Meet our two new AI bots modeled on CEO Sahra-Josephine Hjorth and Chief Learning officer Lise Andersen-Alstrup
The future of learning is all about leveraging the power of technology to make learning experiences more efficient and more effective. Having said that, when designing our software, we wanted to ensure the preservation of those spontaneous collaborative moments that take place between teachers, students and team members. You know, the “Do you have any cool materials I can use to teach about Louis XIV in class today?” or the “I can’t decide between AP Chemistry and AP Physics, which one would you recommend?”. That’s why we put great effort into creating numerous social spaces within our platform.
But we also wanted to ensure that our course creators and learners felt supported throughout the learning process, regardless of whether their friends or colleagues were available to answer questions. Our goal was to ensure the provision of high-quality, consistent and personalized support 24/7. How could we achieve this? Well, by creating bots modeled on our top learning experts: Sahra-Josephine (our CEO) and Lise (our Chief Learning Officer). Don’t you love technology?
As well as being cultured, funny and up for a casual chat, Sahra-Josephine and Lise can answer any questions you may have about the learning process or course creation. As a learner, you can ask Sahra-Josephine questions about courses, knowledge tags and exercises and she will guide you through them. This comes in handy if you’re having trouble accessing a feature or if you can’t decide on your next course and want some recommendations.
If you’re a course creator and you need an extra hand building your courses or learning about exercises, tagging, videos and materials, Lise will help you. She knows everything about the how, where and why of course creation. Our goal is that if you bump into the slightest obstacle while creating your courses, Lise can help you out right away. We value your time and want to help you optimize your course creation efforts so that you spend those extra hours on other activities.
So… Head over to say hi to Sahra and Lise. And don’t forget to ask them about their favorite music!
- Published in About, Edtech insights, LMS
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to launch the self-building course – a course that is auto-created after placing materials in the cloud
In 2015, while conducting her Ph.D. research at Aalborg University on virtual learning environments, social media, and empowerment through learning, Sahra-Josephine Hjorth co-founded CanopyLAB with the vision of revolutionizing the way we learn.
Five years later, CanopyLAB is pioneering the future of learning through a learning experience platform that, through Artificial Intelligence (AI), combines Nordic principles of education with adaptive learning and a social network structure.
The platform is optimized by AI, not because it’s a buzzword, but because it solves a series of very specific problems for learners and course creators, and solving those makes digital course creation fun, fast and scalable. Let me elaborate:
Self-building content, pedagogical support, and quizzes that will blow your socks off
While we often work with learning nerds – a group we strongly identify with – a biology teacher once reminded us that you can be an incredible teacher without being a learning expert. He loved geeking out about biology but not about learning design and he couldn’t define social or adaptive learning. That interaction taught us an incredibly important lesson. That our job is to empower course creators to make a difference for learners, and the task of creating courses should be easy, fun, and adaptable to the needs of the course creators in a way that accommodates both the learning nerd and the biology nerd. So we created a series of AI automation processes that can assist you in creating courses. How? Well, we took a look at the DNA of a course first.
Mapping the DNA that makes up a course
On the CanopyLAB platform courses consists of:
- Learning materials (videos, audio files, pdfs, PowerPoints, and much more)
- Course introduction texts and unit descriptions with learning goals
- Pedagogical exercises such as adaptive quizzes, learning journals, brainstorming, baseline tests to mention a few.
- A tagging structure that allows learners to earn knowledge and exercise tags as they complete courses, showing progress in knowledge and skills shaped as a virtual CV.
- “Behind the scenes” a few more items are critical, one being curating exercises and not simply designing the content. It’s actually a lot of work pairing content and learning goals with exercises. Especially since we have 55 learning templates.
Let’s refer to each of these items as DNA molecules.
Automating each DNA molecule one by one
The CV
Our first challenge was actually cracking the CV which shows the knowledge you have learned from a course. It’s a very cool functionality because it helps us articulate what we have learned and what we are good at. Initially course creators manually picked tags that they felt were representative of what the learner would gain from each unit. But after we introduced Natural Language Processing (NLP) to meta-tag and catalog all the content that you upload onto a course (to our cloud as you commence building the course), we learned that after serious algorithm training, we could meta tag all text and video materials in less than 2 minutes and create an automated CV based on that, because our AI knows what every piece of material is about and what you learn from reading or watching it. Internally we refer to this algorithm as A1, and the process we used to train it as Dragon Training – and yes we are obsessed with How to Train Your Dragon.
Curating the pedagogical exercises
After this process, our AI engine recommends a pedagogical exercise for the course creator to include in the unit. Recommendations are essential because picking an exercise out of our 55+ templates can be tricky and time consuming. This is extremely helpful if you’re not sure which exercise is best for the content that you uploaded or which exercises your learners prefer.
AI Quiz question engine and 7 other exercises created by the AI
After our engine recommends pedagogical exercises, you may be unsure how to describe an exercise or want a bit of inspiration as to how it could be done. Don’t worry, our AI also auto-generates exercise descriptions for you; from instant quiz questions generated based on your course content to learning journals and definitions exercises designer to ensure learners understand all fundamental concepts.
Writing the course descriptions and learning goals
Based on the materials and choices made by the course creator, we can now automatically generate your unit description that details what the course is about and what the learners will gain from taking part in the course. In 2021 we are adding a learning goal generator. Isn’t that cool?
Now, we may not have a totally self-building course yet, but we have automated the most essential molecules already, and are excited about inviting you on this journey with us.
- Published in About, Edtech insights, LMS
7 free courses for teacher development that you can take right now
It was one year ago this month that COVID-19 overwhelmed us and changed our classrooms. Overnight, we educators had to learn, on our own, how to shift our lessons to Zoom, how to assess students virtually and how to use attractive presentations or games to keep our students engaged.
Many of us had to teach all day and then do research and prepare all evening for our lesson the next day. We were stretched and stressed as this massive change hit us like a Tsunami. To make matters more complicated, most of us had never taught virtually before. Digital tools we had to implement were completely new to most of us.
A critical need emerged in the community of educators and CanopyLAB responded. We invented TeacherLAB as a platform where a global network of teachers can learn new skills, collaborate with one another, and share successful practices. We now offer more than 40 cutting-edge courses designed to empower teachers to master new digital tools, online pedagogy techniques, and strengthen relationships with students and parents. In this article, we invite you to be part of this community and take 7 free courses that will help you in different aspects of distance learning: digital skills, pedagogical methodologies and emotional health.
To improve your skills in digital and remote teaching
How to create engaging presentations
Let’s be honest! Remote teaching involves a LOT of presentations. How can we make them effective and engaging? Our beginner’s level course will guide you through how to make attractive presentations to keep your students engaged and learning.
How to assess your student’s work digitally
Teachers spend most of their time assessing student performance. This course will show you how to take advantage of the latest digital tools to assess your students’ work in remote environments.
Engaging Students in Remote Learning Environments
Ensuring that all students are engaged, motivated and active can be a challenge even in the physical classroom. In remote teaching, the challenge is even greater. Students are more likely to lose motivation and concentration when isolated from the classroom learning environment. This course explores different ways to keep students engaged during online teaching.
Here are some of our interesting courses on general pedagogy
Problem Based Learning
Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a wonderful tool that allows teachers to increase student engagement, practice collaborative learning, and develop research skills based on their interests. In this course, we introduce you to the main characteristics of the PBL approach so you can implement it in your classroom.
Designing Blended Learning Experiences
Blended Learning is the combination of face to face and online teaching. This model is becoming very relevant now that some schools are going back to the classroom only a few days a week. This course will lead you through the basics of blended learning and provide you with a few tips to make your lessons more effective.
Building Resilience inside your classroom
Resilience is key when going through frustrating periods. When we cultivate it in our class we are not only having an impact on learning, but in our student’s lives. This course will show you how to include activities and ideas in order to cultivate an attitude of resilience in your students.
If you want to take some time for yourself
Mental Health and COVID-19
We won’t sugar coat anything- the pandemic is scary and overwhelming. Teachers have been dealing with an immense level of stress and this course is designed to help you through these times. In this mini-course, you learn tips on how to take care of your mental wellbeing during the time of COVID-19. You will learn about resources to spark interest in starting your own self-care journey.
As you can tell, we offer courses on a wide range of topics, from pedagogy to your well being as an individual. And these are just 7 out of 40+ that we currently offer on TeacherLAB. And we add new ones every month! Sign up here to join a community of teachers where you can learn, collaborate, and meet other educators around the world.
- Published in About, Apoyo docente, Edtech insights, LMS
CanopyLAB Secures $3 Million Investment round led by Sparkmind.vc
CanopyLAB, the EdTech company whose vision is to change the way we learn by combining artificial intelligence, virtual learning, social media, and empowerment through learning, announced it has attracted a $3 million funding round. $1.5 million consists of venture financing and $1.5 in venture debt from the Danish Growth Fund combined with soft money from the Innovation Fund Denmark, amongst others. The funding will support CanopyLAB’s international expansion in K-12 and corporate learning focusing on LATAM and Africa.
- Published in About, Edtech insights, LMS, News, Onboarding, Partnerships, Press Release, Spanish, Transición digital educativa
Further recognition from Elearning Industry: CanopyLAB featured on Top 20 LMS based on Customer Experience
CanopyLAB’s social and adaptive learning software is highlighted among Elearning Industry’s Top 20 LMS list based on Customer Experience. Coming in at a 19th place, a great rating for our first year on the list. Just last week CanopyLAB was listed as number 9 on Elearning Industry’s Top 20 LMS based on User Experience.
Digitize your courses through 8 simple steps
At CanopyLAB, we work hard to make it as easy and intuitive as possible to develop engaging digital courses, allowing the end-user to learn and develop just as they would have if they took a course at a physical location.
- Published in About, COVID-19, Edtech insights, English, LMS, News, Transición digital educativa
Is CanopyLAB gonna be EY Entrepreneur Of The Year in the Startup Category? We’ll soon find out
We’re excited to share with you that CanopyLAB A/S is a finalist in the run to become EY Entrepreneur of the Year in the Startup Category.
CanopyLAB partners with Promise Hub: Creating Digital Learning Opportunities in Uganda
CanopyLAB partners with Promise Hub to bring digital opportunities to the rising billions of Internet users, located in the underserved regions of the world.
SingularityU Nordic Faculty and CanopyLAB CEO Presents Ideas on AI and the Future of Learning at Sir Richard Branson’s private Lodge in Verbier
Once a year, business magnate, philanthropist and founder of Virgin Group Sir Richard Branson, hosts the event Convergenced for a small group of the world’s leading executives, including CEO Sahra-Josephine Hjorth. Once a year, business magnate, philanthropist and founder of Virgin Group Sir Richard Branson , hosts the event Convergenced for a small
CanopyLAB at Folkemødet 2018
At CanopyLAB we can’t wait to be inspired, share our ideas and get involved in formal and informal discussions about topics such as AI, the future of learning, eLearning, women in tech, start-ups and much more. Folkemødet 2018 at Bornholm is just around the corner and at CanopyLAB we can’t wait to be inspired,
CanopyLAB Unrooted: On scaling, being a role model and forgiving yourself for your mistakes
CanopyLAB Unrooted, is an interview series with CanopyLAB co-founder and CEO Sahra-Josephine Hjorth, facilitated by Kim Lindgaard Jørgensen. Sahra-Josephine is passionate about being a female entrepreneur, and talks about topics such as funding, scaling a team, and having a baby while running a startup. She is also not afraid of discussing the challenges associated
CanopyLAB attend INDEX Award 2017
On Friday night, Team CanopyLAB were invited to INDEX Award 2017, an event celebrating designs that improve life. In late March earlier this year, we shared with you that we had been nominated for INDEX Award 2017 in the category Play and Learning. On Friday night, we had the pleasure to attend the
The future of learning starts NOW talks (Part 2)
Have MOOCs revolutionized learning? What is the likely role of virtual reality in schools? Can AI help bring more personal attention to each learner? What competencies do our children need to learn today, in order to ensure their skillset is relevant on the labour market of the future? These are all relevant questions with
The future of learning starts NOW talks (Part 1)
Have MOOCs revolutionized learning? What is the likely role of virtual reality in schools? Can AI help bring more personal attention to each learner? What competencies do our children need to learn today, in order to ensure their skillset is relevant on the labour market of the future? These are all relevant questions with
CanopyLAB co-founder gives Valedictorian speech at Go Grow Accelerator Graduation
One year ago I gave this Valedictorian speech at the end of the Go Grow accelerator program. It’s a great opportunity to look back at what we have achieved. Good evening everyone, For those of you whom I have not yet had the pleasure of being introduced to, my name is Sahra-Josephine and
CanopyLAB Unrooted: How the idea behind CanopyLAB was planted and grew
Last week, Kim Lindgaard Jørgensen, Head of Business Development at CanopyLAB, sat down with co-founder and CEO, Sahra-Josephine Hjorth for a talk about the idea behind CanopyLAB, what inspired her to start the company together with co-founder Christian Skræm Juul Jensen, and the fundamentals of eLearning. KLJ: First of all, what is CanopyLAB
CanopyLAB: How we went from a startup to a successful company, solving some of the biggest business challenges for leading corporations
In the second half of 2015, we participated in the Go Grow Programme at CSE. And by we, I mean the two co-founders and three interns, which was what made up CanopyLAB. At the time, we had only just began our journey and were still a bit puzzled with everything. Looking back, it seems
