had relied too much on AI, would I still be undiagnosed today? Will workers with disabilities who don't fit certain norms find themselves on the wrong end of an employer AI tool's decision making? Will things like AI accessibility tools and AI-powered design make it easier for people with disabilities to navigate the world, or will it lead to less human oversight? Without enough buy-in and/or stringent checks and balances, these are very real concerns.  Ultimately, as one AVID member put it: we keep learning about AI tools and uses we didn't know about, for better and for worse. As AI continues to surge forward, how can we make sure that for people with disabilities, especially students and instructors, it's better more often than not?  Resources: Human-Centered AI and Accessibility – a free webinar from axe-con Generative AI holds great potential for those with disabilities - but it needs policy to shape it Trained AI models exhibit learned disability bias Why AI fairness conversations must include disabled people Designing Generative AI to Work for People with Disabilities ... View more