June 10, 2024 5:21 pm

Addressing Automated Cheating in Education

Understanding how tools like userscripts and bots threaten academic integrity, especially in remote learning environments, is the first step in protecting authentic student achievements.

As technology advances, so do the challenges in maintaining academic integrity. The emergence of generative AI tools like userscripts and bots has significantly impacted education, allowing students to complete coursework undetected and compromising the authenticity of their achievements. This issue is particularly pressing in remote learning environments where monitoring student activity is more challenging.

Understanding the Threat

Userscripts and bots can automate tasks such as advancing web pages, answering questions, and generating AI-driven responses to writing prompts. These tools undermine academic integrity by enabling students to bypass genuine engagement with their coursework. This concern is echoed in various studies, including one from the Center for Teaching Innovation at Cornell University, which emphasizes the need for clear guidelines regarding the use of generative AI in academic settings to prevent misuse.

A study by Wieboldt also highlights the ethical implications of AI in education, noting that while AI can enhance learning experiences, it poses significant risks if not properly managed. The study stresses the importance of authentic assessments that require critical thinking and self-reflection, which are more challenging for AI to replicate. Additionally, research published in EDUCAUSE Review outlines the transformative potential of generative AI while underscoring the necessity for comprehensive guidelines to address ethical concerns and ensure responsible use.

Steps Schools Can Take

To address these challenges, schools can implement several proactive measures:

Communicate Expectations

Proactively communicating academic integrity expectations to students, teachers, and families is crucial for fostering a culture of honesty. Clear guidelines about the permissible use of AI tools should be included in course syllabi and discussed regularly in class. This transparency helps students understand the importance of maintaining academic integrity and the consequences of violating these standards.

Update Policies

Academic policies should be updated to include the latest technologies and methods for cheating, such as generative AI, userscripts, and bots. Integrating these updates ensures that policies remain relevant and effective in addressing new forms of academic dishonesty.

Block Malicious Software

IT staff should prevent students from installing userscripts and malicious extensions on district-managed devices. By blocking these tools, schools can reduce the risk of automated cheating. Proactive IT management is essential for maintaining a secure and fair educational environment.

Leverage Available Tools

Utilize tools within educational technology products to enhance security. For example, Imagine Edgenuity® and Imagine EdgeEX offer features like IP Registry, SecureLock Browser Experience, and Teacher Review to monitor and control student activities effectively. These tools help educators identify and address potential academic dishonesty before it becomes a significant issue.

Consider Proctored Assessments

Require students to take assessments in an onsite, proctored environment whenever possible. For hybrid learning situations, consider weighting onsite tests and exams more heavily in the overall course grade to ensure fair assessment practices. This approach reduces the likelihood of students using AI tools to cheat during exams.

Monitor Student Behavior

Regularly review data to detect unusual patterns of behavior. Tools like attendance logs, session logs, course reports, and student gradebooks in Imagine Edgenuity and Imagine EdgeEX provide valuable insights into student activity and can help identify potential academic dishonesty. Continuous monitoring and data analysis are critical for maintaining the integrity of the educational process.

The Future of Academic Integrity

The rapid advancement of AI technologies necessitates a continuous effort to maintain academic integrity. Integrating authentic assessment methods is more crucial than ever in the age of AI. Authentic assessments that require personal perspectives, critical thinking, and self-reflection are much harder for AI to replicate, thereby preserving the integrity of student work. This approach is supported by research from EDUCAUSE Review, which emphasizes the importance of moving away from traditional assessment methods and towards more comprehensive, authentic assessments.

Moreover, a comprehensive approach to AI integration in education must include clear ethical guidelines and responsible use policies. Embracing innovative solutions while maintaining vigilance is essential to protect the authenticity of student achievements and uphold the integrity of education.

Together, we can navigate these challenges and ensure that education remains a space of genuine learning and integrity.

Explore the Latest Tools to Prioritize Academic Integrity

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About the author

Deborah Rayow

Imagine Learning’s Vice President of Product Management, Courseware

A former classroom teacher, Deborah has also previously worked with an array of educational publishers and consulting organizations, including Scholastic Education, Kaplan K12 Learning Services, and the New York Times Learning Network. Her expertise includes curriculum planning and professional development, online and hybrid learning, instructional design, and product management/development.

Deborah holds a B.A. in Child Development from Tufts University and a master’s degree in Mathematics Education from Rutgers University. Her areas of academic focus have included early literacy, problem-based learning, and comparative studies in mathematics instruction.

June 6, 2024 11:45 am

Imagine Learning Wins “Overall STEM Education Solution of the Year” in 6th Annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards Program

International Awards Program Recognizes Outstanding Educational Technology Products and Companies

Tempe, Arizona – June 6, 2024 – Imagine Learning, the largest national provider of digital curriculum solutions, serving over 15 million students and one million educators, today announced that its STEM Supplemental Suite has been selected as winner of the “Overall STEM Education Solution of the Year” award in the 6^th annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by EdTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies and solutions in the global educational technology market.

Imagine Learning’s STEM Supplemental Suite gives students a head start on college and career readiness with the 4Cs of STEM: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

With resources for both online and offline learning, spanning all grade levels and the four STEM domains, the programs support a variety of implementation models to fit every district’s unique needs. Educators can build a customized program to provide equitable access to STEM learning.

“We work closely with educators to meet the needs of today’s busy classrooms, and our dynamic STEM Supplemental Suite was designed to deliver a symphony of innovation and impact by celebrating STEM skills and life skills to equip students for success today, tomorrow, and beyond,” said Sarah Anderson, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Supplemental for Imagine Learning. “This award from EdTech Breakthrough validates our collection of rigorous, engaging, and culturally relevant STEM curricula meant to challenge students and empower them with the support they need to develop high-value 21st-century skills.”

Imagine Learning’s STEM Supplemental Suite includes five programs — Imagine Science Corner™, Imagine Robotify^®, Imagine MyPath^®, Imagine Math^®, and Imagine Math Facts^®. These unique, engaging programs help students strengthen and develop science, computer science, and math skills and learning.

“The impact of Imagine Learning’s approach to teaching and learning STEM is undeniable. The U.S. STEM workforce has contributed to improvements in living standards, economic prosperity, and global competitiveness. STEM education is fundamental to preparing the next generation of skilled workers that can effectively utilize technology in global applications,” said Steve Johansson, managing director, EdTech Breakthrough. “Our ‘Overall STEM Education Solution of the Year’ is Imagine Learning’s Supplemental STEM Suite which instills a love for learning that transcends textbooks and tests, preparing students not just for exams, but for a future brimming with possibility.”

The mission of the EdTech Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the innovation, hard work and success in a range of educational technology categories, including student engagement, adaptive learning, STEM education, career preparation, and many more. This year’s program attracted thousands of nominations from over 17 different countries throughout the world.

About Imagine Learning

About EdTech Breakthrough

Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the EdTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in educational technology products, companies and people. The EdTech Breakthrough Awards recognize the achievements of breakthrough educational technology in categories including e-learning, student engagement, language learning, STEM, and more. For more information, visit EdTechBreakthrough.com.

June 4, 2024 9:30 am

Imagine Learning Acquires CueThink: Enhancing AI-Powered Problem-Solving and Collaboration in K–12 Education

Imagine Learning announced the acquisition of CueThink, an AI-powered problem-solving and collaboration platform designed to improve students’ critical thinking skills.

Tempe, Arizona – June 4, 2024– Imagine Learning, the largest national provider of digital curriculum solutions serving over 15 million students and one million educators, announced today the acquisition of CueThink, an AI-powered problem-solving and collaboration platform designed to improve students’ critical thinking skills. This acquisition is pivotal as it addresses the growing need to prepare students for real-world challenges in the age of AI.

Addressing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills in Education

In today’s educational landscape, moving beyond rote memorization and standardized testing is crucial — research shows that critical thinking is a key skill for success. According to the World Economic Forum, critical thinking and problem-solving are among the top skills needed for the future workforce. As AI continues to evolve, the ability to think critically will be essential for navigating and leveraging these technologies effectively.

CueThink’s structured, four-phase approach (Explore, Plan, Solve, Review) breaks down complex problems into manageable steps, which ensures that students become active problem-solvers capable of adapting to diverse challenges and future AI-driven environments.

Integration with Imagine Learning

“We welcome CueThink to Imagine Learning as we continue to invest in AI-enabled education and curriculum tools,” said Jonathan Grayer, Chairman and CEO of Imagine Learning. “Our focus is clear: to employ a range of artificial intelligence innovations that positively impact teaching, learning, and parental involvement. CueThink’s innovative approach to problem-solving and collaboration is transformative, and we are excited to see how these tools will enhance our curriculum offerings and improve educational outcomes.”

CueThink provides:

Personalized interventions: real-time, adaptive scaffolds designed to promote desired behaviors and positive outcomes
Innovative assessments and reports: new methods to measure engagement, creativity, and student thought processes
AI supports: AI technology providing metacognitive training and interactive chat tools to help guide educators

Imagine Learning plans to initially incorporate CueThink’s application within its math offerings, supporting its commitment to High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). Additionally, Imagine Learning will integrate CueThink’s AI-powered technology across other disciplines, focusing on collaborative social learning experiences. This integration will enable Imagine Learning to offer a peer-to-peer social element within its curriculum for the first time.

Sheela Sethuraman, CEO of CueThink, said, “CueThink was designed with utmost consideration for students and their unique strengths. Our solution enables all students to fully express their creativity, collaborate with peers, and become confident problem solvers — while also guiding and empowering educators. We’re thrilled to join Imagine Learning, a leader in personalized learning, and look forward to collaborating with them to drive positive outcomes through inclusive R&D approaches and the power of AI.”

About Imagine Learning

Every classroom, every student is bursting with potential. That’s why we pursue relentless innovation at the intersection of technology, people, and curricula. Imagine Learning creates K–12 digital-first solutions, working alongside educators to support 15 million students in over half of the districts nationwide. Our core portfolio includes Imagine IM, Imagine Learning EL Education, Twig^® Science, and Traverse^®. Our robust supplemental and intervention suite equips learners with personalized instruction for English and Spanish literacy, math, coding, and more. Imagine Edgenuity^® is our flagship courseware solution, complemented by Imagine School Services’ Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more: www.imaginelearning.com.

May 29, 2024 8:39 am

Two Imagine Language & Literacy® Studies Receive Evidence for ESSA Promising Rating; Program Celebrates 20 Years of Helping Students Strengthen Literacy Skills

Imagine Language & Literacy Celebrates 20 Years of Impact on Student Literacy Skills and Receives Evidence for ESSA Rating for Two New Studies

Tempe, Arizona – May 29, 2024 – Two research studies from Imagine Learning received Promising ratings from Evidence for ESSA for measuring the impact of Imagine Language & Literacy, the flagship supplemental literacy program, as it celebrates 20 years of accelerating the development of literacy skills for students. These studies add to the extensive body of research showing the impact of using Imagine Language & Literacy on student literacy outcomes.

Evidence for ESSA evaluated two studies measuring the effectiveness of Imagine Language & Literacy to improve English language proficiency for English language learners (ELL). The first study took place during the 2022–2023 school year in a large Louisiana school district. The academic performance of more than 1,000 students in first through fifth grade was measured by Louisiana’s English Language Proficiency Test. Overall, the performance of Imagine Language & Literacy students was significantly higher than the control group.

The second study, also conducted during the 2022–2023 school year, assessed literacy proficiency outcomes for more than 2,500 Florida students in first through fifth grade, using the WIDA ACCESS assessment and more than 1,500 students in grades four and five using the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST). Students who used Imagine Language & Literacy demonstrated significantly greater growth than academically and demographically similar non-users on both the WIDA ACCESS and the FAST assessment. The significant results in both studies qualify for the ESSA Promising category and demonstrate the impact of Imagine Language & Literacy on student learning outcomes.

“This recognition from Evidence for ESSA is especially meaningful as we celebrate 20 years of Imagine Language & Literacy helping students gain proficiency in language and literacy skills,” shared Sarah Anderson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Supplemental Programs at Imagine Learning. “The program was built with leading experts on reading science well before the science of reading was a focus of discussion in education. Additionally, we know student engagement is key to student learning, so the rich content was developed on a video gaming platform. Now, 20 years later, we continue to engage students in learning as we lead the market with our depth and breadth of content.”

Coinciding with the achievement of receiving Evidence for ESSA Promising ratings, Imagine Learning is commemorating the 20th anniversary of Imagine Language & Literacy by adding new content and characters to the program and redesigning many favorite activities that students loved over the past two decades. In addition, three classrooms from across the US were chosen as winners of the Imagine Language & Literacy 20th Anniversary Classroom Makeover Contest, earning a classroom makeover by completing the recommended 20+ hours a week on the digital literacy program throughout the 2023–2024 school year. Watch the EC Mason Elementary classroom makeover celebration.

Learn more about Imagine Language & Literacy here and read favorite student success stories from long-time Imagine Learning employees here.

About Imagine Learning

May 28, 2024 4:58 am

Open Any Door with Creativity

In our final blog post on the 4Cs, we unpack how STEM learning fosters creativity. Discover how innovative thinking drives scientific breakthroughs and engineering solutions, proving that creativity isn’t just for the arts — it’s essential for progress in every field.

Ever thought that studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is only useful for students considering careers in science or tech? If so, then you wouldn’t be alone — but it’s time to change that perspective.

The truth is, workplaces are changing fast, and some traditional skills are becoming less relevant today. Growing digitalization of roles, AI technologies, and new communication methods demand a totally different set of skills fit for the modern workplace (Thornhill Miller et al., 2023).

This is where STEM subjects come into play. By studying STEM at schools, students pick up the soft skills that are exactly what employers look for today. Not only do these soft skills make the transition from education to the workplace smoother, they also open the door to any career — whether that’s a STEM-related role or not. These soft skills are commonly referred to as 21st-century skills, or the 4Cs: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

Gif of 4Cs of STEM, zooming into the STEM skill: Collaboration

Creativity: The Last C Unveiled

Creativity in STEM

When you imagine a “creative” person, who do you see? An artist, actor, or a musician, maybe? Likely a scientist or a mathematician wouldn’t be the first to spring to mind — but they should. It’s a common myth that the arts are creative disciplines and STEM subjects are not. But this must be challenged because such a mindset creates a false picture of what it means to work in STEM — and the skills students stand to gain when engaging with STEM subjects. The fact is, STEM is inherently creative. Think about it — every scientific discovery, every engineering solution, was born from innovative thinking and creativity. The Wright brothers didn’t happen upon the first airplane — their breakthrough was a product of some serious out-of-the-box thinking and creative problem-solving.

Why Creativity is a Key Skill

Creativity has long been included as a core competency on job adverts across every field. It’s clear why — what job doesn’t require some level of creative thinking? And looking forward to the future, it’s unlikely that this is going to change.

By 2030, it’s estimated that up to 800 million jobs will be displaced by automation and artificial intelligence (AI). In such a rapidly changing job market, creativity will be crucial for adapting to new roles and driving progress in fields that machines cannot easily replicate.

“Sometimes those things don’t always work out, but it’s still enjoyable to go through it because at the end you’re going to come out with something that you never thought you would.”

Noby Leong

Chemist

Fostering the Next Generation of Creative Thinkers

Here are just some ways STEM can help foster the next generation of creative thinkers:

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Through STEM exploration, students tackle complex, real-world problems that require innovative solutions — they develop and test hypotheses, analyze data, refine their ideas, all while working within specific constraints. It’s a process that requires immense creative thinking.
Hands-On Learning: By engaging in practical tasks — such as science investigations and engineering challenges — students apply their creative thinking. They learn through trial and error and explore multiple solutions, and in doing so, they enhance their ability to bring creative ideas to life.
Collaborative Learning Projects: We’ve already delved into how STEM fosters collaboration — but did you know that collaboration also fosters creativity? When working together to solve problems, students bounce ideas off one another, leverage each other’s strengths, and create innovative solutions that they may not have found alone.

Imagine Learning STEM

Prepare the next generation of STEM leaders with digital and hands-on learning aligned to the 4Cs.

Tell me more

May 23, 2024 9:00 am

Imagine Learning Wins Two 2024 SIIA CODiE Awards

Imagine Math® and Twig® Science Earn Prestigious Industry Recognition

Tempe, Arizona – May 22, 2024 – Imagine Learning, the largest provider of digital curriculum solutions in the U.S., won two 2024 SIIA CODiE Awards for Imagine Math and Twig Science.The prestigious CODiE Awards recognize the companies producing the most innovative education technology products across the country and around the world.

“This achievement is made possible by our outstanding development teams dedicated to creating high-quality educational solutions. We also share this honor with our invaluable school partners who play an essential role in our mission to empower learners and teachers. Together, we celebrate this recognition as evidence of our continued collaboration and innovation” shared Sari Factor, Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer for Imagine Learning. “Both Imagine Math and Twig Science have undergone rigorous evaluation and consistently demonstrated significant improvements in student outcomes. Our commitment to evidence-based practices ensures that our solutions not only meet but exceed educational standards, providing measurable benefits for students and educators.”

Imagine Learning 2024 SIIA CODiE Award Winners:

Imagine Math — Winner: Best PK/Early Childhood Learning Solution

Imagine Math combines a rich curriculum with fun, adaptive, digital learning to help students gain confidence as they master grade-level learning. This dynamic solution provides age-appropriate and engaging learning environments ideal as a practice and enrichment supplement to standards-based instruction. For grades PreK–Geometry.

Twig Science — Winner: Best Science Instructional Solution for Grades PK–8

Twig Science provides comprehensive coverage of science standards through engaging hands-on and digital investigations where Pre-K–8 students take on the roles of real-world scientists and engineers. Written to the Next Generation Science Standards, it challenges all students to become creative problem solvers, making sense of real-world phenomena.

“The winners of the 2024 Education Technology CODiE Awards represent the pinnacle of creativity and excellence in providing products and services that connect diverse learners with educational resources and instructors. We are thrilled to honor this year’s recipients — the elite in their field — who offer solutions to crucial challenges in education today. Heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s CODiE Award victors!” says Chris Mohr, President of the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA).

SIIA announced the 2024 CODiE winners during a virtual ceremony awarding products and services deployed specifically for education and learning professionals. The SIIA CODiE Award process involves rigorous reviews by expert judges, including educators and administrators, whose evaluations determine the finalists. SIIA members then vote on the finalists, and the scores from both rounds are tabulated to select the winners.

About the SIIA CODiE Awards

Since 1986, thousands of products, services, and solutions have been recognized for achieving excellence. The CODiEs are different from other tech awards: it is not a participation award; it is earned. SIIA’s unique Expert Review process provides tremendous value for each nominee. Each nomination receives a detailed review, pursuant to category-specific criteria, by two expert judges with a live demo that provides real-time Q&A and comments during the first round. Finalists’ products receive a second round and peer review by industry leaders. Even nominees that don’t win get valuable feedback on possible areas of product improvement. For more information, visit siia.net/CODiE.

About Imagine Learning

Imagine EdgeEX Assessment Updates: Untimed, Reduce Number of Questions

May 2024

New assessment customization options in Imagine EdgeEX

Educators can now give untimed assessments and reduce the number of questions in assessments. These settings are accessible from the student profile and apply to all Imagine EdgeEX courses.

New Imagine Math and Imagine Math Facts Reset Procedures for Back-to-School 2024

May 2024

Improved Reset Procedures for Back-to-School 2024

The Imagine Math and Imagine Math Facts teams have improved the reset process for Back-to-School 2024:

Educators can now view the date their products will reset for the new school year
District administrators can change the assigned date to a preferred date

For more details, visit this Help Center article.

Printable Vocabulary Word Lists for Imagine Math

May 2024

Practice key math vocabulary terms with new printable word lists

Based on educator feedback, Imagine Math has added printable vocabulary word lists. With these printable lists for grades 3+, students will be able to practice key math vocabulary terms using the word, its definition, and an explanatory image. Educators can find the printable word lists for grades 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12 in Teacher Resources under “Vocabulary Lists.”

Take a look at this Help Center article for additional details.

Enhancements to “I Can” Statements Color-Coding in Twig Science Elementary

May 2024

Enhancements to “I Can” Statements Color-Coding in Twig Science Elementary

The “I Can” statements in Twig Science Elementary have now been color-coded in the digital platform to match the color coding in the print books. “I Can” statements appear at the top of every Full and Fast Track lesson in the student digital experience in both English and Spanish.

This enhancement helps students (and teachers) identify their “I Can” statements easily between their print and digital resources.