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30 articles from Education Technology practitioners

Teacher Stress Is Still at Crisis Levels in 2026. EdTech Vendors Selling Into Schools Need to Understand Why That Matters.

Teacher Stress Is Still at Crisis Levels in 2026. EdTech Vendors Selling Into Schools Need to Understand Why That Matters.

More than half of US teachers still experience frequent job-related stress in 2026, according to new RAND research published today. For EdTech vendors and enterprise L&D teams selling into school districts, that is not background noise. It is the primary adoption barrier their products need to solve.

MarketScale Newsroom·Jun 29, 2026
Scaling Career-Ready Skills: How Adaptive Learning and Generative AI Are Transforming Higher Education

Scaling Career-Ready Skills: How Adaptive Learning and Generative AI Are Transforming Higher Education

Skills-based learning has moved from buzzword to mandate as colleges face mounting pressure to connect credentials, employability, and measurable learner outcomes. Employers are increasingly using skills-based hiring practices, and NACE’s Job Outlook 2026 notes that students need to demonstrate concrete examples of skills in action during hiring processes. At the same time, higher education…

Darin Francis·May 4, 2026
Closing the Education-to-Employment Gap: The Rise of the Career Center as Campus Infrastructure

Closing the Education-to-Employment Gap: The Rise of the Career Center as Campus Infrastructure

Higher education is under mounting pressure to prove its value. As student debt, shifting demographics, and employer expectations reshape the landscape, institutions are being forced to rethink how they prepare students for life after graduation. At the same time, new data shows a sharp rise in internship-to-full-time hiring, with recent cohorts converting at their…

Darin Francis·Apr 28, 2026
If Higher Ed Wants Experiential Learning at Scale, It Needs a Broader Playbook

If Higher Ed Wants Experiential Learning at Scale, It Needs a Broader Playbook

The ground is shifting under higher education. AI is changing how people learn almost overnight—and at the same time, more than half of graduates are underemployed after finishing their degrees. That’s forcing a more uncomfortable question into the open: what is a college credential really worth today? As employers and governments shift their focus…

Darin Francis·Apr 21, 2026
How Business Schools Can Scale Co-op Without Losing the Student Experience

How Business Schools Can Scale Co-op Without Losing the Student Experience

Experiential learning has shifted from a differentiator to an expectation in higher education, especially as employers place more value on job-ready graduates who can adapt quickly to changing workplace demands. At the same time, AI is reshaping entry-level work, making durable skills like judgment, communication, and adaptability more important than routine task execution. In that…

Darin Francis·Apr 6, 2026
Tale of Two Interns: What AI Is Really Doing to Entry-Level Work

Tale of Two Interns: What AI Is Really Doing to Entry-Level Work

The narrative around early-career work has become increasingly pessimistic, with headlines pointing to a shrinking pool of entry-level roles, fewer internship opportunities, and AI accelerating both trends. But beneath that narrative, a different tension is emerging—one that’s less about the disappearance of opportunity and more about how it’s being reshaped. Students are using AI…

Darin Francis·Mar 30, 2026
Why Institution-Wide Employer Alignment Will Define the Next Era of Higher Ed

Why Institution-Wide Employer Alignment Will Define the Next Era of Higher Ed

Higher education is at an inflection point. Institutions are facing a demographic cliff in traditional-age enrollment, softening international pipelines, and increasing scrutiny around the return on investment of a degree. At the same time, the World Economic Forum reports that 59 out of every 100 workers globally are projected to require reskilling or upskilling…

Darin Francis·Mar 2, 2026
Flood the Zone: University of Virginia’s New Strategy to Scale Experiential Learning for Every Student

Flood the Zone: University of Virginia’s New Strategy to Scale Experiential Learning for Every Student

Experiential learning is having a bit of a reckoning moment in higher ed. For years, the default answer was “get an internship” or “do a co-op”—as if every student can pause life, relocate for a summer, and take on a high-stakes role that’s supposed to define their future. But students’ realities have changed: many…

Darin Francis·Feb 16, 2026
Work-Based Learning & Career Coaching with Strada Education: Closing the Gap Between Education and Opportunity

Work-Based Learning & Career Coaching with Strada Education: Closing the Gap Between Education and Opportunity

As higher education faces mounting pressure to demonstrate clear career outcomes, institutions are rethinking how learning connects to work and the role of career coaching in that process. Employers continue to report skills gaps, students are questioning the return on investment of a degree, and states are demanding stronger alignment between postsecondary education and…

Darin Francis·Feb 2, 2026
A One-Year College Alternative: How Pega6 Is Preparing to Train AI-First, Job-Ready Talent

A One-Year College Alternative: How Pega6 Is Preparing to Train AI-First, Job-Ready Talent

The traditional four-year college model is facing growing pressure as rising tuition, shifting labor market demands, and new technological realities expose gaps between education and employment outcomes. Confidence in the traditional college pathway is eroding among parents, students, and employers as rising costs and persistent skills gaps collide with the reality that many new…

Darin Francis·Jan 19, 2026
The DisruptED Journey with Tim Maitland at MarketScale (Episode Three)

The DisruptED Journey with Tim Maitland at MarketScale (Episode Three)

Storytelling is changing fast, shaped by new platforms, shifting audiences, and a growing demand for authenticity. What started as traditional podcasting has evolved into community-driven ecosystems built on real voices and lived experience. In this landscape, storytelling isn’t just content—it’s a way to build connection, spark engagement, and drive meaningful change. When done well,…

Ron Stefanski·Jan 15, 2026
The DisruptED Journey with Tim Maitland at MarketScale (Episode One)

The DisruptED Journey with Tim Maitland at MarketScale (Episode One)

Education doesn’t change in neat, predictable cycles—it shifts when people start asking better questions. Over the past several years, those questions have become louder and more urgent, driven by workforce disruption, new technologies, and a growing demand for learning that actually prepares people for real life. At the same time, media itself has evolved, favoring…

Ron Stefanski·Jan 15, 2026
Career-Connected Continuing Ed: How Upright Education Helps Colleges Upskill Adult Learners in Digital Skills

Career-Connected Continuing Ed: How Upright Education Helps Colleges Upskill Adult Learners in Digital Skills

Higher education is undergoing a quiet shift. While undergraduate enrollments remain in long-term decline, continuing education has emerged as one of the sector’s fastest-growing segments, expanding at more than 11% annually. At the same time, rapid advances in AI, data, and cybersecurity are reshaping nearly every job category, forcing institutions to rethink how quickly…

Darin Francis·Jan 12, 2026
From 30 to 1,500 Students: Scaling Mass Experiential Learning with How to Change the World

From 30 to 1,500 Students: Scaling Mass Experiential Learning with How to Change the World

Higher education is at a crossroads. Institutions are being asked to do more with less—serve more students, prepare them for a rapidly changing, AI-shaped workforce, and prove the real-world value of a degree—all at the same time. Employers consistently note that while graduates are technically capable, many struggle to apply what they’ve learned to…

Darin Francis·Jan 5, 2026
Scaling Work-Based Learning in the Curriculum: How Riipen Powers Real Employer Projects at Scale

Scaling Work-Based Learning in the Curriculum: How Riipen Powers Real Employer Projects at Scale

Higher education is facing renewed scrutiny over how well it prepares students for life after graduation. Employers are increasingly signaling that many graduates enter the workforce without real-world, job-ready experience—placing new pressure on higher education to rethink how learning connects to work. Research on high-impact practices consistently shows that experiential and work-based learning boosts…

Darin Francis·Dec 15, 2025
The Program Sharing Model: How Rize Education’s Collaborative Approach Expands Access to Cutting-Edge Majors and Career-Aligned Learning

The Program Sharing Model: How Rize Education’s Collaborative Approach Expands Access to Cutting-Edge Majors and Career-Aligned Learning

Small private colleges are facing unprecedented pressures: rising instructional costs, shrinking budgets, and mounting skepticism about the return on investment of a four-year degree. At the same time, employer demand for job-ready talent is accelerating, creating urgency for institutions to modernize curriculum and increase access to experiential learning. According to Rize Education CEO Kevin…

Darin Francis·Dec 8, 2025
The New Playbook for College ROI: Podium Education’s Scalable Model for Real-World Learning

The New Playbook for College ROI: Podium Education’s Scalable Model for Real-World Learning

The debate around the return on investment (ROI) of a four-year degree has reached a fever pitch. As tuition costs rise and employers question the value of traditional credentials, higher education leaders are rethinking how to make college more career-relevant. Experiential learning—work-based and project-based education embedded within curricula—is emerging as one of the most promising…

Darin Francis·Nov 12, 2025
How McDonald’s and Skilltrade Are Transforming Workforce Education for America’s Frontline Employees

How McDonald’s and Skilltrade Are Transforming Workforce Education for America’s Frontline Employees

Work is changing fast. Automation and artificial intelligence aren’t just reshaping how we work—they’re redefining who gets access to opportunity in the first place. With frontline workers making up a significant share of the American workforce—and one in eight Americans having worked at McDonald’s—the discussion about education, skills, and upward mobility feels more urgent…

Ron Stefanski·Oct 21, 2025
Gamifying College Readiness: How Loper Makes the Enrollment Journey More Engaging!

Gamifying College Readiness: How Loper Makes the Enrollment Journey More Engaging!

High schoolers are overwhelmed — and not just by homework. The path to college can feel like a maze of forms, essays, and deadlines, with little guidance on where to begin. A recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of students describe the college application process as “difficult.” For many, that difficulty isn’t academic; it’s…

Darin Francis·Oct 16, 2025
A DisruptED College Pathway with My Little Brother Reynard Robinson and Lifelong Mentor Dr. Caesar

A DisruptED College Pathway with My Little Brother Reynard Robinson and Lifelong Mentor Dr. Caesar

As college undergoes a transformation, driven by technology, equity, and new definitions of success, DisruptED explores how the “college experience” is evolving and what that means for today’s students. With the traditional four-year path under growing scrutiny—only 41% of first-time, full-time undergraduates at four-year institutions actually earn their degrees within that time—a new model…

Ron Stefanski·Oct 10, 2025
Finding the North Star for Adult Learning: How UTI Is Redefining Workforce Education for Today’s Talent Needs

Finding the North Star for Adult Learning: How UTI Is Redefining Workforce Education for Today’s Talent Needs

In a world where rapid technological change is redefining how we live, work, and learn, the demand for skilled labor and lifelong learning has never been higher. From electric vehicle repair to advanced diagnostics in healthcare, the U.S. faces a widening talent gap in the skilled trades and allied health industries. According to the…

Ron Stefanski·Oct 7, 2025
Kai: Finally an AI Solution for Enrollment Teams to Create Connection, Not Just Mine Data!

Kai: Finally an AI Solution for Enrollment Teams to Create Connection, Not Just Mine Data!

Artificial intelligence has become the buzzword of the moment in higher education, but for many enrollment teams, it often feels like just another layer of complexity on top of an already demanding job. Budgets are tight, teams are stretched thin, and the pressure to recruit and retain students has never been greater. What leaders…

Darin Francis·Sep 19, 2025
MeetYourClass Heads to NACAC 2025 with a Vision for the Future of Enrollment and Community On Campus

MeetYourClass Heads to NACAC 2025 with a Vision for the Future of Enrollment and Community On Campus

With enrollment numbers slipping and student expectations shifting, colleges are under more pressure than ever to create real, lasting connections that make students feel part of a community. Research shows that institutions lose up to 10–40% of admitted students to “summer melt” each year, a challenge that directly impacts revenue and retention. At the…

Darin Francis·Sep 12, 2025
How AI is Reshaping Talent, Training, and Logistics to Build the Workforce and Military Force of the Future

How AI is Reshaping Talent, Training, and Logistics to Build the Workforce and Military Force of the Future

Artificial intelligence is radically transforming the military—an institution grappling with an eligibility crisis at home. According to the Department of Defense, a mere 23% of Americans aged 17 to 24 qualify for military force without needing a waiver, meaning that 77% are currently ineligible due to factors like obesity, drug use, and mental or…

Ron Stefanski·Sep 8, 2025
Why Data-Driven Financial Aid Strategies Are Critical to Higher Ed’s Future

Why Data-Driven Financial Aid Strategies Are Critical to Higher Ed’s Future

As higher education faces declining public trust and heightened financial pressure, colleges are being pushed to rethink how they manage enrollment and financial aid. Data analytics and predictive modeling are emerging as critical tools, with institutions seeking ways to allocate limited aid dollars while still aligning with their missions. According to the most recent…

Darin Francis·Sep 8, 2025
AI, Inclusion and Talent Strategies of the Future

AI, Inclusion and Talent Strategies of the Future

As organizations race to integrate AI into every corner of business, an equally urgent conversation is emerging: How do we ensure this adoption doesn’t widen existing equity gaps? AI is both a disruptive force and an opportunity engine, as recent data shows that AI adoption among HR professionals jumped to 72 percent in 2025, up…

Ron Stefanski·Jul 16, 2025
The AI-Powered Edge in Education: How LearningClues Is Enabling Student Success with Co-founder and CEO Dr. Perry Samson

The AI-Powered Edge in Education: How LearningClues Is Enabling Student Success with Co-founder and CEO Dr. Perry Samson

As AI continues to reshape education, institutions face a growing challenge in ensuring students succeed without compromising engagement or integrity. Today’s college students are often juggling jobs, family, and coursework, leading to limited study time and increased dropout risk. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 40% of full-time undergraduates and 74% of…

Darin Francis·Jun 30, 2025
How Human-Centered Design Led to a Startup Accelerator for Education: A Conversation with Transcend Network’s Co-founder Michael Narea

How Human-Centered Design Led to a Startup Accelerator for Education: A Conversation with Transcend Network’s Co-founder Michael Narea

The convergence of human-centered design and education innovation is reshaping how edtech ventures emerge and scale. As AI enables hyper-efficiency and bootstrapped entrepreneurship becomes more viable, the real differentiator is empathy—founders who listen deeply to users before building solutions. A McKinsey study of 300 public companies found that design-led organizations significantly outperformed their peers, with…

Darin Francis·Jun 20, 2025
Unity’s Jessica Lindl on Playing the Career Game Loop: Learning to Earn in the New Economy (Episode 3)

Unity’s Jessica Lindl on Playing the Career Game Loop: Learning to Earn in the New Economy (Episode 3)

As AI, automation, and immersive tech accelerate disruption, the future of work is being reshaped faster than most institutions can adapt. Entry-level roles for recent graduates are shrinking, traditional degrees are being questioned, and lifelong careers are being replaced by continuous reinvention. In this climate, the most valuable assets are no longer technical certifications…

Ron Stefanski·Jun 16, 2025
Unity’s Jessica Lindl on Playing the Career Game Loop: Learning to Earn in the New Economy (Episode 1)

Unity’s Jessica Lindl on Playing the Career Game Loop: Learning to Earn in the New Economy (Episode 1)

As traditional career paths break down, economic mobility is being redefined by adaptability, not academic credentials. Today, 52% of college graduates are underemployed a year after graduation, working in roles that don’t require a four-year degree. Meanwhile, networking strategies like informational interviews yield one job offer per 12 conversations—far more effective than the one-in-200…

Ron Stefanski·Jun 16, 2025
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