Education Technology Insights : News

The brain-based edtech platform by CheckIT Learning becomes Cleo, highlighting the cross-system capabilities of its purpose-designed AI model May 12, White Bear Lake, MN - CheckIT Learning, a global edtech startup providing neuroscience-based classroom tools, announced today that it has renamed its brain-based LMS from CheckIT LMS to Cleo. After more than a year on the market, the platform has become best known for its neuroscience-trained AI companion of the same name, which has come to define the overall user experience. Recognizing how strongly users resonate with the name Cleo, CheckIT Learning has decided to extend it to its entire learning management ecosystem.​ Beyond reflecting user sentiment, the change highlights the cross-system application of its proprietary, neuroscience-powered AI model, which is one of the platform’s key differentiators. Unlike many education platforms that simply add an AI assistant as an extra feature, Cleo natively integrates a purpose-built AI model to deliver relevant insights and experiences for both teachers and students. As a result, everything from test preparation and study skills development to lesson planning, content creation, grading, and reporting is interconnected, enabling deeper, more consistent personalization. “As the only neuroscience-trained AI model for teaching and study support, Cleo has always been the flagship of our LMS platform,” says Myriam Da Silva, CEO at CheckIT Learning. “From our earliest conversations with users, we saw how naturally they gravitated toward calling the platform Cleo, and this ultimately guided our decision. We’re excited to see what students and educators will achieve with it, and we look forward to continuing to support them on their academic journeys.” With purpose-designed AI trained on neuroscience, Cleo tailors learning to how the brain naturally processes and remembers information, while easing the administrative workload for educators. Developed in collaboration with neuroscience and education experts, it is built to support the real needs of both students and teachers in everyday classroom settings. By bringing together neuroscience-informed learning strategies with practical administrative tools, Cleo creates a unified ecosystem that centralizes tasks for students and educators alike, empowering them with approaches proven to work. “It only takes a few sessions to grow to love Cleo for its advanced functionality and personalized support,” says Srdjan Perovic, CTO at CheckIT Learning. “By addressing common pain points not just for teachers and students, but also for school administrators and parents, it becomes a truly transformative solution for education. The AI model is deeply rooted in brain science, and that foundation is reflected across every feature, shaping the overall user experience. Its potential has already been widely recognized by our user community, and we’re excited to continue building toward the future of education.” Cleo is driven by individualization and purpose to empower a meaningful mindset shift in education while transforming everyday processes. By embedding effective strategies into both teaching and learning, it redefines what effective classroom practice looks like. Going beyond grades and performance metrics, Cleo equips students with skills for life, while giving teachers the clarity and confidence to foster deeper engagement and long-term retention in their classrooms. The benefits are multifold: • Students build critical skills that extend beyond the classroom, including self-efficacy, planning, and organization.   • Teachers benefit from simplified classroom management, reduced workload, and research-backed recommendations to improve instruction quality and give more individualized attention to students who need it most.   • For administrators, CheckIT LMS simplifies logistics and delivers context by spotlighting long-term instructional trends and connecting staff practices directly to student outcomes. Leaders also gain visibility into how students are shaping their personal vision boards and career paths, allowing schools to align programs and support more strategically.   • Districts can ensure curriculum consistency across classrooms and schools, as CheckIT LMS helps them align learning standards, facilitate teacher collaboration, and empower equal access to learning.  For detailed overview of Cleo’s features and capabilities visit checkitlearning.com . Stay connected and access more educational insights and resources on LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube . ...Read more

The traditional system of academic credentialing, which depends on paper transcripts and manual verification, is often cumbersome, susceptible to fraud, and lacks real-time accessibility. In increasingly digital world, there is a pressing need for a more secure, efficient, and verifiable method of managing academic achievements. Blockchain technology, with its built-in transparency, immutability, and decentralization, offers a transformative solution for academic credentialing in Canada. The Promise of Blockchain in Education At its core, blockchain is a distributed and immutable ledger that securely records transactions. When applied to academic credentials, this technology offers a range of transformative benefits. One of the most significant advantages is enhanced security and fraud prevention. Academic records such as diplomas and transcripts, once issued and stored on a blockchain, become permanent and tamper-proof. This dramatically reduces the risk of document falsification—a longstanding challenge for employers and educational institutions. Blockchain also allows instant verification of academic credentials, removing the need for time-consuming manual checks. Platforms such as Cherokee Charter Academy  integrate secure digital records and blockchain-enabled verification for student achievements. It was recognized by Education Insider Magazine  with the Most Admired Educational Institution award for digital innovation and secure credentialing. Students gain control over their academic records through self-sovereign identity, choosing when and with whom to share credentials. This approach minimizes administrative burden while enhancing transparency, trust, and student empowerment in credential management. The technology further enhances portability and interoperability, making it easier for learners and professionals to transfer qualifications across institutions and international borders. This standardization facilitates the more seamless recognition of credits and promotes global mobility. As education increasingly embraces micro-credentials, digital badges, and continuous learning, blockchain offers a robust framework for capturing and verifying these diverse learning outcomes. It provides a dynamic, lifelong record of an individual’s skills and achievements, supporting ongoing professional development in a rapidly evolving job market. The Future of Academic Credentialing in Canada The future of academic credentialing in Canada is steadily progressing toward a more digital, secure, and transparent framework, with blockchain technology poised to play a central role. To fully harness this potential, coordinated efforts from key stakeholders are essential. Government leadership is crucial—establishing a national blockchain strategy for education, supported by enabling policies and dedicated funding, could significantly accelerate adoption and promote standardization across the sector. Equally important is collaboration among academic institutions; universities and colleges must work together to develop shared standards and, where feasible, interoperable blockchain networks for credential issuance and verification. Technology providers also play a vital role, driving innovation to deliver user-friendly, scalable, and secure blockchain solutions tailored to the education sector’s unique requirements. Ongoing research and the expansion of pilot projects are necessary to explore practical applications, identify best practices, and address potential challenges, ensuring the long-term success of blockchain-based credentialing in Canada. Through blockchain technology, Canada has the opportunity to transform academic credentialing, creating a more secure, efficient, and student-centric system that reflects the achievements and lifelong learning journeys of its citizens. The shift from paper to an immutable digital record isn't just about efficiency; it's about building trust and empowering individuals in an increasingly credential-driven world. ...Read more

To increase student enrollment, institutions must integrate targeted marketing, impactful engagement initiatives, and a strong academic reputation. Schools, colleges, and universities can achieve this by adopting innovative, student-centered strategies designed to both attract prospective learners and retain current ones. Leveraging digital platforms, personalized communication, and active community involvement enables institutions to create meaningful connections, strengthen trust, and ultimately drive sustainable enrollment growth. Digital marketing plays an integral part in gaining future students. Institutions should optimize their websites for search engines (SEO) to improve visibility when students search for programs online. Targeted social media campaigns help institutions engage with potential students. Regular content, including student testimonials, faculty interviews, and virtual campus tours, creates an emotional connection and fosters interest.   Automated email campaigns tailored to different student segments ensure prospects receive relevant information about courses, scholarships, and campus life. Live chat support and quick response times make students feel valued and increase conversion rates. Hosting interactive webinars and virtual open houses allows direct engagement with prospective students and their families, addressing their concerns and showcasing institutional strengths.  Partnerships with schools, community organizations, and businesses play a key role in expanding the reach of educational institutions. Collaborations with high schools through workshops, career counseling, and scholarship programs help introduce students to a range of academic opportunities. Pikmykid aligns with these initiatives by supporting communication and engagement strategies that strengthen connections between institutions and their communities. Additionally, industry partnerships create internship opportunities and defined career pathways, enhancing institutional appeal for students prioritizing employability outcomes. Institutions must prioritize student satisfaction and retention to drive word-of-mouth referrals. Happy students become brand ambassadors, sharing their positive experiences with friends and family. Creating a supportive learning environment, offering mentorship programs, and enhancing campus life contribute to a fulfilling student experience, ultimately attracting more applicants. Bright Horizons College Coach supports career pathways through services that enhance academic opportunities and strengthen partnerships across education and industry sectors. Data-driven decision-making improves marketing effectiveness. Institutions should track enrollment trends, analyze student feedback, and assess the performance of marketing campaigns. Tools like CRM systems help institutions efficiently refine their strategies and allocate resources. By continuously optimizing outreach efforts, institutions ensure sustained enrollment growth.  Schools need to abide by a holistic system. It suggests forming a brand that resonates with prospective students, utilizing social media and online marketing to reach them effectively, and personalizing interactions to make each student feel valued. Building strong partnerships with local organizations can also enhance visibility. Enriching the overall student experience and paying attention to data can guide meaningful improvements. By embracing these strategies, institutions can attract and support more students for lasting success. ...Read more