When the education world shifted online due to the global pandemic, DigitalEd was ahead of the curve.
With a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), DigitalEd’s online learning software Möbius produces learning experiences that result in better student engagement. The platform delivers lessons, assessments and interactive learning activities in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Headed by University of Waterloo alumni, DigitalEd optimizes digital learning through cutting-edge technology. “We provide an environment that enables students to learn what they need, when they need it, wherever they are,” says Louise Krmpotic (MMath ‘94), vice president of enterprise services.
STEM beyond the classroom
“When I think about Math and STEM disciplines, they traditionally have been underserved in online learning,” Krmpotic says. “Things like handling specialized notation, creating algorithmic versions of questions that make sense in various applications, understanding units, being able to graph concepts and expressions. Möbius is designed with that functionality, it’s extremely powerful for STEM courses and learning.”
The global pandemic changed the definition of the traditional classroom, with technology stepping in to fill gaps. “The last year has seen huge change with instructors forced to move their courses online in an extraordinarily short period of time. The one thing that happened is that it has proven it can be done,” she says. “Now, we have courses online that we can build on and enhance, to provide materials to students how they need it and improve learning.”
Students can also make a difference. As Krmpotic explains, “students can provide feedback to their instructors and institutions on what they've experienced to foster change for subsequent years. They are the first to really experience that immersive online education this past year and that knowledge can be used to make a difference in terms of the engagement of students and how knowledge of course material is measured.”
Students fill the talent pipeline
Innovative Math co-op students improve the learning experience at DigitalEd. The company recruits students from Computer Science, Mathematics/Teaching, Applied Mathematics, Honours Mathematics, Data Science, Mathematical Studies and Statistics. The students work in roles such as full stack developer, business process analyst, curriculum designer, quality assurance analyst and software developer.
“Waterloo co-op students have great technical skills and are quick learners. Most importantly, they are problem solvers,” Krmpotic says “Whatever task they're given, they will look at it and ask questions about it. They do analysis to be productive in their jobs.”
The co-op students work on tasks such as release testing with quality assurance, coding features or functionalities, creating internal tech tools and online versions of textbooks. The students’ experience helps them to develop skills that will be valuable to their future.
Working with co-op students has many benefits. “For the employer, co-op students bring different points of view, specific skill sets, and short-term resources your company needs,” says Krmpotic. “They provide mentorship opportunities for personal growth to employees who may not be in a leadership position yet. It’s a win-win situation.”
Did you know?
Co-operative and experiential education provides valuable experience for tech-savvy Math students and employers like DigitalEd. The recent investment made by the Government of Canada through the Student Work Placement Program has made hiring co-op students even easier as employers can receive up to $7,000 per student in wage subsidies.
