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ETEC 522 – Ventures in Learning Technologies
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  • W01: Emerging Markets
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    • Global Dynamics
    • Who is the Customer?
    • What is a Venture?
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    • W03: Analyst Bootcamp
    • A Game with Three Pitches
    • Deconstructing a Pitch
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    • W04: Entrepreneur Bootcamp
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  • W05-12: Opportunity Forecasts
    • W05: Personalized Learning
    • W06: Mobile Learning
    • W07: Game-Based Learning
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Cassy Weber

Cassy Weber

Hello ETEC 522, Winter 2018 term — 

I’m keen to be part of the Ventures in Learning Technologies community.  A little about my background and interests. Educational background includes Commerce (UBC), Science (Waterloo). Professional highlights include, working in for-profit high tech and innovation (particularly, start-ups in location-based/context aware mobile software/hardware) from the late 90s to 2011. Since 2011, I’ve been CEO of MindFuel (technology-based K-12 STEM education, non-profit and registered charity).    

My current areas of education focus/interest/research include:  personalisable learning environments (physics in particular), gamification in object-based learning, and blended learning in virtual classrooms as a means to improve student engagement. One of MindFuel’s signature products is Wonderville.org, happy to share it reached 1003 communities across Canada and 170 countries during the last year. Check out the activity board – Science Happens Here which shows the real time usage of wonderville.org.   Another one of MindFuel’s programs is geekStarter.

I look forward to our ETEC 522 collaborations and communities of sharing and learning as we move through Emerging Markets, Market Projections, Pitch Pool, Founders Parade, Opportunity Forecast, and Venture Forum.

Happy ETEC 522 trails…

Cassy Weber

 

 

submission date for A4

By Cassy Weber on April 2, 2018

Hi David, can you clarify to students in this 522 forum, when A4 is to be submitted, noting the assignment instructions indicate, on or before last day of class.  Is last day of class Thursday this week? With thanks, Cassy Weber

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Wonderville.org, where teachers teach and earn, while students learn.

Wonderville.org, where teachers teach and earn, while students learn.

By Cassy Weber on March 25, 2018

Hello ETEC 522 — I’m delighted to introduce my venture pitch, entitled:  Wonderville.org, where teachers teach and earn, while students learn.  I debated what format to choose, started with Prezi, then video, then reverted back to the standard pitch deck using a narrated PowerPoint, now on YouTube.  The pitch details an ask of $2.5M in […]

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Analysis of STEMscopes in context of market peers BrainPOP and Discovery Education

Analysis of STEMscopes in context of market peers BrainPOP and Discovery Education

By Cassy Weber on February 10, 2018

Welcome to my analysis of STEMscopes, conducted to inform an investment decision. I conducted my analysis of STEMscopes using peers BrainPOP and Discovery Education, also players within the broad online learning and engagement platform market segments.  Please visit my website, for a full analysis, here. REFLECTIONS: Interestingly, I approached this project, in character as an analyst, […]

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Good morning to all ETEC 522 — A2

By Cassy Weber on February 3, 2018

Good morning — Brian and my A2 weeklong launch winds up tomorrow, when we’ll aggregate your insights into our final OER inputs.  If you haven’t visited the GBL International site, please do so today if possible as the next OER is on deck tomorrow.  We’ll look forward to your insights into this Opportunity Forecast — […]

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GBL International A2

By Cassy Weber on January 31, 2018

Good morning ETEC 522 — thanks Jessica and Robert for visiting the GBL International site, and a shout out to everyone to make sure you register your comments/insights into the padlets on the various pages (signing with your name if you don’t already have a padlet account).  Brian will be aggregating these throughout the week. […]

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Sebastian Thrun, Udacity

Sebastian Thrun, Udacity

By Cassy Weber on January 28, 2018

Sebastian Thrun, FOUNDER, PRESIDENT of Udacity About Udacity: Udacity is where lifelong learners come to learn the skills they need, to land the jobs they want, to build the lives they deserve.  Udacity’s mission is to democratize education through the offering of world-class higher education opportunities that are accessible, flexible, and economical. Virtually anyone on […]

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Game-based Learning International’s (GBLI) Market Opportunity Forecasts

By Cassy Weber on January 27, 2018

Welcome!  With unprecedented growth over the next five years expected in Game-based Learning, this market opportunity summary, presented by Game-based Learning International, Inc. (GBLI), provides insights into what is driving growth and what particular segments will be the major catalysts.  Co-founders, CEO Brian Haas and Chief Creative Designer Cassy Weber, provide compelling insights into the […]

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InfiniTeach

By Cassy Weber on January 21, 2018

InfiniTeach Elevator Pitch Infiniteach is revolutionizing the educational landscape for individuals with autism. We are developing innovative autism resources to help parents, teachers, and therapists teach new skills to their children and students. Our first product, a comprehensive and customizable curriculum app, will be available in early 2014. Visit www.infiniteach.com for more info!  

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Overview of the Student Engagement Platform (SEP) Opportunity

Overview of the Student Engagement Platform (SEP) Opportunity

By Cassy Weber on January 12, 2018

  Student Engagement Platforms are of significant interest to me professionally, since I along with a talented team of people have been building one for several years now in response to teachers and students ongoing pilot feedback.  So, what is a student engagement platform?  Some call it a Personalised Learning System (PLS) or a Performance […]

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What is being “sold” is not technology, it is the education of future generations.

By Cassy Weber on January 11, 2018

“Investors are incessant in their hunt for the next emerging market. The investment du jour? Edtech.” – Patrick Brothers, CEO and Navitas Ventures, Contributor to TechCrunch “Ed Tech market”.  My efforts to synthesize Brother’s column (“things in ED TECH to look out for”, with Robyn Shulman’s FORBES post, and CBINSIGHTS MARKET MAP) is outlined as […]

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Global EdTech Investments And Outlook: 10 EdTech Companies You Should Know About

By Cassy Weber on January 11, 2018

FORBES investments summarizes the ‘hot’ market-darlings of the ED TECH landscape, but more importantly, highlights the mega interest in the ED TECH space.  First, note, the quote, “Edtech is the Next Fintech.”  This statement is significant, as follows: Finnish technology was at the forefront of telecoms network innovation in the 1990s.  Finnish technology moved rudimentary […]

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The Ed Tech Market Map: 90+ Startups Building The Future Of Education

By Cassy Weber on January 11, 2018

Below is a Market Map summary of the online ED TECH landscape. I’ve selected CBINSIGHTS, a highly reputable analytic group, which released the ED TECH MARKET MAP in June of 2017.  I think of particular interest is the following: All market segments pertain to online ED TECH. 14 market segments are identified. Below the MARKET […]

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update: Posting issue in Emerging Markets — Proximity-based learning thread

By Cassy Weber on January 7, 2018

I cannot get my ‘comments post’ in Proximity-Based Learning to register in the comments column– i.e. does not show on the main Emerging Technologies page as having a comment.  I’ve posted the same comments here twice, still nothing (see https://virtual.educ.ubc.ca/wp/etec522/2017/12/25/proximity-based-learning-2/).  Yet my two other comments posts — one in RWL and one in Personalised Learning are […]

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Greetings from Calgary/Canmore(Banff)

By Cassy Weber on January 3, 2018

Hello ETEC 522, Winter 2018 community! I’m delighted to be in Ventures in Learning Technologies. This is my second course in my first year in the MET program. I took 511 last term, and in addition to 522 this term, am also taking 510. I’m an alumni of UBC (B.Comm – 1993) and University of […]

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2 Apr Posted on A Student’s Guide to Tips, Tricks, & Enjoyment of ETEC Courses

Dana, Jessica, Zain -- this is fantastic! This project, I'm certain will live on. Great idea and great execution!

2 Apr
1 Thumbs Up!
Cassy Weber @cassyw

Dana, Jessica, Zain -- this is fantastic! This project, I'm certain will live on. Great idea and great execution!

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31 Mar Posted on Hi Casey, I’d be doing a cartwheel after…

Stephen, thanks for your comment, and I appreciate your feedback re: uniqueness of offering. Also, appreciate the question you pose regarding how teachers will earn back. Regarding payback, you’ve identified a key issue specific to transaction fees (which we incur using Stripe). The thoughts around TeacherPayBack include both cashback and tokens. Question for you: How straight forward is it to use TeacherPayTeacher? Also, remember to assign a star rating. My dashboard shows only 3 have participated! thanks,

31 Mar
0 Thumbs Up!
Cassy Weber @cassyw

Stephen, thanks for your comment, and I appreciate your feedback re: uniqueness of offering. Also, appreciate the question you pose regarding how teachers will earn back. Regarding payback, you’ve identified a key issue specific to transaction fees (which we incur using Stripe). The thoughts around TeacherPayBack include both cashback and tokens. Question for you: How straight forward is it to use TeacherPayTeacher? Also, remember to assign a star rating. My dashboard shows only 3 have participated! thanks,

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29 Mar Posted on Arutan

Hi Jess. Sigh -- just watching your video has given me a highly restorative zen moment! I love anything that gets kids outside and into nature. This is so critical for so many reasons that I know we all know. I like that you have a crisp definition of the problem and solution, and also that you've thought through your monetization with a B2C pricing model for trials/promotions/conversion. I like that you've put your own 'skin in the game' with your personal investment of $23,000 (that means you believe in the product and potential). Your ask of $88,000 is quite reasonable just in terms of total dollars. What I'd like more information on is the competition and differentiators as I know many LBS game makers have nature oriented offerings incorporating GPS/AR/VR. Also, have no doubt that the market size is huge. Insight into your use of proceeds and team, and how this team is going to get the product to market and monetized. I think you're on to something here and with some more information, you will likely succeed in your efforts to raise capital.

29 Mar
1 Thumbs Up!
Cassy Weber @cassyw

Hi Jess. Sigh -- just watching your video has given me a highly restorative zen moment! I love anything that gets kids outside and into nature. This is so critical for so many reasons that I know we all know. I like that you have a crisp definition of the problem and solution, and also that you've thought through your monetization with a B2C pricing model for trials/promotions/conversion. I like that you've put your own 'skin in the game' with your personal investment of $23,000 (that means you believe in the product and potential). Your ask of $88,000 is quite reasonable just in terms of total dollars. What I'd like more information on is the competition and differentiators as I know many LBS game makers have nature oriented offerings incorporating GPS/AR/VR. Also, have no doubt that the market size is huge. Insight into your use of proceeds and team, and how this team is going to get the product to market and monetized. I think you're on to something here and with some more information, you will likely succeed in your efforts to raise capital.

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29 Mar Posted on I Love Reading

Hi Kat, reading and literacy are so important and top of mind for educators, teachers and parents alike! You have identified a problem and solution, outlined your team and provided some insight into competition. What would get my full attention is a breakdown of budget allocation/use of proceeds on the the $1M ask. In addition, listing competitors is a good start, but since I know the market is hot, and will be highly competitive, I'm wondering how I Love Reading will differentiate itself and specifically what are the competitive strengths that can be translated into barriers to entry. With thanks,

29 Mar
2 Thumbs Up!
Cassy Weber @cassyw

Hi Kat, reading and literacy are so important and top of mind for educators, teachers and parents alike! You have identified a problem and solution, outlined your team and provided some insight into competition. What would get my full attention is a breakdown of budget allocation/use of proceeds on the the $1M ask. In addition, listing competitors is a good start, but since I know the market is hot, and will be highly competitive, I'm wondering how I Love Reading will differentiate itself and specifically what are the competitive strengths that can be translated into barriers to entry. With thanks,

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29 Mar Posted on EduStream360 – Venture pitch for 360˚ live stream educational video service

Jonathan, I really like the premise of your venture, and think there is significant market potential here. Edustream has the potential to incorporate many of the key elements of a 21st century classroom, and I think teachers/students would welcome this innovation into the classroom with open arms. Your problem statement is clear, and the solution is well grounded. You've created an easy to navigate website, that is visually compelling from a branding perspective. Some areas where I need more information include getting a more solid grasp of what you have identified as your target market, financials with detailed use of proceeds, and also note that the messaging can be tightened up (ie.too many words). I'm a word lover but I've learned that you must be ruthless when it comes to word reduction, cut, cut, cut and simplify. Overall, I quite enjoyed learning about your venture opportunity. with thanks!

29 Mar
0 Thumbs Up!
Cassy Weber @cassyw

Jonathan, I really like the premise of your venture, and think there is significant market potential here. Edustream has the potential to incorporate many of the key elements of a 21st century classroom, and I think teachers/students would welcome this innovation into the classroom with open arms. Your problem statement is clear, and the solution is well grounded. You've created an easy to navigate website, that is visually compelling from a branding perspective. Some areas where I need more information include getting a more solid grasp of what you have identified as your target market, financials with detailed use of proceeds, and also note that the messaging can be tightened up (ie.too many words). I'm a word lover but I've learned that you must be ruthless when it comes to word reduction, cut, cut, cut and simplify. Overall, I quite enjoyed learning about your venture opportunity. with thanks!

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27 Mar Posted on Hi Brian, you should create a venture pi…

WOW -- I'm reposting -- it was midnight or later when I posted and I see lots of typos.... here's my repost: Hi Brian, you should create a venture pitch on how to 'bottle and sell' your energy! I really enjoyed the elevator pitch and venture picture in terms of use of media and combining real time camera with narrated images. I think the format is very creative. The positives include your succinct assessment of how to evolve an existing market segment, by leveraging a massive and existing user base. You address the problem very clearly (education + games (but games that kids actually like)) and present a compelling statement of 'what should be done' to incentivize sharing. You also generate a new system of rewards -- STEAM points for sharing. This is great. But, here's the but .... I was excitedly anticipating an ask for investment $$ to spin off a joint venture or mega industry alliance, strategic partnership etc, and then... no ask for capital, but rather ask for sharing the story, which falls more into the camp of a marketing plan. I think if you rethought the ending, i.e. the ask, then you'd hit a home-run -- raise capital to set up a J.V.. With thanks.

27 Mar
1 Thumbs Up!
Cassy Weber @cassyw

WOW -- I'm reposting -- it was midnight or later when I posted and I see lots of typos.... here's my repost: Hi Brian, you should create a venture pitch on how to 'bottle and sell' your energy! I really enjoyed the elevator pitch and venture picture in terms of use of media and combining real time camera with narrated images. I think the format is very creative. The positives include your succinct assessment of how to evolve an existing market segment, by leveraging a massive and existing user base. You address the problem very clearly (education + games (but games that kids actually like)) and present a compelling statement of 'what should be done' to incentivize sharing. You also generate a new system of rewards -- STEAM points for sharing. This is great. But, here's the but .... I was excitedly anticipating an ask for investment $$ to spin off a joint venture or mega industry alliance, strategic partnership etc, and then... no ask for capital, but rather ask for sharing the story, which falls more into the camp of a marketing plan. I think if you rethought the ending, i.e. the ask, then you'd hit a home-run -- raise capital to set up a J.V.. With thanks.

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27 Mar Posted on Hi Scott. Where can I sign up!! (as inve…

supposed to be why, what, how.... not why, why, how.... : )

27 Mar
0 Thumbs Up!
Cassy Weber @cassyw

supposed to be why, what, how.... not why, why, how.... : )

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27 Mar Posted on REVIEW: I wish I had watched your ventur…

Scott -- thanks for your positive feedback and improvement insights. I just listed in my reply to Robert that yes I'm a numbers, details person so love the fact that you appreciate this. And yes, here is URL/link. (www.wonderville.org. and visit real time activity board showing real time usage of wonderville.org at http://www.sciencehappenshere.com). Re: elevator pitch -- thanks for the insights. It's an ongoing initiative which I've found in every company I've been in -- the pitch is tweaked, revised, overhauled and takes a long time to nail it. I'm still working on it. With thanks for your insights and feedback.

27 Mar
0 Thumbs Up!
Cassy Weber @cassyw

Scott -- thanks for your positive feedback and improvement insights. I just listed in my reply to Robert that yes I'm a numbers, details person so love the fact that you appreciate this. And yes, here is URL/link. (www.wonderville.org. and visit real time activity board showing real time usage of wonderville.org at http://www.sciencehappenshere.com). Re: elevator pitch -- thanks for the insights. It's an ongoing initiative which I've found in every company I've been in -- the pitch is tweaked, revised, overhauled and takes a long time to nail it. I'm still working on it. With thanks for your insights and feedback.

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27 Mar Posted on Wow, this was so great! Love the numbers…

Hi Robert -- thanks for your positive feedback and insights. I'm a numbers person! And thanks for sharing your preference regarding wanting to know earlier on what the ROI is. Also, I'm not sure what you mean re: pieces of pie? Do you mean equity stake? This particular venture pitch is for debt-based financing so ROI is interest on principal. In this case estimated to be a couple points above prime (typical for social impact investments). Anyway, let me know what your mean re: pie, and I'll be happy to further clarify. With thanks for your insights and feedback.

27 Mar
0 Thumbs Up!
Cassy Weber @cassyw

Hi Robert -- thanks for your positive feedback and insights. I'm a numbers person! And thanks for sharing your preference regarding wanting to know earlier on what the ROI is. Also, I'm not sure what you mean re: pieces of pie? Do you mean equity stake? This particular venture pitch is for debt-based financing so ROI is interest on principal. In this case estimated to be a couple points above prime (typical for social impact investments). Anyway, let me know what your mean re: pie, and I'll be happy to further clarify. With thanks for your insights and feedback.

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27 Mar Posted on Step by Step

Hi Scott. Where can I sign up!! (as investor, that is). You've outlined a compelling value proposition in Step-by-Step with well articulated problem and solution identification. Also, provided a product demo. And, you've outlined the team and skills/talent mix and fit, given thought and explanation to the competitive landscape, pricing and path to profit. This is not your first rodeo!! I liked the information and flow, and have a clear understanding of the venture. Though, I would like to have more information beyond just the competitors, and specifically, more detail into Step-by-Step's differentiators. Anytime Google is in the same space, the plan has to consider what an exit might look like (with Google, for instance), otherwise the venture is at risk of becoming irrelevant. However, given that one of the team members is from Google, I suspect these points have been discussed. You identify the why, why, how. The only negative I see is the executive summary style of presentation versus succinct presentation of critical points, bulleted where necessary. This could be a stylistic thing but I know from experience, for instance at Banff Venture Forum, they are ruthless with keeping time on the clock, and if you exceed the time limit (10 mins), too bad, so sad! You are abruptly called off the presentation forum. In any case, this isn't BVF, and I like this opportunity! With thanks.

27 Mar
1 Thumbs Up!
Cassy Weber @cassyw

Hi Scott. Where can I sign up!! (as investor, that is). You've outlined a compelling value proposition in Step-by-Step with well articulated problem and solution identification. Also, provided a product demo. And, you've outlined the team and skills/talent mix and fit, given thought and explanation to the competitive landscape, pricing and path to profit. This is not your first rodeo!! I liked the information and flow, and have a clear understanding of the venture. Though, I would like to have more information beyond just the competitors, and specifically, more detail into Step-by-Step's differentiators. Anytime Google is in the same space, the plan has to consider what an exit might look like (with Google, for instance), otherwise the venture is at risk of becoming irrelevant. However, given that one of the team members is from Google, I suspect these points have been discussed. You identify the why, why, how. The only negative I see is the executive summary style of presentation versus succinct presentation of critical points, bulleted where necessary. This could be a stylistic thing but I know from experience, for instance at Banff Venture Forum, they are ruthless with keeping time on the clock, and if you exceed the time limit (10 mins), too bad, so sad! You are abruptly called off the presentation forum. In any case, this isn't BVF, and I like this opportunity! With thanks.

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