Latest news with #Mastery
Korea Herald
24-07-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Instructure Launches IgniteAI to Simplify and Seamlessly Transform AI Integration in Education
Powered by AWS, IgniteAI sets the stage for a future-ready, open ecosystem with agentic support as the AI landscape continues to expand SALT LAKE CITY, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Instructure, the world's leading edtech ecosystem and maker of Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), today announced the launch of IgniteAI,Instructure's next big leap in secure, in-context AI for education. Powered by AWS Bedrock, IgniteAI simplifies and streamlines the use of AI directly within Canvas and Mastery, enhancing efficiency and driving educational success. This advanced AI solution also seamlessly connects with hundreds of trusted partner tools, saving time and allowing educators to maintain confident control over the learning experience. Amid explosive growth in AI technologies, educators and administrators face significant challenges in navigating the role of AI in education and effectively implementing a variety of tools. IgniteAI addresses these pain points by delivering confidence, simplicity and substantial educational value, enabling educators and learners to leverage AI intuitively and safely. "Over the past year, we've listened as customers opened up about the real challenges and complexities they face in trying to deploy AI effectively," said Shiren Vijiasingam, chief product officer at Instructure. "By embedding AI transparently into the familiar Canvas environment and ensuring full interoperability with both our native AI functionality and that of our partners, IgniteAI brings powerful, vetted AI solutions directly into the daily workflows of educators and learners. Our technology removes barriers and protects data, allowing educators to confidently dedicate more of their time to providing an exceptional learning experience." Educators can use IgniteAI directly within Canvas or Mastery to conduct tasks such as creating quizzes, generating rubrics, summarizing discussions, aligning content to outcomes and more. IgniteAgent enables conversation-based completion of even the most complex workflows within Instructure products, and can orchestrate other partner AI right within the agent chat. Leveraging the Model Context Protocol (MCP) standard, trusted partners can easily integrate their agents and workflows to work seamlessly with IgniteAgent. Educators will be able to generate solutions to even the most complex educational problems seamlessly across Instructure and partner products right within the Instructure learning ecosystem, with a single prompt. To date, many AI learning solutions are isolated point solutions confined to serving a single function within their product, adding to the noise and cognitive overload for educators. Instructure's strategic approach to AI focuses on extending the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) framework and facilitating connections across the educational ecosystem of over 1,100+ edtech partners and leading large language models (LLMs) via the established MCP standards. Existing partnerships with Anthropic and OpenAI are enabling novel use cases in education. This results in greater interoperability, allowing AI to operate seamlessly across systems while keeping educators and learners within their institution's Instructure experience — the hub of all teaching and learning. Institutions can combine native Instructure IgniteAI features with other AI tools they know and love to confidently and securely achieve educational success. With this deliberate approach to AI, Instructure is well-positioned as AI evolves beyond generic content creation into more autonomous support that can help users complete previously time-consuming tasks, also known as "agentic AI." IgniteAI emphasizes three core tenets: "As testers of IgniteAI, we've been incredibly impressed with its potential to transform the learning experience," said Robert Romano, IT associate director at Florida International University (FIU). "Our staff, who are keen to embrace AI, particularly appreciated features like the translation capabilities, which offer a powerful way to make education accessible for our entire student body. What truly sets Instructure apart as a partner is the opportunity to collaborate directly with their research and development team to help shape the future of the product. At FIU, we pride ourselves on a culture of testing and innovation, and we're excited to be part of the journey in shaping a tool that will undoubtedly empower educators and students alike." Instructure customers will begin to see the IgniteAI icon in Canvas and Mastery immediately where AI is already integrated into the product experience. Additional features are launching on an opt-in basis in line with our approach to co-creating with our customers and preserving their agency in enabling AI capabilities and include support for automating content creation and remediation, streamlining grading and feedback, and building educator and learner AI skills with novel AI assignments. Additional Instructure product enhancements In addition, Instructure announced several significant updates to its product suite. Canvas, the central platform for learning, offers more intuitive and personalized experiences, featuring redesigned dashboards and modules that enhance usability and provide a cohesive mobile app experience across platforms. To support differentiated learning at scale, Canvas has introduced differentiation tags that enable personalized instruction and enhanced management and discovery of LTI tools through the new Canvas Apps experience. Innovations in assessment include specialized STEM items, enhanced proctoring capabilities in New Quizzes and new student portfolios that showcase diverse learning progress. Accessibility remains a top priority, with Canvas LMS, Canvas Studio, Canvas Catalog and Impact going above the minimum standard by achieving WCAG 2.2 AA compliance as part of a recent Voluntary Product Accessibility Test (VPAT). This is part of ongoing efforts to achieve high accessibility standards across all Instructure products, ensuring equitable access to content. Furthermore, Mastery by Instructure now offers streamlined assessment management, AI-powered item alignment and generation, assessment experiences in Spanish and deeper actionable insights through enhanced analytics dashboards designed to facilitate quick, data-driven instructional decisions. There are 18 new solutions launched as part of these enhancements, 10 of them leveraging AI to remove friction and drive learning success. About Instructure Instructure powers the delivery of education globally and reimagines the technologies that turn teaching and learning into opportunities. Today, the Instructure ecosystem of products connects the dots for educators and institutions by improving educational experiences at every age, every stage and every transitional moment—across K-12, higher education and the workforce. We encourage you to discover more at
CBS News
20-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
9-year-old's teachers, classmates raise money to help after he was burned in Philadelphia plane crash
After a devastating medical jet crash in Northeast Philadelphia left 9-year-old Ramesses Vazquez Viana burned on 90% of his body, his school is stepping up to support him—and his recovery. Ramesses, a third grader at Mastery Charter Smedley Elementary in Frankford, was transferred to Shriners Children's Hospital in Boston. The Jan. 31 crash ignited a car he was riding in with his mother, Jamie. Jamie has urged everyone rooting for Ramesses to make a full recovery to "keep praying" and is grateful for the outpouring of support that has come from across Philadelphia and beyond. It has been months since Ramesses last attended Mastery — an absence the school community is feeling. "He's a bubbly kid who gave high-fives or dap," said teacher Nicole McCreight. "It's hard not having him here." Ramesses' classmates sent handmade origami, cards, and Philly favorites like soft pretzels to brighten his hospital room. His favorite color is yellow, and this Friday, the whole school will wear it in his honor. Students are donating $1 to participate; staff, $5. Teachers are also paying to dress down this week, with proceeds going to Ramesses' family. "His desk is still ready," Assistant Principal Danielle Nicoletti said. "We can't wait for him to come back." The school is also selling "Rise Up with Ramesses" bracelets for $5 and asking for recorded read-alongs — his favorites are The Bad Seed and Pete the Cat. His mom calls him a phoenix, rising from the ashes. And back in Philly, his school is making sure he knows he's not fighting alone. Links to donate are available on the school's website.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bemidji fire chief receives Northwest Technical College's inaugural IMPACT Award
May 2—BEMIDJI — When Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood started his career more than 20 years ago, he considered himself "just a guy who loved the fire service." Since then, his role has blossomed into much more. On Thursday, he returned to the institution that helped kickstart his career to receive Northwest Technical College's inaugural Innovation, Mastery, Progress, Achievement, Community and Technology (IMPACT) Award. "(This award) is presented to a truly remarkable leader in both industries and public service," NTC Executive Vice President Ketmani Kouanchao noted during the program. "(Sherwood) has dedicated his career to advancing fire service technology, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring the next generation of first responders and innovators ... His dedication to excellence, leadership and service embodies the very spirit of this award." Sherwood was named fire chief in 2021; at the time, he had 18 years of fire service under his belt. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bemidji State, a fire service technology certificate from NTC, an associate of applied science degree in fire service technology from the College of Western Idaho and is pursuing a master's degree in public safety leadership and administration at Arizona State. He also earned a chief fire officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program, and serves as the Region 2 northern representative for the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association. In addition to his accolades, Sherwood is a writer with work published in the Minnesota Fire Chief and Firehouse magazines. Much of his writing focuses on the importance of mental health practices and work-life balance, values that play a huge factor in Sherwood's role as a leader and mentor. "I love the way that Justin's story ties to what we try to do here at NTC of career expertise, the technical, the work that (he has) done and learned in those spaces," BSU and NTC President John Hoffman said, "but also the commitments to mental health and holistic health and life beyond the workplace." During his acceptance speech, Sherwood took a moment to note the stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service. "This job is incredibly hard and I guess I get emotional because we put a lot of time into it," he said. "...Here I am being vulnerable because fire chiefs aren't supposed to be criers, but I'm probably the most emotional fire chief in the country. But I own it." Sherwood recalled the day he was notified that he would receive the award, expressing feelings of gratitude and relief. Looking out into the audience filled with his family, friends and colleagues, he credited his support system for getting him where he is today. "Regardless of the impostor syndrome, it isn't about my individual accomplishments or ... the types of awards I'm getting, but it is truly about those who support me," he said. "So I want to say thanks to my mentors and supporters in this room, my colleagues from the city ... but most importantly, my family. "You guys have really supported me even in those seasons that were really hard. So your love, and, I have to note, extreme patience, is what got me here." In closing, Sherwood thanked NTC for choosing him as the first-ever recipient of the IMPACT award and noted the symbolism of the item, which he plans to display at his office in the fire hall. "(This award) will always serve as a strong reminder for me and a powerful motivation to continue leading with purpose, integrity, motivation and dedication, because all we can do is give our best effort," he said. "When I started this path, (I) wanted to help people, but ultimately be a dreamer and do my best and try to always use my position to advocate for those who couldn't."
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bemidji fire chief receives Northwest Technical College's inaugural IMPACT Award
May 2—BEMIDJI — When Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood started his career more than 20 years ago, he considered himself "just a guy who loved the fire service." Since then, his role has blossomed into much more. On Thursday, he returned to the institution that helped kickstart his career to receive Northwest Technical College's inaugural Innovation, Mastery, Progress, Achievement, Community and Technology (IMPACT) Award. "(This award) is presented to a truly remarkable leader in both industries and public service," NTC Executive Vice President Ketmani Kouanchao noted during the program. "(Sherwood) has dedicated his career to advancing fire service technology, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring the next generation of first responders and innovators ... His dedication to excellence, leadership and service embodies the very spirit of this award." Sherwood was named fire chief in 2021; at the time, he had 18 years of fire service under his belt. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bemidji State, a fire service technology certificate from NTC, an associate of applied science degree in fire service technology from the College of Western Idaho and is pursuing a master's degree in public safety leadership and administration at Arizona State. He also earned a chief fire officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program, and serves as the Region 2 northern representative for the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association. In addition to his accolades, Sherwood is a writer with work published in the Minnesota Fire Chief and Firehouse magazines. Much of his writing focuses on the importance of mental health practices and work-life balance, values that play a huge factor in Sherwood's role as a leader and mentor. "I love the way that Justin's story ties to what we try to do here at NTC of career expertise, the technical, the work that (he has) done and learned in those spaces," BSU and NTC President John Hoffman said, "but also the commitments to mental health and holistic health and life beyond the workplace." During his acceptance speech, Sherwood took a moment to note the stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service. "This job is incredibly hard and I guess I get emotional because we put a lot of time into it," he said. "...Here I am being vulnerable because fire chiefs aren't supposed to be criers, but I'm probably the most emotional fire chief in the country. But I own it." Sherwood recalled the day he was notified that he would receive the award, expressing feelings of gratitude and relief. Looking out into the audience filled with his family, friends and colleagues, he credited his support system for getting him where he is today. "Regardless of the impostor syndrome, it isn't about my individual accomplishments or ... the types of awards I'm getting, but it is truly about those who support me," he said. "So I want to say thanks to my mentors and supporters in this room, my colleagues from the city ... but most importantly, my family. "You guys have really supported me even in those seasons that were really hard. So your love, and, I have to note, extreme patience, is what got me here." In closing, Sherwood thanked NTC for choosing him as the first-ever recipient of the IMPACT award and noted the symbolism of the item, which he plans to display at his office in the fire hall. "(This award) will always serve as a strong reminder for me and a powerful motivation to continue leading with purpose, integrity, motivation and dedication, because all we can do is give our best effort," he said. "When I started this path, (I) wanted to help people, but ultimately be a dreamer and do my best and try to always use my position to advocate for those who couldn't."
