At Macmillan Learning, inspiring what’s possible for every learner means building a platform that meets every learner where they are and supports them throughout their learning journey. As lifetime learners we understand that learning has no finish line. As developers of educational solutions, we are also never finished and must continually adapt as technology does. We are never done making learning possible for every student. Macmillan Learning’s teams have dedicated themselves to building an accessible Achieve that goes far beyond compliance checkboxes. Our efforts are constantly adapting to changing standards, new feedback from users, and industry developments. We’ve developed processes for addressing accessibility that rely not only on a network of trusted experts in accessibility but also on our users to tell us what makes our solutions accessible to them. While we were the first organization to have global certified accessible ebooks and our efforts have been recognized by the Accessible Books Consortium among others, we are not resting on our laurels.  This year, our detailed screen reader testing with assistive technology users led to improvement in backend code for everything from buttons to multiple choice questions with the goal of creating not just a compliant experience but an enjoyable and simple one. Engineering teams spent more time than ever learning about and using assistive technology in order to integrate into our testing and development processes.  We were thrilled to present Macmillan Learning Lab Simulations, which simulate experiences commonly incorporated in lab courses, at this year's CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. We wanted to highlight improvements to the experience with assistive technology, including keyboard-accessible drag and drop tools, detailed visual information for screen reader users, and a color-blind mode that preserves the accuracy of experiment results while clearly communicating color state. Just-in-time announcements for assistive technology users introduce dynamic changes: any student using the simulation knows what’s happening on the screen even as a chemical reaction is actively occurring, making the experience equally engaging for all users, no matter how they interact with the content.     Our focus extends beyond STEM, with accessibility updates to our Writing Tools as well. Numerical indicators associated with highlights and comments allow users to easily tie marginal comments to areas of the text without relying on color. An underline system to better call out text in a draft with feedback was implemented: all highlights will have dashed underline, unless there is an overlapping highlight, in which a solid underline will be used. Screen reader users now get additional notifications around whether feedback remains in a draft for review and can tab in and out of comment details.      This year also marked the launch of our accessibility principles. These five principles include “Innovation with Purpose.” As Macmillan Learning continues to create new learning solutions for students, we believe that the call to be innovative extends to embracing accessibility as an important element of every learning solution we provide. We also feel that transparency is an important part of our relationship with our users, which is why we include a Release Report Addendum to our voluntary product accessibility template (VPAT), updated monthly. Our commitment to this work is long term and ongoing, and we can’t be successful without continually talking with every user and sharing our successes with them. At the end of the day, accessibility is about individual access and opportunity, a mission we share as a team. ... View more

Achieve continues to evolve to meet the diverse needs of the educational community and enrich your teaching and learning journey. New enhancements to Achieve for Spring 2024 are designed to maximize value, augment support, and streamline processes, bringing a new level of efficiency to the platform.  Below are a few of the features you can look forward to using the next time you teach with Achieve.    Meet accessibility needs through continuous improvements  Macmillan Learning’s commitment to inclusivity and equal learning opportunities shines through continuous accessibility improvements. Recent enhancements—including updates to Writing Tools, the Suggested Search feature, radio buttons, drop-down or collapsable menus, and PDF downloads—ensure all parts of Achieve are compatible with assistive technology and accessible to all learners.   Dive deeper into each student’s performance Gain a comprehensive overview of each student's performance with Achieve’s new Individual Student Gradebook View. It provides a snapshot of a student's progress across all assignments, scores, due dates, and completion dates, proving invaluable for office hours, post-class discussions, or determining the need for additional support. Get help where you need it most Providing both self-service and live agent assistance, Millie the Help Chatbot offers just-in-time support for you and your students within Achieve.  Find Millie at the ready through the chat icon or the “Chat With Us” option in Achieve’s Help Center. From getting started to learning how to use Achieve’s wealth of resources, Millie is here to make your Achieve journey smoother. ... View more

In Matt Ingram's vibrant communication studies class at Dakota State University, Achieve's video case studies take center stage. These dynamic resources seamlessly blend theory and practice, offering a diverse range of content, from real-life speeches to reenacted scenarios. What sets Achieve apart is its adaptability, strategically woven into the weekly rhythm by Matt to spark lively discussions and collaborative problem-solving sessions. Beyond assignments, Achieve becomes a catalyst for creativity, inspiring students to craft their own scenarios under Matt's guidance. This intentional approach empowers students to navigate communication complexities, fostering confidence and honing their skills. Achieve, in Matt Ingram's classroom, is more than a tool—it's a dynamic force transforming the learning experience into a journey of discovery and growth.  Click below to watch Matt discuss Achieve’s video case studies in greater depth! ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week we’ve rounded up five resources to share with you about The Future of Student Activities with AI. Below, you'll find  An article exploring how AI can impact extracurricular activities with personalized learning, enhanced instruction, and ability to create immersive experiences.  A ChatGPT generated vision of what a high school student's and teacher's day may look like in an AI-integrated environment. A blog post from Inspirit AI with testimonials from students who used their program to gain knowledge about AI and explore its practical aspects. A guide to starting an AI club at a school and the potential benefits such an organization can bring, from sparking students' interest in AI to helping them develop leadership skills. A video on the use of artificial intelligence in afterschool programs and its transformative capabilities, potential to disrupt education, and some success stories.  Check them out and let us know what you think about The Future of Student Activities with AI in the comments below the post.  ... View more

In this casual conversation, we meet Stephen Henry, a dedicated full-time faculty member at Houston Community College. Stephen's focus is on teaching biology, specifically genetics, anatomy, physiology, and general biology. What's notable about his teaching strategy with Achieve is the practical way it supports students. Achieve's learning curve is a helpful tool – if you answer a question incorrectly, it provides similar questions to help you fill those knowledge gaps. Moreover, reaching a certain point in the assessment means a solid 100 in your gradebook, which is always a plus. And the icing on the cake? Even after the due date, students can revisit questions and practice to boost their scores further. Stephen highlights the importance of customization to align with your teaching style, straightforward assignment scheduling, and seamless LMS integration. Achieve keeps evolving and improving, making it a win-win for both instructors and students. Speaking of students, Stephen uses iClicker to keep them engaged, showing that even the smallest grade improvements matter. Click below to watch Stephen’s full testimonial! ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week we’ve rounded up six resources to share with you on the topic of preparing students for a future of work with AI. Below, you'll find  A blog post from Inside Higher Ed that highlights the demand for generative AI skills and the crucial role of developing proficiency in AI to thrive in the workforce.  The story of one instructor’s experiment with ChatGPT after a student expressed fear that AI could replace the need for their major.  A LinkedIn article on the ways AI is revolutionizing the job application process by offering a more efficient and effective way to create and update resumes. *Consider sharing this one with your students who are searching for internships and jobs. An article from Jasper (an AI writing tool) that highlights educator Adam Levin, and his advocacy for the use of generative AI in education as a means of preparing students for the professional world.  A research paper on the evolving world of AI and the transformation that is possible through educator-employer partnerships, integrating 21st-century skills into state standards, and supporting displaced workers in finding new career paths. An on-demand webinar featuring a panel of educators and experts discussing how the age of AI will impact work and the ways in which we prepare students for it.  Check them out and let us know what you think about preparing students for a future of work with AI in the comments below the post. ... View more

With the right resources, even a difficult course like Biology–with an overwhelming array of terms, concepts, and diagrams–can be transformed into an engaging and stimulating learning environment. Instructors can introduce students to new concepts with iClicker by conducting polls and then quizzing their students’ retention with quizzes. Students can also be encouraged to work together on in-class worksheets. Achieve then provides students with tailor-made lab materials and simulations that identify students’ learning challenges early on, so that they know which material needs more attention. With online worksheets, students receive immediate feedback, promoting continuous learning and improvement. With iClicker and Achieve, students can feel better supported and set up for success, enabling them to work at their own pace and navigate even the most challenging parts of their course. ... View more

Assessments are great tools for instructors to gauge how well their students are retaining information and then using that information to solve problems. But, how do instructors ensure that their students are prepared for tests and quizzes? While in class–whether online or in-person–instructors can use iClicker to check students’ understanding and comprehension. Instructors receive real-time feedback from students about the material they may still be struggling with and can then adjust to meet their students’ needs. And, test preparation doesn’t end when class does! With Achieve, students can check their own knowledge of class concepts with adaptive quizzing and receive tips and guidance on problems they find challenging. Test, exam, and quiz may be anxiety-inducing words for many students, but with the right preparation tools they don’t have to be. ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week we’ve rounded up five resources to share with you on the topic of How AI Can Support Foreign Language Learners. Below, you'll find  A news article that discusses the potential of AI-powered chatbots for language learning as well as common concerns around their limitations.  A conversation with Nick Jenkins, CEO & Founder of Language Confidence, and Katherine Connor-Martin, Product Director at Oxford Languages, regarding the transformative role of AI in modern English language learning experiences. An article that showcases several AI-powered apps and online programs that can enhance language learning, addressing challenges such as lack of personalization in traditional teaching methods and student anxiety.  A guide to creating personalized language learning experiences with various AI tools, from chatbots to language learning apps — and practical teaching strategies to use in the classroom. An article challenging long-held beliefs about grammar in language acquisition in light of new research that explores the intersection of AI, linguistics, and learning. Check them out and let us know what you think about How AI Can Support Foreign Language Learners in the comments below the post.  Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "In the Driver’s Seat: Preparing Students for AI-Enhanced Workplaces" on November 16th to delve deeper into AI in education. Register today! ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week we’ve rounded up five resources to share with you on the topic of Accessibility and AI in Special Needs Education. Below, you'll find  An article showcasing how AI tools can streamline administrative tasks, enhance community outreach, and expedite research processes for special education services. A LinkedIn article discussing how AI is revolutionizing special education by offering personalized learning tools, bridging communication gaps, and fostering inclusivity and accessibility. A video explaining the disability desert in AI datasets and outlining the importance of including individuals with disabilities in the design process of AI tools.  A compilation of accessibility AI tools for educators from EdTechReview provides an overview of various technologies that can enhance the learning experience for students with disabilities. An article from the New York Times explores AI's innovative role in assisting children with learning disabilities and AI tools for social skill learning, games to enhance accessibility, and data analysis tools for dyslexia identification. Check them out and let us know what you think about accessibility and AI in the comments below the post.  Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "In the Driver’s Seat: Preparing Students for AI-Enhanced Workplaces" on November 16th to delve deeper into AI in education. Register today! ... View more

In the Driver’s Seat: Preparing Students for AI-Enhanced Workplaces: Thursday, November 16 at 12pm CT Presented By Lisa Blue, Tim Klein, and Vaughn Scribner A compelling webinar, "In the Driver's Seat: Preparing Students for AI-Enhanced Workplaces," was conducted, featuring a panel of educators and experts discussing how the age of AI will impact work and the ways in which we prepare students for it. Watch the recording for an insightful discussion about the evolving landscape of AI and its profound impact on student readiness for the workforce. What Was Covered Insights into how both educators and employers were integrating AI technologies into learning and work environments were gained. Key skills and knowledge areas that students needed to flourish in AI-enhanced workplaces were identified. Best practices and insights from thought leaders aiding students and educators in preparing for an evolving future were discovered. Resources shared during webinar: A study to know Navigating the Jagged Technological Frontier: Field Experimental Evidence of the Effects of AI on Knowledge Worker Productivity and Quality Centaurs and Cyborgs on the Jagged Frontier AI newsletters One Useful Thing by Ethan Mollick  The AI Educator by Dan Fitzpatrick TLDR AI  Bot Eat Brain  AI Valley - Barsee  People to follow on LinkedIn, X (formerly known as Twitter) Ethan Mollick Dan Fitzpatrick For the deep dives Cornell’s ArXiv Computer Science Various AI companies’ blogs (OpenAI, Deepmind, etc.) Access the recording today! ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week we’ve rounded up five resources to share with you on the topic of ethical considerations in AI and education. Below, you'll find  An article that discusses the benefits and ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in higher education.  A study published in Frontiers in Public Health that examines ethical dilemmas related to AI-driven mobile apps in education and data privacy.  A blog post outlining five ethical implications that educators should consider when using AI tools in their classrooms.  A teaching resource from Cornell University’s Center for Teaching Innovation for instructors to further understand generative AI and it’s political, environmental, and broader impact. A peer-reviewed journal that addresses ethical challenges prevalent with AI in K-12 settings.  Check them out and let us know what you think about ethics in educational uses of AI in the comments below the post. ... View more

Welcome to "Try This!", a weekly blog series where we dive into the ever-evolving world of generative AI and share valuable insights and practical teaching ideas. Discover how educators are leveraging AI, gain fresh perspectives, and explore innovative approaches to education that you can try out yourself. This week we’ve rounded up five resources to share with you on the topic of AI-powered tutoring systems. Below, you'll find  A LinkedIn article, which explores the potential of AI tutors in enhancing learning experiences with immediate feedback and emotional support. A New York Times report highlighting a pilot AI tutoring program that was implemented in Newark Public Schools. An opinion piece from Education Week that delves into how AI tutors can contribute to creating a more equitable education system. An EdTech Magazine article that discusses the way AI tutors are revolutionizing personalized learning. An article reflecting on Bill Gates' visionary outlook on the role of AI in education, benefitting both instructors and students.  Check them out and let us know what you think about AI-powered tutoring in the comments below the post.  Don't miss out on the upcoming webinar, "When AI Is a Liar and a Cheat: Re-Imagining Authentic Assessment in the Age of Open AI" on October 26 to delve deeper into AI in education. Register today! ... View more

Let's explore the benefits of a powerful tool found in Achieve, Learning Curve, as discussed by Dr. Margaret Holloway, an assistant professor of English and composition coordinator at Clark Atlanta University. With class sizes averaging 25 to 38 students, including ESL and first-generation learners, effective grammar instruction is a must. Learning Curve's interactive assignments focusing on grammar and writing, such as comparatives, superlatives, verbs, prepositions, and subject-verb agreement, come to the rescue. These assignments not only engage students but also help instructors identify areas for improvement. The results? Improved writing skills, better MLA format and evidence handling, and tech-savvy students. Achieve’s Learning Curve is a game-changer for both students and faculty, making learning fun and effective. Watch Margaret’s full presentation on Learning Curve by clicking the video below! ... View more

In a recent chat, Professor Vaughn Scribner, who's an associate professor of American history at the University of Central Arkansas, shared his thoughts on AI and the speedy rise of tech like ChatGPT. He made a fascinating comparison between ancient engineering marvels like the pyramids and our modern smartphones, leaning towards the smartphone as the more impressive invention due to its broad impact and versatility. Scribner also expressed his optimism about AI's role in the future, despite the initial worries in the education field. He emphasized that education has always evolved, from books and TV to video games, and AI is just the next step in this journey. Rather than fearing these changes, he urged educators and institutions to embrace them, look beyond the horizon, and stay curious. Be sure to catch him in the video below for the full discussion! ... View more