YuJa is a great example. It started with a purpose-built Video Platform for teaching and learning, and for delivering educational content at scale. Since then, several products have been added to the suite of tools, including those that focus on delivering accessible content, managing data and storage, test proctoring, and audience engagement.

While the company continues to serve the higher education market, the focus has been on deepening its impact. Rather than expanding horizontally, YuJa “serves a single audience with a number of different products that serve them more effectively, all within the same realm,” Arora said.

“The pandemic accelerated a need to become more digital not just in teaching and learning, but in all interactions.”

The pandemic led to a big increase in utilization of video in higher education, as institutions worldwide were forced to get on board. After nearly 100 percent utilization, usage has gone down, but not to pre-pandemic levels. The pandemic accelerated a need to become more digital not just in teaching and learning, but in all interactions.

“That means our products become much more pervasive, but it also means there’s a need to do things better and more cost effectively. So if you’re going to manage larger volumes of content, you’re going to make content a central part of the strategy, you have to make that more accessible,” Arora said. In addition, everyone should benefit from media, and with a centralized, enterprise-deep strategy, they can. 

Vonder Haar also asked how AI would impact the development of video related applications and how it has impacted YuJa’s roadmap and go-to-market strategy. AI is already being used in technologies like automatic transcriptions and captioning, and to extract valuable insights. In higher education, though, Arora said institutions tend to take a more measured approach to implementing new technologies.  

Fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement is essential to keep pace with evolving technologies and pedagogical trends. In the future, Arora said he sees AI being used in other meaningful ways that keep the academic rigor of the institution, but noted it will be institution-led.

See the full interview.

Top 10 Considerations for Evaluating a Higher-Ed Test Proctoring Platform Vendor

Choosing the right test proctoring platform can help ensure the integrity and security of online assessments while making online testing available to students no matter where they need to test.

Listed below are top considerations in selecting a test proctoring solution vendor.

• 1. Types of Proctoring Available:  It’s important to understand available proctoring methods and capabilities a platform offers and to select one that will support your institution’s needs, whether it’s automated, live online, self-review, or lock down proctoring. Beyond the types of proctoring, assess whether the platform supports various test formats and question types, like multiple choice, true or false, or essay-based questions.
  2. Security and Privacy:  Safeguarding privacy, security, and integrity of data and exam content is a critical consideration in test proctoring. Make sure you have an understanding of how a test proctoring platform ensures security and integrity of test-taker data and exam content.
  3. Technology Requirements:  For a seamless test proctoring experience, it is essential to understand a proctoring platform’s technical requirements and compatibility with various devices and operating systems.
  4. User Experience: A user-friendly interface is key to a positive proctoring experience for both test-takers and proctors. Request a demonstration to see the interface firsthand, and take note of its ease of use and support if test-takers run into trouble during a test.
     

     ”Selecting the right test proctoring platform is a critical decision that impacts the integrity and security of online assessments in higher education.”

      

  5. Accessibility: Promoting inclusivity is vital. What accessibility features does the platform offer for students with disabilities or who need accommodations?
  6. LMS Integration and Compatibility: Integration with an institution’s existing Learning Management Systems (LMS) can streamline the assessment process. Ensure you understand a test proctoring platform’s integration not only with the LMS but with other educational tools. 
  7. Data and Analytics: Insights from metrics can help improve future tests and bring to light any issues. Seek to understand the types of reports available and how data is presented to the institution.
  8. Technical Support and Training: A reliable technical support system ensures a smooth experience for all users. Does the solution include live, total user support, phone and email support, or both, and what level of support is provided for instructors, faculty, and students?
  9. Scalability and Reliability: Review how scalable the platform is, along with its uptime and reliability record.
  10. Cost and Terms: The pricing model is an important determinant of any ed-tech platform. Ask about often hidden fees, such as per session rates, the practice of charging students for assessments, and the cost of providing live human proctors.

  Selecting the right test proctoring platform is a critical decision that impacts the integrity and security of online assessments in higher education. By asking important questions up front, institutions can thoroughly evaluate vendors and make informed choices that align with their needs and priorities. 

YuJa is On the Move: Three Upcoming Educational Conferences in July

July is packed with educational conferences and learning opportunities for higher-ed administrators, educators, tech teams, software developers and others who educate and empower this generation of instructors and students. 

YuJa is committed to providing robust tools that transform teaching and learning. Conferences provide a way for the team to listen to those in education about what’s working for them and what they need to continue providing high quality, collaborative, accessible learning experiences to learners in the modern world.

Below are conferences YuJa will participate in throughout the month of July. To see a full list of upcoming conferences and events, visit yuja.com/events.

D2L Fusion 2023

Hosted in Anaheim, California, July 12-14,  D2L Fusion 2023 is D2L’s flagship event. 

Geared toward key decision makers and influencers in K-12, higher education and corporate learning environments, the event will feature captivating sessions, speakers, training and professional development, product demonstrations and deep dives, and more, all which enable participants to explore topics, make connections and share ideas.

YuJa is a 2023 Ecosystem Sponsor and will have an exhibitors booth at the event. 

2023 Equity and Excellence Conference

Hosted by the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), the 46th annual Equity & Excellence: Access in Higher Education is set for July 17-21 in Portland, Oregon.

The conference offers the opportunity to learn best practices, make connections with disability rights professionals from around the world, recharge, and celebrate outstanding contributors to the field. 

Presenters and participants from diverse fields, including education, technology, law, scholarship, and government will participate. 

InstructureCon 2023

Finishing out the month is InstructureCon 2023. Set for July 26-28 in Denver, Colorado, the event includes encouraging content, useful tips for educators and insight into product developments. 

Packed with powerful keynote addresses and breakout on-demand sessions, the event allows for a truly customized learning experience. The 2023 event will include more than 100 sessions.

YuJa is a bronze sponsor for InstructureCon 2023 and will have a booth at the event.

How Gradient Text Makes Content More Accessible to All

Oftentimes, when people are reading, they lose information between lines and have to go back to re-read text. Many have to repeat the process more than once, making reading inefficient – especially in the format of black-on-white texts in large blocks.

Gradient readers can help people process information. Studies have shown that while using this type of technology, people read further down a page and are more likely to read to the end than when text was presented in a traditional format.

“Meanwhile, people who aren’t especially skilled at intake of text in the traditional format are systematically penalized. People who don’t read well in this one particular way tend to fall behind scholastically early in life. They might be told they’re not as bright as other people, or at least come to assume it. They might even be (incorrectly) diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, or a learning disability, or overlooked as academically mediocre,” The Atlantic said in the article “A Better Way to Read.”

What is a Gradient Reader and How Can it Help Students?

A gradient reader provides text in color that shifts between lines to help guide a reader’s eyes quickly and accurately to the next line. 

“Meanwhile, people who aren’t especially skilled at intake of text in the traditional format are systematically penalized. People who don’t read well in this one particular way tend to fall behind scholastically early in life.”

The shift in colors helps: 

• Aid in visual tracking
• Pull the readers’ eyes between lines
• Improve speed of reading 
• Decrease screen fatigue
• Enhance focus and attention

Gradient Readers are shown to help with reading comprehension for all, but it can be especially helpful for those with certain disabilities, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or vision impairments.

Examples of Gradient Text 

With text in a gradient, the key is that each line begins with a different color than the line below, which helps move the readers’ eyes from line to line with less of a chance of skipping to the second or third word and missing that information. 

This example has shorter lines of text, which provides less processing time, but still helps the reader maintain their place, keep focus, and read efficiently. 

The Gradient Reader is just one of many accessibility features in YuJa’s suite of ed-tech tools. Learn more about YuJa Panorama Digital Accessibility Platform.

Quadrants of Digital Accessibility in Higher Education

Importance of Digital Accessibility

“The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.”

Digital accessibility is critical to ensuring those with disabilities can navigate and use materials presented online in a way that suits their needs.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an evolution in how institutions view digital accessibility, especially when instructors had to quickly convert learning materials to online resources for students.  “The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect,” said Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web.

Not only is digital accessibility a civil right, it’s required by law. Hundreds of universities have faced lawsuits or have had complaints filed with the U.S. Department of Justice for failure to meet laws related to digital barriers. Regardless, creating an accessible learning environment is the right thing to do.

Quadrants of Digital Accessibility in Higher Education

Accessibility in higher education can be complex. Finding a tool that serves as a complete solution to accessibility can help guide your institution through the journey. Any potential  solution must span an institution’s entire digital footprint, which can be broken down into quadrants: 

1. 

   Your Institution’s LMS Accessibility Module: A fully-integrated digital accessibility solution for all learning management systems content, including uploaded media, WYSIWYG web-based content, real-time scores, trends, remediation suggestions, math equations and other LMS content. 

2. Website and Intranet Accessibility Module: This consists of a website accessibility tool for all public intranet web content. It is integrated into all organization web portals and websites to provide customizable accessibility views for users. 
3. Library and Reserve Desk Accessibility Module: This quadrant is focused on providing accessibility to the campuswide distribution of images, newspapers, books, maps, audio, and video content in an accessible manner. 
4. Student Self-Service Accessibility Tools: This refers to all web app, mobile, and self-service tools for students to make their own content and web experiences more accessible based on their individual needs. 
   

A Higher-Ed Digital Accessibility Solution

Despite institutions understanding the case for digital accessibility, some fall short in implementing user-friendly solutions that make accessibility a priority from the start.  Deploying an accessibility compliance suite like the YuJa Panorama Accessibility Platform can provide peace of mind that your institution is putting the right emphasis on digital accessibility for students with varied learning needs.

Blended Learning vs. Flipped Classroom Models

Blended learning combines both online teaching and instruction with face-to-face, or traditional classroom-based instruction. This can take a number of forms, but in general, students have some control over the place, path, and place of learning. Additionally, according to the National Education Association:

• Learning typically occurs through an integrated curriculum.
• Many activities are presented before class so student can engage in both the online and in-classroom environments.
• During instructor-led sessions, the educator directs student activities to ensure learning goals are met
• Post-learning activities help the instructor determine the next assignments to meet educational goals.

In addition to providing instructors and students with more in-class time for engagement and discussion, for many instructors, a flipped classroom also enables lectures to be re-used from semester-to-semester, simplifying instructor preparation for the course.

Flipped classrooms are defined as “a type of blended learning in which direct instruction moves to the asynchronous learning space and the synchronous learning space is transformed into a dynamic, interactive environment.”

In-class time is spent on other activities, such as discussion, hands-on learning, and individual and small-group work. The lesson or lecture portion of the classroom experience occurs predominantly online, while the homework portion of the course is more likely to take place in a group classroom setting.

When Is a Blended Learning Model Best?

Blended learning is a flexible option for any college or university with access to lecture capture and video content management tools. Instructors can incorporate as much or as little online learning as they would like into a traditional course. Blended learning may simply enable students to review lecture capture recordings and ask questions online, while a more intensively blended course might integrate some elements of flipped classroom structures.

Blended learning provides instructors and students with an ideal transition to flipped classrooms, but can also enable traditional classrooms to make use of new tools and technology. This facilitates learning for students with special needs, non-traditional students, and those who need extra support.

When Should Instructors Flip Their Classes?

A flipped classroom provides students with increased interaction with one another and with an instructor. This can enable improved understanding and engagement for students, as well as improved attendance. Instructors in flipped classrooms can use their in-class time to efficiently meet the needs of their students, to focus on project-based learning, to encourage small and larger group interaction, and to respond to student questions and assist with assignments.

In addition to providing instructors and students with more in-class time for engagement and discussion, for many instructors, a flipped classroom also enables lectures to be re-used from semester-to-semester, simplifying instructor preparation for the course.

Expand Learning for Students

Blended learning and flipped classrooms have only become more popular as instructors work to provide flexibility to learners. No matter which methodology an instructor chooses, it should be focused on creating an engaged, connected audience with support for students when they need it.

Five Ways a Video Platform Increases Student Engagement

Whether you’re a traditional higher ed institution that’s working to flip the classroom, an institution running a remote or hybrid learning program, or you’re a distance-learning only educational institution, we’ve outlined a few ways to use your video platform to enhance student engagement.

Increase Engagement With Your Video Platform

Video technology is a valuable tool in improving student engagement and facilitating remote learning in higher education. Below are five ways a video platform can help increase student engagement.

Research has shown that students are more likely to retain information when they are able to review lectures and course materials at their own pace. Video platforms allow students to pause, rewind, and revisit lectures and other course materials as needed, which can improve their understanding and retention of the material.

1. It Enables Engagement From Anywhere: Learners can see and hear concepts being taught from anywhere, even if they don’t have an internet connection, as lectures can be downloaded for offline viewing. Pre-recorded videos can be watched by students in advance of lectures to help increase knowledge transfer and engagement. With the right equipment, space and video platform, educators can easily create engaging course lectures and materials.
2. It Highlights Problem Areas Early: When students are allowed to ask questions about subject matter covered in a video before and during the lecture, instructors can look for and understand common challenges with the subject matter and address it in the classroom. 
3. Quizzing Helps Students Stay Active: A video platform allows instructors to add quizzing to determine knowledge transfer. Instructors can use those scores to look for patterns or trends on topics showing limited knowledge transfer, indicating a need to focus on those areas further in the classrooms. For students, this allows them to see how they are grasping the material and enables them to view the video as much as needed until they feel comfortable with the subject matter.
4. Polling Opens a Feedback Loop: Educators can use polls within a video platform to query their students on how they feel about the content, learning process or lecture style.
   This opens up a 360 degree feedback loop that makes students feel empowered. It also results in a better student to teacher connection that often wanes in the traditional lecture hall, where hundreds of students can’t respond in the same private, yet timely manner.
5. Enable Real-Time Discussion for Off-Campus Viewers: A video platform helps educators make the most of a distance-learning experience by allowing off-campus learners to engage in real time with educators during live lectures. Students can ask questions and view presentations in real-time.

Benefits Of Incorporating A Video Platform With Your LMS

In addition to improving student engagement, a video platform can help: 

Increase Accessibility: This is particularly true for students who have limited access to a physical classroom or who need to balance their studies with other commitments; 

Improve Retention: Research has shown that students are more likely to retain information when they are able to review lectures and course materials at their own pace. Video platforms allow students to pause, rewind, and revisit lectures and other course materials as needed, which can improve their understanding and retention of the material.

Enhance Collaboration: Video platforms have built-in tools for collaboration, such as the ability to share documents and have group discussions. This can encourage students to work together and help them feel more connected to their peers and professors, even when they’re not physically together.

Personalize Learning: Students can access materials, watch videos, and learn at their own pace, which can lead to higher engagement and motivation, as they’re in control of their learning. 

By providing access to course materials, facilitating collaboration, adding interactive elements that enhance engagement, and allowing for personalized learning, video platforms can help students succeed and achieve their academic goals.