How Crowdmark Enhances Educator Efficiency & Student Outcomes with Michelle Caers

10/25/24 • 25 min

In this podcast episode, Jeff Dillon interviews Michelle Caers, co-founder and CEO of Crowdmark, discussing the innovative grading and assessment solution for higher education.

Michelle shares her journey in education and technology, the role of Crowdmark in enhancing grading efficiency, and how AI is leveraged to support educators. The conversation also touches on the challenges of adopting new educational technologies, the integration with learning management systems, the nuances of subjective grading, and the ethical implications of AI in education.

Michelle provides insights into the onboarding process for Crowdmark and shares unexpected success stories from institutions using the platform. She concludes with advice for entrepreneurs looking to innovate in the education technology space.

Takeaways

Crowdmark automates tedious grading tasks to free up educators' time.
The platform supports collaboration among grading teams for consistent feedback.
AI is used to enhance grading processes, not replace human interaction.
Overcoming the status quo is a significant challenge in educational tech adoption.
Crowdmark integrates with major learning management systems for ease of use.
The platform excels in grading handwritten work, particularly in STEM fields.
Ethical considerations in AI include data privacy and academic integrity.

Sound Bites

"Grading is an essential part of the education system."
"Crowdmark assists in managing that grading team."
"AI is the flavor of the day."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Crowdmark and Michelle Caers 04:07 The Role of Crowdmark in Grading Efficiency 07:16 Leveraging AI in Education 09:18 Overcoming Challenges in Educational Technology Adoption 11:28 Integration with Learning Management Systems 14:45 Ethical Implications of AI in Education 18:13 Onboarding Process for Crowdmark 22:28 Advice for EdTech Entrepreneurs

In this podcast episode, Jeff Dillon interviews Michelle Caers, co-founder and CEO of Crowdmark, discussing the innovative grading and assessment solution for higher education.

Takeaways

Crowdmark automates tedious grading tasks to free up educators' time.
The platform supports collaboration among grading teams for consistent feedback.
AI is used to enhance grading processes, not replace human interaction.
Overcoming the status quo is a significant challenge in educational tech adoption.
Crowdmark integrates with major learning management systems for ease of use.
The platform excels in grading handwritten work, particularly in STEM fields.
Ethical considerations in AI include data privacy and academic integrity.

Sound Bites

"Grading is an essential part of the education system."
"Crowdmark assists in managing that grading team."
"AI is the flavor of the day."

Chapters

Previous Episode

Essential AI Strategies for Higher Education Professionals with Dustin Stout

In this conversation, Jeff Dillon interviews Dustin Stout, the founder of Magai, an all-in-one AI platform designed to enhance teaching and learning in higher education. Dustin shares his journey of creating Magai, the challenges faced in adapting the platform for educational use, and the ethical implications of AI in the classroom. He emphasizes the importance of educators in guiding students on how to use AI responsibly and offers practical tips for faculty looking to integrate AI into their teaching. The discussion highlights the transformative potential of AI in education and the need for institutions to embrace this technology.

Takeaways

Dustin Stout's journey led to the creation of Magai.
Magai integrates multiple AI tools into one platform.
Higher education can benefit from AI in lesson planning.
Ethical use of AI requires user responsibility.
AI can serve as a creative partner for educators.
Faculty should explore AI to enhance their teaching.
Universities are beginning to teach AI usage to students.
AI's rapid evolution presents both challenges and opportunities.
Engagement with AI is essential for future readiness.

Sound Bites

"This new wave of AI is magical."
"You only have to subscribe to one tool."
"There's no better tool than Magi."

Chapters 00:00 The Genesis of Magai: A Founder’s Journey 05:43 Transforming Higher Education with AI 10:10 Navigating Ethical Implications of AI 13:02 Practical Tips for Faculty Using AI 19:30 Challenges in Adapting Magai for Higher Ed 23:19 Preparing Higher Ed for the AI Revolution

Next Episode

The Art of Leadership and Creativity in HigherEd with Tracey Halvorsen

In this episode of EdTech Connect, Jeff Dillon engages with Tracy Halverson, the dynamic CEO of adeo, to unravel the unique blend of art and leadership.

Tracy dives deep into how artistic creativity can redefine leadership approaches, transforming the culture and strategies within organizations. She sheds light on the formidable challenges facing higher education, offering innovative solutions and emphasizing the role of strategic thinking in overcoming these obstacles.

Tracy shares her vision of technology as a catalyst for collaboration, breaking down barriers between departmental silos, and fostering an environment where experimentation and innovation can flourish. By understanding audience needs, she explains how institutions can enhance external engagement, ensuring meaningful connections and effective organizational change.

Join Jeff and Tracy for an insightful discussion filled with practical advice and visionary ideas, perfect for educators, leaders, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of education and leadership.

Takeaways

Creativity and curiosity are essential from the start.
Higher education struggles with siloed environments.
Technology enables departmental experimentation.
Agility supports organizational change.
Rebranding should focus on the audience, not just internal needs.
External collaboration relieves internal pressure.

Sound Bites

"Creativity and curiosity must be there from the beginning."
"The worst thing you can do is try to be all things to all people."
"Clarity is not bragging."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tracy Halverson and adeo
02:32 The Interplay of Art and Leadership
04:30 Challenges in Higher Education
06:45 The Role of Technology in Collaboration
10:07 Improving External Engagement
13:20 Insights from Different Sectors
19:21 The Process of Rebranding and UI Development
22:57 Agility in Organizational Change
25:00 Final Thoughts and Advice

Links
Tracey Halvorsen on LinkedIn