EdTech Digest Awards Program 2014 | Spirit of Innovation

For so many reasons, the education technology space is moving forward with great momentum and robust spirit. A confluence of factors — the right time, technology and people — has made for a superlative year. With top talent and quality in so many corners, it wasn’t an easy selection process, but we are shining a spotlight on some of the best and brightest tools, leaders and trendsetters pushing forward today’s education revolution for the benefit of future generations. There are now thousands of startups, apps and companies working in edtech, more than ever before. The introduction of new methods, ideas, products and frameworks for learning, the willingness of investors to power such ingenuity through, or for startups making a go of it to boldly bootstrap their own efforts — and the real results that come of it — all converge to a single point: in the edtech sector, a spirit of innovation is alive and well. The courage, energy and determination of so many in and around education, their attitude, their underlying intentions to create positive change in one of the most important fields of human endeavor — not only deserves respect and warm approval, but is heartening to witness and partake in. We are part of a greater movement here, one that takes a tremendous amount of drive, but one with so many gains to be had. We’re very excited to recognize these cool tools, leaders and trendsetters in the education technology space. We intend to continue contributing to the forward motion of this revolution, and we salute those dedicated souls that create the human energy involved in such an undertaking. Well done! Continue! With that, here are the finalists and winners…

 

=COOL TOOL AWARDS (Finalists listed below – winners marked with *)

 

New Product or Service

Educade from Gamedesk

Balefire Labs edapp review service*

EdTrips from WorldBrain

Clarity for Schools from BrightBytes

TabPilot Manager from TabPilot Learning Systems

Knowmia from Knowmia

TeacherLists.com from School Family Media

Math for iPad from DreamBox Learning

Literatu from Literatu

EdTechReview.com from EdTech Review

LightSail adaptive literacy platform from LightSail

SmartCity from Revolution Prep

 

Product or Service

MediaCore video learning platform from MediaCore

Backupify from Backupify

Pluralsight from Pluralsight

StudyBlue from StudyBlue

Reflex from ExploreLearning

Samsung Chromebook from Samsung Electronics America

Chronus Mentor from Chronus Corporation

iTooch from eduPad

Hobsons Retain

Mileposts from Silverback Learning Solutions*

 

Academic Gaming Solution

Wowzers from Wowzers

Grammar Wonderland (Primary and Elementary) from McGraw Hill Education

simCEO from Jetlag Learning

Reflex from ExploreLearning

Loot Pursuit: Tulum from Dig-It Games

QwertyTown from Second Nature Learning

SmartCity from Revolution Prep

Teacher Gaming Network from TGN*

Reach for the Sun from Filament Games

iTooch from eduPad

 

Assessment Solution

SCORE21 formative assessment builder from TE21

CASE Assessments from TE21*

Mileposts from Silverback Learning Solutions

Varsity Learning Tools from Varsity Tutors

Jupitor iO from Jupiter Ed

i-Ready Diagnostic & Instruction from Curriculum Associates

Literatu from Literatu

SmartCity from Revolution Prep

ExitTicket from Leadership Public Schools

iTooch from eduPad

 

Classroom Hardware Solution

Magic Planet Digital Video Globe from Global Imagination

BenQ IL420 Interactive Touch Display from BenQ

Belkin Tablet Stage & Stage App from Belkin

MediaSite Recorders from Sonic Foundry

Epson BrightLink 436Wi from Epson

Samsung School from Samsung Electronic America

REDCAT from Lightspeed Technologies

einstein Tablet + Platform from FourierEDU*

HoverCam Solo 5 from HoverCam

Insight DUO from therenow

 

Collaboration Solution

myTrack from eScholar

LoiLoNote from LoiLo inc.

media:scape from Steelcase Education Solutions

BenQ IL420 Interactive Touch Display

NextThought from NextThought

CourseCast from Educators Group

eBackpack from eBackpack*

WeCollabrify from Elliot Soloway

The School Collective from The School Collective

Scoot & Doodle social creativity platform from Scoot & Doodle

 

Communication Solution

Alert Solutions Communication Suite for PowerSchool Users from Alert Solutions

Remind101 from Remind 101

SchoolMessenger Notification Service from Reliance Communications

Instant Connect from eSchoolView

SchoolReach from SchoolReach

The Social Express from The Language Express

VidyoWorks from Vidyo

Active School Apps from Active School Apps

Parent Notification System from One Call Now

ParentLink from ParentLink*

 

Content Provider Solution

Shmoop from Shmoop University

Science Bits from Science Bits*

Plato Courseware from Edmentum

LumiBook—Global Education Study: Six Drivers of Student Success from School Improvement Network

Britannica School from Encyclopaedia Britannica

StudySoup from StudySoup

Teach TCI from TCI

Readiness for Common Core from Triumph Learning

ReadWorks from ReadWorks

 

Digital Textbook

Economics: An Interactive Approach from WorldView Software

World Geography: An Interactive Approach from WorldView Software

TIA 10e Digital Interactive eBook from Pearson

Mobile Prep for the NCLEX-RN + 2 practice tests from Kaplan

Integrated Science (Third Edition) from Aristo e-Learning Centre

Dynamic Books from Sapling Learning

SpringBoard from The College Board

Connected Mathematics Project 3 (CMP3)

MobyMax from MobyMax

Boundless from Boundless*

 

District Data Solution

LearnSprout from Learnsprout*

Mileposts from Silverback Learning Solutions

Complete Data Warehouse for PK-12 from eScholar

Jupiter iO from Jupiter Ed

Assessment and Data Management System (ADMS) from Performance Matters

 

e-Learning Solution

Private SoftChalk Cloud from SoftChalk

Science4Us Interactive K-2 Science Curriculum by SpellingCity

New LSAT On Demand Kaplan

Student Learning Center from Awe Learning

LaunchPad Suite from ClassLink

NextThought from NextThought

PBS LearningMedia from PBS*

Jones eGlobal Library from Jones eGlobal Library

OdysseyWare from OdysseyWare

SmartClass from Radix

 

e-Learning Solution (Math)

eMath from eMath

Mathletics from 3P Learning*

Algebra 1 Generation 2 from K12

TenMarks Math from Amazon

Reasoning Mind from Reasoning Mind

HELP Math from Digital Directions

Think Through Math from Think Through Learning

Middle School Common Core Mathematics from Edgenuity

 

Emerging Technology Solution

Common Core Lesson Planner App from Venataur

LearnSprout from LearnSprout

Civitas Learning Platform from Civitas

Frolyc from Frolyc

NextThought from NextThought

Versal from Versal*

Planets Interactive 3D Puzzle Game from Popar Toys

FLEXCAT from Lightspeed Technologies

ABPathfinder from ABPathfinder

Hobsons Retain from Hobsons

 

Interactive Whiteboard Solution

eWriteSteps from WriteSteps

Mimio Mobile with MimioStudio from Mimio*

Gizmos from ExploreLearning

Scoot & Doodle social creativity platform from Scoot & Doodle

 

Networking Solution

The Parents’ Evening Booking System from NetMedia

Network Performance from SolarWinds*

XpressConnect Enrollment System from Cloudpath Networks

 

Learning Management System

Schoology from Schoology

Connexus School Management System from Connections Education

Desire2Learn Learning Suite from Desire2Learn

Canvas from Instructure*

itslearning LMS from itslearning

 

Mobile Device Solution

Mobile Solution from Schoology

Mobile Suite from eSchoolView

LearnPad from Educational Resources

AirWatch MDM from AirWatch*

The Amplify Tablet from Amplify

Store and Charge from Belkin

PupilPath Mobile App – Skedula from DataCation-CaseNEX

GALAXY Note 10.1 from Samsung Electronics America

 

Mobile App Solution (elementary)

Kurzweil 3000 firefly from Cambium Learning

Oscar Goes to the Zoo from You Tell Me Stories

Custom Mobile Apps Service from SchoolMessenger

Choc-It-Up from K12

Wowzers from Wowzers

Grammar Wonderland (Primary and Elementary) from McGraw-Hill Education

Tales2Go from Tales2Go

LaunchPad iOS & Touch Apps from ClassLink

PupilPath Mobile App – Skedula from DataCation-CaseNEX

iTooch from eduPad*

 

Mobile App Solution (middle, high school and beyond)

Convey:Insight from Dukane

StudyBlue from StudyBlue

LaunchPad iOS & Touch Apps from ClassLink

PupilPath Mobile App – Skedula from DataCation-CaseNEX

Active School Apps from Active School Apps

iLit from Redefining Literacy

Connected Mathematics Project 3 (CMP3) from Connected Mathematics 3

MiLAB data analysis app from FourierEDU

ActivEngage2 from Promethean*

Buzzmath for Middle School from Scolab

 

Presentation Solution

LoiLoNote from LoiLoTv

Magic Planet Digital Video Globe from Global Imagination

MultiTaction Cell 55″ Full HD LCD Ultra-Thin Bezel from MultiTouch

Belkin Tablet Stage & Stage App from Belkin

Mediasite from Sonic Foundry

PowerLite 99W from Epson*

 

Professional Development Solution

Private SoftChalk Cloud from Softchalk

BloomBoard from BloomBoard

Atomic Integrate from Atomic Learning

ReadyLab from Generation Ready

Lesson Planet from Education Planet

strategiesforcommoncore.com from What Every Teacher Should Know

Effectiveness Platform from Teachscape

SafeSchools Online Staff Training from Scenario Learning

myCore from Insight Education Group*

Leading Edge Certification from Leading Edge Certification

 

Reporting Solution

x2VOL from x2VOL

ClassCharts from Edukey

Jupiter iO from Jupiter Ed

Literatu from Literatu*

Queso from Clay Ewing

 

Security/Privacy Solution

SonicWALL NSA Series Next-Gen Firewalls from Dell*

AirWatch EMM from AirWatch

Server Suite from Centrify

DB Networks IDS-6300 from DB Networks

Cross-platform Anti Theft & Piracy software from Prey

 

STEM Solution

RobotsLAB BOX – Teaching Math and Science Using Robots from RobotsLAB*

Cyber Science 3D from Cyber Anatomy

Forensic Science from K12

Science4Us Interactive K-2 Science Curriculum by SpellingCity

Reasoning Mind from Reasoning Mind

Dynamic Books from Sapling Learning

STEMscopes from Rice Edu

ExploreLearning Reflex from ExploreLearning

Britannica Pathways: Science from Encyclopaedia Britannica

einstein Tablet + Platform from FourierEDU

 

Student Academic Tracking Solution

Next Generation Super Gradebook from Kickboard*

Jupiter iO from Jupiter Ed

ClassMate from ClassLink

PupilPath Mobile App – Skedula from DataCation-CaseNEX

Course Learning Center from Skyward

Digital Positive & Behavior Support Privilege Tiers Program from Tonk & Snyder

Hobsons Retain from Hobsons

 

Virtualization Solution

LaunchPad Cloud & Instructional from ClassLink

Virtualization Manager from SolarWinds

Violin Memory All-Flash Arrays from Violin Memory*

 

MORE COOL TOOL AWARDS FINALISTS:

Special Needs Instructional Solution: Rethink from Rethink Autism

Curriculum Management: BuildYourOwnCurriculum from School Software Group

Instructional Improvement Solution: Engrade from McGraw-Hill Education

Literacy Support System: BiblioNasium from BiblioNasium*

Language Education solution: Voxy from Voxy

 

 

=LEADERSHIP AWARDS (Finalists)

 

Edupreneurs and EdTech Startups

Hannes Klopper, co-founder, iversity

Todd Whitlock, co-founder and CEO, Standard for Success

Rene Olivieri, Chairman, BlikBook

Rohit Agarwal, CEO, TenMarks Math

Steven Guttentag, President, Connections Learning

Robert Romano, co-founder and CEO, StudySync (BookheadED Learning)

Madhu Narasa, CEO, Snapwiz

Gregor Freund, CEO, Versal

Matthew Pittinsky, CEO, Parchment

Jonathan LeMaster and Lee Ramsey, co-founders, LiteracyTA*

 

Founder/CEO

Sanford Kenyon, CEO, SchoolMessenger

Stuart Bowness, CEO, MediaCore

John Baker, CEO, Desire2Learn*

Rob O’Leary and Grant Wright, co-founders, eSchoolView

Gene Carter, Executive Director and CEO, ASCD

Clay Whitehead and Jack Lynch, co-founders and co-CEOs of PresenceLearning

Lisa Barnett, CEO of Atomic Learning

Michael Moody and Jason Stricker, co-founders, Insight Education Group

Oscar Menjivar, Founder, URBAN Txt

Mike Lawrence, Founder, Leading Edge Certification

 

School Leader

Mike Evans, Instructional Technology Specialist, Forsyth County, GA

Jason Corosanite, Chief Operating Officer, String Theory Schools PA

Margaret Stelmach, Educator, Sydney, Australia*

Greg Firn, Superintendent of Academics, Grand Prairie ISD, TX

Shawn Wigg, Teacher, Florida Virtual School

Noah Tonk and David Snyder, Digital Tiers Program, Goshen, IN

Patricia J. Brown, Technology Integration Coach, St. Louis, MO

Jim Wynn, Chief Education Officer, Promethean

 

Visionary

Chuck Amos, CEO of GuideK12

Mickey Revenaugh, EVP, Connections Learning*

Mark Milliron, co-founder, Chief Learning Officer, Civitas

Carole D. Bos, Creator, Awesome Stories

Jason Corosanite, String Theory Schools

 

PR Firm/Publicist

J. Harrison Public Relations Group

Communications Strategy Group (CSG)

PR with Panache

C. Blohm & Associates*

 

MORE LEADERSHIP AWARDS FINALISTS:

Steve Barkley, former EVP, PLS 3rd Learning

Karen Larson and Gene Tognetti, authors, Common Core & Ed Tech*

Eugen Rutz, Academic Director, Engineering, University of Cincinnati

 

 

=TRENDSETTER AWARDS (Finalists)

 

Product or Service Setting a Trend

Techbook Series from Discovery Education*

Wowzers from Wowzers

Kickboard from Kickboard

StudySync from BookheadED Learning

WIN Learning from WIN Learning

eBackpack workflow solution from eBackpack

Knowmia from Knowmia

Empow from Empow Studios

Planets Interactive 3D Puzzle Game from Popar Toys

GALAXY Note 10.1 from Samsung Electronics America

 

Leader Setting a Trend

Martin Lind, Education Vertical Manager, Velocify

Jon Bergmann, co-founder, Flipped Learning Network

Dan Yang, CEO and Founder, Rullingnet, Vinci Genius and Vinci Education

Barbara Bray and Kathleen McClaskey, co-founders, Personalize Learning*

Don Orth, Director of Technology, Hillbrook School, Los Gatos, CA

 

MORE TRENDSETTER AWARDS FINALISTS:

Researcher: Jenny Grant Rankin, Creator, Over the Counter Data

Free Personalized Learning: Activate Instruction from Girard Education Foundation

EdTech Conferences: ASCD Annual Conference; ETIS: EdTech Innovation Summit

Open Source Catalog: OpenED*

 

Congratulations to all finalists and winners! There were a lot of close decisions. Come back often for more cool tools, fascinating interviews, relevant trends and voices from the field. In the weeks and months ahead, you will see much more coverage of winners and finalists.