1. Become a Prime Member

To access all the fantastic discounts on Amazon Prime Day, you need to be a Prime member. If you’re not already one, consider signing up for their 30-day free trial before Prime Day begins. After the trial period, membership costs $12.99 per month or $119 annually, which includes free two-day shipping, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows on Prime Video, and many other benefits.

2. Create a Wishlist

Before Amazon Prime Day begins, create a wishlist of items you plan to buy by adding them to your Amazon account’s list. When the sale starts, you’ll be able to see if any products on your wishlist have decreased in price quickly. Prioritize your list according to what’s most important to you so that you can focus on those items first when shopping during the sale.

3. Enable Notifications

Once you’ve created your wishlist and prioritized it, enable notifications for products on your list by using Amazon’s mobile app or subscribing to email alerts for daily updates on relevant deals. This way, when deals arrive for items on your list during Amazon Prime Day sales, you’ll receive an instant notification, ensuring you don’t miss out on limited-time offers.

4. Research Prices Ahead of Time

Before any shopping event like Amazon Prime Day, research prices online ahead of time through comparison-shopping engines like Google Shopping or apps like Honey. By doing this, you’ll get a sense of what the prices are like before the deals start, giving you an idea of the potential savings during Amazon Prime Day and helping you make informed decisions about whether a deal is worth it.

5. Use Amazon Assistant

To make your Prime Day shopping experience smoother, consider installing Amazon Assistant, the official browser extension for your desktop or smartphone. It helps you discover new deals, compare prices, save items to your wishlist, and even receive notifications when deals go live. With Amazon Assistant at your disposal, you’re more likely to snag the best bargains quickly and face less frustration during the shopping event.

In conclusion, by following these five tips – becoming a Prime member, creating a wishlist, enabling notifications, researching prices ahead of time, and using Amazon Assistant – you’ll be set to make the most out of Amazon Prime Day. Start preparing now to ensure a successful shopping spree!

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Prime Day’s Growing Popularity: A Boon for All Online Businesses?

Since its inception in 2015, Amazon Prime Day has become an annual internet shopping sensation, with each year outperforming the previous one in terms of sales growth. The sheer volume of traffic generated during this two-day event is a testimony to its overwhelming success and remarkable global reach.

For edtech businesses, the growing popularity of Prime Day presents a lucrative opportunity to gain visibility and significantly increase revenue. As online shoppers scour Amazon for enticing discounts, they’re bound to come across educational software, apps, and e-learning courses – some of which may be directly offered by edtech companies or affiliated via Amazon’s Marketplace.

Capitalizing on Additional Sales Opportunities

Prime Day extends far beyond consumer goods, offering significant discounts across numerous product categories – including educational services and products. This creates ample chances for edtech companies to take advantage of additional sales opportunities while simultaneously increasing brand exposure.

By offering attractive discounts during Prime Day, edtech companies can more effectively compete with other players in the market as well as attract new customer segments. Additionally, existing customers might be persuaded to add new services or upgrade their current plans if presented with enticing discounts.

Building Partnerships and Collaborations

Amazon’s platform also enables relevant partnerships and collaborations. For instance, some edtech companies might team up with device manufacturers to provide bundled offers at discounted prices. This not only increases product value but also creates an enticing proposition for students, teachers, and educators to invest in these solutions.

This opportunity to collaborate and build mutually beneficial relationships helps edtech companies broaden their reach and increase customer retention rates.

Enhancing Brand Visibility

The hype surrounding Prime Day extends well beyond the actual event. In the lead-up to the big day, consumers often spend time scrolling through Amazon’s website to shortlist potential purchases. As a result, even if an edtech company does not strike a sale directly, the sheer brand visibility that can be achieved during this period is invaluable.

Edtech companies should take advantage of Prime Day’s massive traction to have their brand featured on Amazon’s homepage or as part of marketing campaigns leading up to the event. Doing so further solidifies their product offerings in consumers’ minds.

Final Thoughts

Amazon Prime Day presents an exciting opportunity for edtech companies to capitalize on additional sales, enhance brand visibility, and possibly even forge new partnerships with other industry players. By understanding and leveraging this global event strategically, edtech firms stand poised to reap significant benefits both during Prime Day itself and in the weeks and months that follow.

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What is Google TV?

Launched in September 2020, Google TV is a revamped version of Android TV – a smart television platform developed by Google. It acts as both an interface for TVs with built-in Chromecast and an aggregator for various streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and others.

Essentially, Google TV offers streamlined access to all your favorite streaming services without the need for multiple HDMI inputs or devices. It identifies your viewing preferences and collects content from different platforms to provide personalized recommendations.

Key Features of Google TV:

1. Content Aggregation across various streaming services
2. Built-in Chromecast support
3. AI-powered content recommendations
4. Integration with Google Assistant (voice control)

What is YouTube TV?

In contrast to the content aggregation featured in Google TV, YouTube TV is a standalone live television streaming service launched in 2017. It offers more than 85 channels including local broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC), cable channels (ESPN, FX, CNN), and premium networks (HBO Max). YouTube TV also delivers unlimited cloud-based DVR storage and supports up to six accounts per household.

YouTube TV is a cord-cutter’s dream come true and serves as a replacement for traditional cable or satellite subscriptions by providing live television through the internet.

Key Features of YouTube TV:

1. Over 85 live television channels
2. Unlimited cloud-based DVR storage
3. Support for up to 6 accounts per household
4. Ad-supported YouTube Originals

Comparing Google TV and YouTube TV

Now that we’ve established what both Google TV and YouTube TV offer, the decision largely depends on individual requirements, preferences, and budgets. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive live television streaming solution to replace your cable or satellite subscription, YouTube TV fits the bill.

On the other hand, if you already have subscriptions to multiple streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video and need a central hub to discover new content across platforms more easily, Google TV is just what you need.

Whichever platform you choose, both options promise an enhanced content experience combined with the convenience of a single device or interface.

In conclusion, Google TV and YouTube TV cater to different entertainment needs. While Google TV focuses on content aggregation and optimization for existing streaming services, YouTube TV offers an impressive lineup of live channels as a substitute for traditional television subscriptions. Consider your viewing habits and preferences when selecting between the two services. Happy streaming!

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1. Personalized Learning

One of the primary benefits of incorporating edtech into education is its ability to provide a personalized learning experience for every student. Educational platforms utilize advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze a student’s performance data and develop tailored learning plans. These customized plans help students understand concepts at their own pace, making it easier for them to grasp difficult topics and achieve academic success.

2. Increase in Student Engagement

Edtech tools such as gamification, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) foster an engaging learning experience for students, making them more invested in their education. Gamified platforms and simulation-based learning tools challenge students to reach specific goals while gaining new knowledge and skills. These technologies not only keep students entertained but also allow for effective knowledge retention by immersing them in real-world scenarios.

3. Improved Collaboration

The digital era has given rise to several collaboration tools that can be integrated into the educational ecosystem, promoting teamwork among students from different geographies. Through video conferencing, messaging apps, and shared documents, students can collaborate on group projects irrespective of their physical locations. This approach helps improve teamwork skills necessary for success in today’s increasingly globalized world.

4. Instant Feedback and Assessment

Edtech provides instant feedback and assessment on student performance through automated evaluation systems, allowing teachers to identify areas where students may require additional support. This ensures continuous improvement as well as a better understanding of individual student needs. Furthermore, immediate feedback boosts learner’s motivation and facilitates the adaptive learning process.

5. Access to Quality Education

Edtech has revolutionized how education is accessed, especially in remote or low-resource regions. Widening the reach of quality education through online platforms and digital content enables students who were otherwise deprived of educational opportunities to succeed academically. Additionally, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offer affordable access to quality content from top-tier universities across the globe.

In conclusion, incorporating edtech into education not only ensures student success but also fosters an innovative and collaborative learning environment. Embracing technology within educational settings empowers learners to become self-directing problem solvers with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world. As a result, edtech is no longer a future trend; it is an essential tool for preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities.

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Horizon #1: In the next year, or less.

Mobile learning. Tablets and smartphones in the classroom are no longer a matter of “if,” but “when, and how quickly?” Administrators and educators can tap into the convenience of mobile technology in the classroom and the potential for student learning adaptation. Over half of school administrators say there is some form of mobile technology in their classrooms and that they plan to implement more when it is financially feasible. School districts should keep in mind that the purchase of mobile devices for K-12 use is only one piece in the learning puzzle. There must be funding for teacher training and maintenance of the devices too.

Cloud computing. When it comes to greater educational collaboration, cloud computing has unlimited potential. This is true for teacher-to-teacher, teacher-to-parent and teacher-to-student applications. By using a common location, academic expectations can be better accessed, along with actual student work. Instructors can also share learning materials and experiences through the remote opportunities that cloud computing provides.

Horizon #2: Within two to three years.

Learning analytics. This evolving concept in K-12 classrooms is different from educational data mining in that it focuses on individual students, teachers and schools without direct implications to the government. Learning analytics is the education industry’s response to “big data” that is used in the business world for improvements and redirection of focus. Learning analytics essentially show students what they have achieved and how those goals match up with their peers. If implemented correctly, this technology has the potential to warn teachers early of academic issues while keeping students more accountable. Using the mobile and online technology already in place, students can better track and tailor their academic experiences.

Open content. The rise of MOOCs, or massive open online courses, in terms of college learning is having a trickle-down effect on K-12 education. The idea that all the information that exists on any given topic already exists, and does not need to be re-created or purchased, is gaining steam among K-12 educators. Within the next three years, expect more shared content available to teachers and to students. Open textbooks, resources and curricula are not the only benefit of an open content push; shared experiences and insights are also valuable teaching tools.

Horizon #3: Within four to five years.

3D printing. Also known as prototyping, this technology will allow K-12 students to create tangible models for their ideas. Many fields, like manufacturing, already make use of this technology to determine the effectiveness of ideas on a smaller, printable scale. In education, this technology will bolster creativity and innovation, along with science and math applications. The STEM Academy has already partnered with Stratasys, a leading 3D printing company, to start integration of the technology in programming classes.

Virtual laboratories. These Web applications give students the chance to perform physical science experiments over and over, from anywhere with Internet access. As in a physical lab, the performance of the student will determine the results of the experiment. While not a replacement for all in-lab exercises, the virtual version can provide extra practice and guidance. There is no pressure to “get it right” on the first run, and mistakes are allowable because the technology lends itself to no-cost repetition. It also may prove a smart solution to rekindling the American public’s interest in the scientific.

In coming posts, I will take a closer look at each of these technologies and their implications on K-12 learners. Which do you think will have the greatest impact?

 Read all of our posts about EdTech and Innovation by clicking here. 

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Education entrepreneurs are driven by the belief that public education organizations are agricultural- and industrialization-era bureaucratic entities, far too enmeshed in familiar operational customs and habits to lead the innovation and transformation needed for schools today. They see themselves as change agents who are able to visualize possibilities. They want to serve as catalysts for change that will deliver current public educational systems from a status quo that results in unacceptable educational outcomes for too many children. Social entrepreneurs have focused on transforming education for the underserved, to include children from low socioeconomic backgrounds and children of color – groups that have not been well served by the traditional public education system. It is important to note that education entrepreneurs do not see themselves as merely improving education – for them; improvement would be a byproduct of the larger goal of transforming the system of public education in the U.S.

The question then becomes: how do visionaries propose to influence a system that has seen no significant large-scale change for decades? The efforts of education entrepreneurs are evident in ventures such as charter schools, Teach for America teacher preparation efforts, and the preparation of principals through the New Leaders for New Schools project. On the surface, based on these projects, it may appear that traditional school systems and education entrepreneurs are engaged in the same kind of work. In fact, education entrepreneurs and traditional educators view the world of education from two radically different perspectives. Aspects of the public education system are severely resistant to change. Our schools’ dependency on other organizations for resources and other types of support has caused them to be a reflection of these organizations, rather than units able to maintain discernible levels of independence. Existing resources do not restrict thinking among education entrepreneurs, nor are they beholden to any particular organization for support. This status ostensibly frees them to consider unlimited possibilities for K-12 education.

Another interesting difference between education entrepreneurs and traditional educators is the manner in which accountability is perceived. Education entrepreneurs likely view accountability from a customer-provider perspective, while educators, given the fact that they exist in bureaucratic structures, likely view accountability from a superior-subordinate perspective. Education entrepreneurs may speak of having an impact on the lives of children as a result of individual actions, and that the actions of a critical mass of entrepreneurial organizations will result in systemic change. Educators may speak of accountability in terms of meeting expected outcomes handed down from another organization.

Education entrepreneurs propose that educators are too entrenched in the day-to-day business of school operations to be forward thinking about possibilities for K-12 education, and most education researchers appear disinterested in investigating practical solutions to problems within the system. In fact the education entrepreneurial opinion of traditional education seems to fall somewhere between frustration and disdain. There is a sense of urgency among education entrepreneurs for radical transformation that results in improved performance outcomes, particularly when it comes to children who have not been served well by public education systems. The lack of ongoing and prompt action by public education systems leads some entrepreneurs to conclude that public education systems either do not feel the same urgency, or, if they do, that the very nature of the system renders them incapable of putting effective changes in action.

Perhaps the larger question is whether or not two systems (i.e., public education systems and education entrepreneurship) with different approaches to accomplishing an end, a fair amount of mistrust (and perhaps a lack of mutual respect), and different visions of how organizations ought to work, can come together to work toward the improvement of the educational system. Partnerships that have been formed by public school systems and education entrepreneurs are evidence of a brand of customized education that appears to be acceptable to both. As long as public schools systems believe they won’t be totally enveloped by education entrepreneurs, a workable and innovative model for public education may evolve.

Read all of our posts about EdTech and Innovation by clicking here. 

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Sixty-four percent of the respondents felt that the internet had a positive impact on education and 53 percent said the same for personal relationships. When asked the same thing about the internet’s influence on politics and morality, however, only 36% and 29% had a favorable view, respectively. When you look at the way the internet is utilized in America and other developed nations, I’d say these observations align. There are good and bad aspects — but the potential for increased access to education is great.

I’ve said before that I feel technology can be a great equalizer in P-20 classrooms and this survey adds an international element to that stance. The internet allows access to information in ways that were not even dreamed of a few decades ago. Using internet technology to improve educational access on a worldwide scale is so important to elevating the global economy and knowledge base. Imagine the collaboration that will be possible worldwide between this generation of students because of internet access?

While the internet was considered somewhat of a luxury when it first emerged, I think it is vital that all corners of the world gain access in the coming decade. The internet should not be something elite countries have access to; it should be an educational right for all people. Through this mass adoption, knowledge collaborations will continue to grow and it will benefit all of us as world citizens.

Read all of our posts about EdTech and Innovation by clicking here. 

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Since 2010, LaRue County High School has provided every student with a laptop and in 2014, new laptops were purchased for the high school and the older ones were passed down to middle school students.  In addition, traditional and mobile computer labs and other devices are bringing technology into LaRue County’s elementary classes more than ever.

“LaRue County students are provided a luxury that most districts don’t have – access to high quality educational resources and lines of communication with their teachers all school day long, and in many cases outside of the school day as well,” said LaRue County School Chief Information Officer Freddie Newby in a press release on the award. 

Tech Day in Kentucky is put on through a partnership with Western Kentucky University’s Office of Research. It emphasizes the benefits of broadband technology in government, schools, non-profits, libraries, businesses, communities and homes.

I believe that technology in P-12 classrooms can be a great equalizer, but only if everyone has adequate access. The program like the one in the LaRue County schools accomplishes two things: in-class access to broadband internet, and individual devices for every student so no one has an advantage over another. I hope this program will serve as a model to other schools of how to best equip all students with the technology needed for academic equality and success.

Read all of our posts about EdTech and Innovation by clicking here. 

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Every business today uses some sort of software to get things done. Some software programs are specially designed for small businesses, and the article covers 8 of those programs.

Loom

With over 21 million users, Loom makes it easy to make async videos. It lets managers and teams create videos and share links with new employees and clients.

This makes meetings and training easy as not everyone has time to come face to face or join live meetings.

For example, a video series can be created for new employees to help them understand the company’s culture and values. They can watch those videos in their own time.

Or a web-development company can make videos on using their platforms, and clients can access and watch those videos at any time.

There are multiple cases of Loom, making it perfect for small businesses to use.

Xero

The next on the list is Xero. Xero is an online accounting program to help businesses manage their finances.

It is offered in multiple countries, supporting region-specific features. Some of its benefits include invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and tax preparation.

Xero has helped me track my taxes and manage my businesses. It can save lots of time you would spend on receipts, payrolls, and expenses.

Slack

The next one of the best programs for small businesses is Slack. Slack is a communication and collaboration program for teams. It offers a variety of features, including:

• Private messaging to team members
• Channels with specific team members working on projects
• File sharing
• Video conferencing

The best part of Slack is that it has a free plan that shows messages for up to 90 days.

The messages older than that are hidden but not deleted. The team can upgrade its plan and access full communication.

Slack has many great integrations that can help teams work faster. For example, the Google Docs integration lets you view and manage Google Docs documents without leaving Slack.

It also has a note feature to create notes for yourself and set reminders for upcoming tasks.

MailChimp

MailChimp is another program great for businesses, especially in the internet world. It’s an email marketing platform to create, send, and track email campaigns.

It lets you add signup forms on your company website for users to register for updates. It offers a variety of features, including a drag-and-drop email builder, pre-built templates, A/B testing, and analytics.

Setting it up requires professionals, but using it is easy. All you do is choose contacts, create campaigns, and send emails.

MailChimp has monthly and yearly plans, but a free plan is available to try the platform.

Notion

The sixth program is Notion. Notion is a note-taking app, but it is also used for databases, project management, and documentation. It lets you add blocks to build pages, and each block supports many options.

A business can create documents for clients and employees to read. Team members can work on projects together by sharing pages, and managers can keep track of their employees’ performance.

Notion has a bit of everything, making it possible to replace apps like Google Sheets, Trello, and Evernote.

The program is free for up to 10 users, but the company must pay to include more.

Its combined note-taking, database, and task management approach has lured millions of users using it today.

Toggl

Toggl is a freemium time tracking tool to track your time spent on each task. Team members can use it to see where their time is going.

It automatically keeps track of your time. All you have to do is click on the button.

If the computer is idle for more than five minutes, the app asks whether to count that time to skip it.

Every week it sends an email with the weekly data. Managers can check this data to improve their employees’ morale.

The app is free but has a few premium options that may help large businesses.

Dropbox

The second last program is Dropbox. Dropbox is for sharing files and folders with team members. For a business in the internet space, it can be used to share files with employees and clients.

For example, for a client, every project can be in a folder that can be shared with everyone involved. The folder can also be shared with the client to add new content.

This makes workflow smooth as people can work on projects on their own time.

Dropbox also supports editing documents. For example, you can edit a Word file right there. It also supports third-party apps. Opening an image shows apps like Canva to edit that image without leaving Dropbox.

The app gives 2 GB of free space to every user, but more can be purchased.

Google Calendar

The last on the list is Google Calendar. Google Calendar is a great online platform to create and share events.

Team members and clients can share those event links to join meetings. It also supports Google Meet to create video conference links and share them with all the parties involved.

Other than that, it supports productivity apps, such as Todoist, to create tasks and manage them on the go.

Google Calendar is free, but users get a few additional features in the Google Workspace plans.

Summary

Having the right tool can have a huge impact on a business. Some save time on taxes, and some save time on scheduling.

This is for the best software programs for small businesses article. I hope it helped. Thanks for reading, and have a nice day.

The post Software Programs Small Businesses Should Know appeared first on The Edvocate.

Step 1: Create a Boost Mobile Account

Before you can view any text messages, you’ll need to create a Boost Mobile account. You can do this by visiting the official Boost Mobile website and clicking on “Sign In/Register” at the top right corner of the page. Complete the registration process by entering the required information, such as your phone number and email address, and create a secure password for your account.

Step 2: Log into Your Boost Mobile Account

Navigate back to the Boost Mobile homepage and sign in using the email address or phone number associated with your account. Enter your password, and click “Log In” to access your account.

Step 3: Access the Text Messaging Feature

Once logged in, head over to the “My Account” section using the navigation menu at the top of the page. Here, you should see an overview of your account, including data usage, call logs, payment history, and more. Look for “Messages & Activity” or “Text History” under the “Manage My Services” section and click it to access your text messages.

Step 4: View Your Text Messages

By clicking on “Text History,” you’ll be directed to a new page displaying all incoming and outgoing text messages from your Boost Mobile account. Here, you can sort messages by date range, phone number, or even keyword searches to find specific conversations instantly.

Please note that while most texts should appear within this interface, certain factors like network issues or technical difficulties could sometimes lead to missing messages. Should this occur, consider contacting Boost Mobile customer support for assistance.

Step 5: Export Your Text Messages (Optional)

If you need to save or print your text messages, you might want to export them. While Boost Mobile’s interface does not offer a direct export option, you can use your device’s screenshot functionality to capture and store the relevant messages. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the message content into a separate document.

In conclusion, accessing and viewing text messages on your Boost Mobile account is comparatively simple. By following these easy steps, you’ll be better equipped to keep track of important messages when necessary. Don’t forget that managing and monitoring your text history can be a valuable tool for staying organized and efficient with your wireless communication.

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