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Instructure Launches Canvas Lite, a Free Course Tool for Educators

Instructure Launches Canvas Lite, a Free Course Tool for Educators

Instructure, the company behind Canvas LMS, has announced the launch of Canvas Lite, a new no-cost product designed to help educators build and deliver course content. Canvas Lite, which will go live on September 30, 2026, at canvaslite.instructure.com, is built on the same Canvas platform used by schools, colleges, and universities worldwide. This new offering provides individual educators, including homeschool teachers, tutors, and community instructors, with complimentary access to core Canvas tools at the course level, bypassing the need for IT deployment or procurement. Key features include building modules and pages, collecting assignments, running quizzes, and utilizing SpeedGrader. Every educator who signs up for Canvas Lite will undergo an identity check using a government-issued ID and a selfie, facilitated by verification partner Veriff, to ensure a secure environment.

U.S. School Districts Restrict Student AI Use Amidst Growing Anxiety

U.S. School Districts Restrict Student AI Use Amidst Growing Anxiety

The two largest school districts in the United States, New York City and Los Angeles, have implemented restrictions on student use of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms for the current school year. The Los Angeles Unified School District has banned generative AI on school-issued devices, with a committee set to recommend future policies. New York City Public Schools have imposed a one-year moratorium on generative AI for students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students in New York will be required to complete AI literacy modules twice a year, and some career-focused AI use and pilot programs will be permitted. These restrictions, affecting approximately 600,000 students in New York, aim to provide time to study the technology's impacts. Chicago officials are also considering similar measures, with about half of the candidates for the Chicago Board of Education supporting a three-year moratorium on generative AI in public school classrooms. Smaller school districts across th...

Western University Professors Adapt Teaching Methods to Combat AI-Assisted Cheating

Western University Professors Adapt Teaching Methods to Combat AI-Assisted Cheating

Professors at Western University are implementing new strategies to address the rise of AI-assisted cheating in academic settings. Philosophy professor David Bourget is piloting a project where 130 students will research and write essays in an on-campus computer lab under supervision. This lab utilizes MATCHA, a software program designed by Bourget, which provides access to word processors and research materials but blocks AI tools. The program also records the essay production process, including notes and drafts. Similarly, Selma Purac, undergraduate program chair at the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, has redesigned essay assignments. After noticing a significant number of AI-generated essays in her classes, she now requires students to complete research and outlines outside of class, then write their essays in-class with pen and paper under supervision. These measures aim to restore the integrity of academic writing and critical thinking skills that professors believe are being undermined by l...

Evergreen Daily

Can AI Detectors Really Tell What Was Written by ChatGPT?

Can AI Detectors Really Tell What Was Written by ChatGPT?

AI detection tools promise to spot text written by models like ChatGPT, but studies show they are often inaccurate and carry a high risk of false positives.

AI Integration Expands Beyond Computer Science into Diverse Academic Fields, Boosting Career Prospects

AI Integration Expands Beyond Computer Science into Diverse Academic Fields, Boosting Career Prospects

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into a wide array of traditional academic disciplines, moving beyond its conventional confines in computer science. Students are now combining AI and technology with subjects such as agriculture, healthcare, biotechnology, architecture, and fashion to address real-world challenges and create new career opportunities. For instance, programs in genetics and AI focus on genomic data analysis and drug discovery using machine learning. Architecture students are learning AI-assisted design and smart planning for sustainable development, while fashion design courses incorporate AI for trend forecasting and virtual sampling. Agriculture students are being trained in precision agriculture, smart monitoring, and drone technology for data-driven farming. This interdisciplinary approach aims to equip students with the skills to leverage data, digital tools, and intelligent systems within their specific fields of expertise.

Stride, Inc. Seeks Director of Academic Strategy to Enhance K12 Student Outcomes

Stride, Inc. Seeks Director of Academic Strategy to Enhance K12 Student Outcomes

Stride, Inc. is actively recruiting for a Director, Academic Strategy. This pivotal role involves leading the development, execution, and continuous improvement of academic strategies across the company's K12 schools. The primary objective is to enhance student outcomes and overall school performance. The Director will be responsible for managing the K12 School Playbook, overseeing national academic and school counseling priorities, and collaborating with school leaders to strengthen Tier 1 instruction. A key aspect of the position involves utilizing data to create scalable academic solutions and supports. Stride, Inc. emphasizes that it is an equal opportunity employer, and compensation for the role will be competitive, determined by factors such as education, experience, qualifications, work location, and the position's expected contributions. The anticipated salary range for this remote position, open to all 50 states and D.C., is between $122,073.75 and $155,025.00 annually, with eligible employees als...

UNESCO Offers Free Online Learning Courses for Educators and Professionals

UNESCO Offers Free Online Learning Courses for Educators and Professionals

UNESCO is providing a series of free online courses designed for educators, trainers, psychologists, librarians, and education leaders. These courses aim to support professional development and enhance qualifications in various educational fields. One prominent offering is the 'Masterclass: Training for New Ukrainian School trainers (Grades 7–9).' This specific training is tailored to improve the skills of master trainers and teacher trainers involved in the implementation of the New Ukrainian School (NUS) reform. Participants in this masterclass will delve into the specific features and challenges of implementing the NUS reform within basic secondary education for students in grades 7 through 9. All courses related to the Ukrainian school reform are conducted in Ukrainian, ensuring accessibility and relevance for the target audience.

FinCEN and Banking Agencies Issue FAQs on Digital Credentials for Customer Identification

FinCEN and Banking Agencies Issue FAQs on Digital Credentials for Customer Identification

FinCEN and Banking Agencies Issue FAQs on Digital Credentials for Customer Identification

McGraw Hill Acquires Teachally to Enhance K-12 Curriculum Development with AI

McGraw Hill Acquires Teachally to Enhance K-12 Curriculum Development with AI

McGraw Hill Acquires Teachally to Enhance K-12 Curriculum Development with AI

Plastic Industry Accused of Greenwashing in U.S. Classrooms Through Sponsored Lesson Plans

Plastic Industry Accused of Greenwashing in U.S. Classrooms Through Sponsored Lesson Plans

A new report from the nonprofit Plastic Pollution Coalition alleges that the plastics industry is actively influencing U.S. K-12 education by providing free or low-cost lesson plans and materials to schools. These materials, often presented as supporting STEM learning objectives, are accused of downplaying the environmental and health impacts of plastics. The report highlights instances where industry-sponsored content emphasizes the necessity and safety of plastics, while promoting recycling as the primary solution to plastic pollution. This occurs despite only 9% of plastics being recycled globally and prior knowledge within industry groups that recycling alone cannot keep pace with production. Examples cited include the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) and the American Association of Chemistry Teachers (an initiative of Dow Chemical Company), which offer activities like 'plastic scavenger hunts' and lessons that encourage students to 'pretend they are an employee for Dow Chemical Company.' The report...

USCIS Requires Biometrics for Immigration Benefit Applications

USCIS Requires Biometrics for Immigration Benefit Applications

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandates a biometrics appointment for most immigration benefit applications, including Employment Authorization Documents (EAD cards) and Adjustment of Status. These appointments are scheduled at USCIS Application Support Centers (ASCs) where applicants provide fingerprints, photographs, and a digital signature. The primary purpose of collecting this biometric data is for identity verification and to conduct thorough background checks on individuals applying for immigration benefits. This process is a standard part of the immigration application procedure, ensuring the security and integrity of the system. The requirement for biometrics underscores the government's commitment to maintaining secure borders and verifying the identities of all individuals seeking to live or work in the United States.

U.S. Government Moves Towards Unified Digital Identity Platform with Login.gov Mandate

U.S. Government Moves Towards Unified Digital Identity Platform with Login.gov Mandate

The U.S. government is transitioning towards a more unified digital identity approach, particularly at the federal level. The White House has finalized a mandate for Login.gov to become the universal sign-on system for most public-facing federal services. This rollout is anticipated over the next two years. This initiative aims to streamline access to government services by moving away from separate agency logins. The policy also emphasizes the use of reusable credentials and the implementation of progressively stronger verification methods, which will be applied based on the transaction's risk level. This shift signifies a broader strategy to enhance security and user experience across federal digital platforms, addressing the complexities and inconsistencies often associated with accessing various government services online. The move is a response to the evolving landscape of digital interactions and the need for robust, yet user-friendly, identity verification mechanisms.