2024-04-18 12:00
November 5, 2024. It’s when millions of Americans will flock to polling stations to vote for the country’s next president. As many instructors know, leading meaningful conversati… Read More
Blog Directory > Education Blogs > Higher Education Blogs > Top Hat Blog - higher-education Blog >
Top Hat Blog - Blog
blog.tophat.com
Tags:
student
hat interactive etext
class threads
student engagement solutions
aipowered lecture enhancer
class
assignment
sociological
shannenacircs dream scholarship
book
The Modern Educator is a one-stop blog for everything higher education in the 21st century from edtech tools to discussions on technology in the classroom!
2024-04-16 14:00
TORONTO – April 16, 2024 – Top Hat, the leader in student engagement solutions for higher education, is delighted to announce the University of Oklahoma has signed an enterprise… Read More
2024-04-12 17:59
Pencils down! Congratulations on completing yet another academic year. We hope your summer is filled with less grading, fewer emails and more time for yourself. If you’re looking for i… Read More
2024-03-26 12:00
If we put a quarter in a jar every time we heard the term ‘ChatGPT’ used in the last year, we’d be pretty rich. We suspect you would be, too. But as Dr. Derek Bruff—a… Read More
2024-03-21 14:00
TORONTO – March 21, 2024 – Top Hat, the leader in student engagement solutions for higher education, has announced new enhancements to Ace, a groundbreaking AI-powered assistant… Read More
2024-03-13 17:09
This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:
Password:
The post Protected: Top Hat Appoints New CEO, COO, and Board Director appeared first on Top Hat… Read More
2024-03-12 13:24
Building foundational knowledge is essential in introductory sociology courses. But how do you invite students to actually ‘do’ sociology? At our virtual event, Dr. Mellisa Holtz… Read More
2024-02-05 14:00
Eighty percent of university students don’t read their assigned textbook chapters before class.1 The majority of students grew up with interactive content at their disposal. So it&rsqu&hell…Read More
2024-01-31 13:00
Students have made it clear: they want to engage with course material on their own time, in their own way.1 And just as important, they value informal opportunities to exchange ideas with th… Read More
2024-01-29 14:00
The scholarships provide financial assistance to help First Nations youth realize their dreams of pursuing a college or university degree.
TORONTO – January 29, 2024 – Top Hat… Read More
2023-12-11 13:00
Congratulations! Another year is almost in the books. At Top Hat, we applaud your commitment to personalized, meaningful teaching. That’s why we’re excited to unveil this year&rs&hell…Read More
2023-11-16 17:57
In fall 2023, 49 percent of students reported using Generative AI during their learning experience.1 That figure is only expected to balloon. So how do you meaningfully incorporate AI into y… Read More
2023-11-14 20:11
The rise of generative AI has drawn significant attention, and like many instructors, we’ve been considering its potential impact on the future of education. Will AI dismantle learning… Read More
2023-10-30 19:49
Reimagining equitable learning experiences through a human-centered application of AI
TORONTO — November 1, 2023 — Top Hat, the leader in student engagement solutions for high… Read More
2023-09-26 16:01
The journey through higher education is a transformative experience because it equips students with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to pursue their dreams. In today’s dynamic and… Read More
2023-09-12 11:58
Higher education is a realm of passion and intellect, where both students and professors embark on a journey of knowledge and growth. However, this pursuit of excellence often comes at the e… Read More
2023-08-22 13:00
TORONTO – August 22, 2023 – Top Hat, the market leader in student engagement solutions for higher education, is delighted to announce the appointment of Curtis Tripoli to it… Read More
2023-07-26 17:25
How do you plan on ensuring that all students feel seen and heard in your course? While it might seem like a loaded question, a great place to start is by examining your required reading lis… Read More
2023-07-18 12:02
Every new semester brings a new set of teaching challenges. Spring 2023 was no different. When faculty combine powerful technology like Top Hat with their own efforts to advance equity and e… Read More
2023-07-17 15:19
The emergence of artificial intelligence has spurred anxiety and interest among university leaders, instructors, and students. The conversation in the spring largely had to do with AI’… Read More
2023-07-06 12:00
Here at Top Hat, the principles of equitable and accessible education are rooted in our founding mission and come to life in the way we empower educators and institutions to support student… Read More
![What STEM Student Success Looks Like Today [VIDEO]](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/3064/306426-2676914024.w320.jpg "What STEM Student Success Looks Like Today [VIDEO]")
2023-07-05 12:00
Research shows that there’s a narrow funnel to success in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. But as today’s faculty reveal, these trends unfortunately aren… Read More
2023-06-30 20:23
Facilitating engaging and meaningful classroom discussions is a fundamental aspect of higher education teaching. Class discussions provide a valuable opportunity for students to actively par… Read More
![6 STEM Faculty On The Learning Experience They Wish They Had [VIDEO]](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/3064/306426-1450662198.w320.jpg "6 STEM Faculty On The Learning Experience They Wish They Had [VIDEO]")
2023-06-27 12:23
Whether we want to admit it or not, higher institutions are facing a growing gap when it comes to preparedness and achievement. The headlines coming out paint a particularly grim picture of… Read More
2023-06-26 19:48
Chemistry plays a crucial role in our daily lives, from the food we eat to the materials we use. However, like any complex field of study, there are common misconceptions that can hinder stu… Read More
2023-06-13 16:12
STEM is an interdisciplinary approach to education that emphasizes the integration of science, technology, education and math. STEM education aims to equip students with the skills and knowl… Read More
2023-05-25 14:45
Academic leadership refers to the ability of individuals within academic institutions to inspire and guide students, faculty members, and staff toward a common vision of academic excellence… Read More
2023-05-19 18:00
Slower mornings. No grading to be done. Fewer student emails. You’re not dreaming—the spring 2023 semester has come to a close. We hope you can take the next few months to rejuve… Read More
2023-05-11 17:24
Ninety-eight percent of Americans believe that a good instructor can change a student’s life. As we close out the academic year, we’re celebrating faculty who have gone the extra… Read More
2023-05-02 13:18
Re-reading notes. Highlighting chapters. Cramming material the day before an exam. There’s a good chance your students use one of, if not all, of these techniques. One of the reasons b… Read More
2023-04-27 18:25
Classroom management refers to the set of strategies and techniques that teachers use to create and maintain an environment conducive to learning. While often associated with K-12 education… Read More
![Why Scaffolding Is Essential In The Chemistry Classroom [+ Planner]](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/3064/306426-693831883.w320.jpg "Why Scaffolding Is Essential In The Chemistry Classroom [+ Planner]")
2023-04-21 15:36
What do Bloom’s Taxonomy and baseball have in common? Just like baseball, students need constant practice and feedback in order to hone their skills and build their confidence in advan… Read More
2023-04-17 20:00
There’s no doubt that your lectures are packed with valuable information. But how much of your material will stick with students in the long run? Neuroscience can help us answer this q… Read More
2023-04-12 15:43
It may sound obvious: effective teaching strategies are critical for success in higher education. While subject knowledge is certainly important, it’s only one piece of the puzzle when… Read More
2023-04-06 12:02
Congratulations! As you close out this academic year, we hope you can look back at the past two semesters with immense pride. Between grading, teaching, researching and personal commitments… Read More
2023-04-04 13:00
Step into a dozen classes on any university campus and you are likely to see practices that cut against everything we know about high-quality teaching and learning: Hour-long lectures with a… Read More
2023-04-03 13:02
Course design is a critical component of higher education, as it ensures courses are structured and organized in a way that facilitates student learning and success. Course design involves p… Read More
2023-03-27 19:11
“Ungrading.” For Jesse Stommel—professor and co-author of An Urgency of Teachers—the practice itself doesn’t mean abandoning grades and structure altogether. In… Read More
2023-03-16 20:59
In the few breathless months since launching, ChatGPT has been called “a plague on higher education” and a “superspreader event” no less dangerous than COVID, albeit… Read More
2023-03-15 04:56
It’s no secret: burnout is causing professors to leave academia in droves. According to Forbes, more than half a million teachers in the U.S. have left higher ed since the beginning of… Read More
2023-03-10 14:30
It’s our responsibility to empower the next generation of student leaders. How? By giving them the tools to address the most pervasive social issues in our world today. When we host me… Read More
2023-03-07 18:34
We are what we think we are. Students may tell themselves that they’re not good at math or writing. Or more damaging, that they’re just not as smart as others. The feeling of ina… Read More
2023-02-24 14:00
The headlines coming out of higher education have made it clear: student disengagement is on the rise. So how exactly do you ensure every one of your students is tuned in and adequately able… Read More
2023-02-21 13:00
Without realizing it, your current course structure may unintentionally exclude certain students. Think about those without a partner when classmates are asked to pair up. Or perhaps those w… Read More
2023-02-17 14:25
Every time midterm season arrives, the pressure begins to rise. One small issue? Educators can get so caught up in maintaining rigor and high standards that the academic and social-emotional… Read More
2023-01-27 13:48
When NYU declined to renew the teaching contract of respected and experienced Organic Chemistry professor Maitland Jones Jr., it was national news. And the circumstances surrounding and lead… Read More
2023-01-16 17:04
The myth that higher education is somehow averse to change is dead. At least it should be. The shift to remote and blended learning over the past few years provides ample evidence that facul… Read More
2023-01-09 14:00
Since at least the 1970’s, successive U.S. Presidents have identified science, technology, engineering and math education (STEM) as essential to American prosperity and security… Read More
2022-12-14 16:56
Congratulations! Whether you were adjusting your course delivery to better serve non-traditional students, finding more affordable learning solutions, or bridging the gap between your class… Read More
2022-12-09 13:12
Top Hat has entered into an agreement to acquire STEM education startup Aktiv Learning. Already in use by more than 700 institutions, Aktiv enables students to experience, interact with, and… Read More
2022-12-06 00:12
Communication. It’s one of our most powerful tools to solve ethical challenges, present diverse perspectives and improve the quality of human life and relationships. So it’s no s… Read More
2022-12-05 12:00
The addition significantly expands Top Hat’s reach and leadership as the modern course engagement platform for higher education.
TORONTO — December 5, 2022 — Top Hat, th… Read More
2022-11-23 16:38
A transformational leader of product and technology teams, Tomlinson’s deep knowledge of the education technology landscape will be indispensable in advancing Top Hat’s growth an… Read More
2022-11-16 19:23
Active learning isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a pedagogy proven to keep students motivated, boost test performance and improve course evaluation scores.1 And at a time where facult… Read More
2022-11-15 20:50
I’ve just returned from Top Hat’s annual Engage faculty conference on teaching and learning. I am, in a word, jazzed. The presentations I attended and my conversations with facul… Read More
2022-11-10 13:00
The academic year is well underway for university students across North America. Yet even at the best of times, higher education is overwhelming for many. And these are far from the bes… Read More
2022-11-08 16:35
Late nights cramming. Furiously highlighting textbook chapters. Rereading lecture notes for hours. Chances are, if your students are using one (or all) of these study techniques, they’… Read More
2022-10-14 13:00
Timmy Awards recognizes top organizations leveraging tech to make the world a better place
TORONTO – October 14, 2022 – Tech in Motion has named Top Hat, a leader in stud… Read More
2022-10-13 21:36
Professors who are teaching college chemistry to undergraduates face particular hurdles. Students, especially non-majors, often expect that the subject is dry and difficult. Many are there t… Read More
2022-10-12 12:00
TORONTO – October 12, 2022 – Top Hat, a market leader in student engagement solutions in higher education, is delighted to welcome Nicole Taylor to its Board of Directors. As an… Read More
2022-09-30 14:48
If I had a dollar for every student who asked me, “Do we really need to get the textbook?” I’d be writing this article in Bali. From a student’s perspective, textbook… Read More
2022-09-26 11:00
TORONTO — September 26, 2022 — Top Hat, the leading dynamic courseware platform for higher education, is delighted to announce it has been named to the Globe and Mail’s Top… Read More
2022-08-25 21:13
When your phone displays a low battery pop-up, or your gas light appears on your car dashboard, you know there’s not a lot left in the tank to keep things running. We’re quick to… Read More
2022-08-10 12:26
Burning the candle at both ends, social isolation beyond class and heightened mental health concerns are a reality that many students know all too well. Seventy-five (75) percent of students… Read More
2022-08-02 14:34
Here’s an inconvenient truth for you: University isn’t necessarily designed with every type of student in mind. Unable to focus = careless. Unable to complete readings = looking… Read More
2022-07-26 14:53
At Top Hat, we know that the future of higher ed is accessible, relevant, and engaging. That’s why we hosted hundreds of forward-thinking educators at Summer Camp—a two-day virtu… Read More
2022-07-05 20:34
The needs of students with learning differences have largely been overlooked in academia. Neurodivergent university students are less likely than their neurotypical peers to complete their d… Read More
2022-06-28 14:50
It’s normal for students to struggle in any course. But the reality is, not everyone may feel comfortable coming to your office hours to ask for help or seeking out support through pee… Read More
2022-06-24 16:52
Educators have long relied on high-stakes assessments to measure progress and provide feedback to students. But this often comes too little, too late. It also misses opportunities to help st… Read More
2022-06-16 17:00
Students may enroll in your course for a number of reasons. Some may need your course credit as a prerequisite to upper-year classes. Others may hold a genuine interest in your subject matte… Read More
2022-06-14 21:12
Higher education has historically dictated what students learn. Too often, this has meant that learners aren’t given the space to explore areas of interest or take on assignments that… Read More
2022-06-09 18:05
For Generation Z, student success looks drastically different than it did with previous generations. Workforce readiness has been a buzzword in higher ed over the last year—and rightfu… Read More
2022-06-03 15:35
The traditional assessment and feedback cycle was failing her students. It’s what prompted Jody Langdon, Professor of Exercise Science and Coaching at Georgia Southern University, to s… Read More
2022-05-31 12:26
Slower mornings. No grading to be done. Fewer student emails. You’re not dreaming—the Spring 2022 semester has come to a close. We hope you can take the next few months to rejoic… Read More
2022-05-25 17:03
In recent months, higher education has reported “stunning” levels of disengagement. Demian Hommel, Senior Instructor of Geography at Oregon State University, believes we need to… Read More
2022-05-25 11:00
The appointment of three executives adds new depth and experience to accelerate the growth of Top Hat’s dynamic courseware platform across North American colleges and universities
T… Read More
2022-05-18 12:52
Higher education should be a place where ideas (not people) are debated. For many, political polarization and correctness continue to have a dampening effect on students’ willingness t… Read More
2022-05-16 12:30
Top Hat was founded with the mission to make education better, for everyone. No catches, no asterisks, no compromises. Unfortunately, we know that many students, especially those who experie… Read More
2022-05-11 13:43
When it comes to learning, there’s value in helping students see the ‘forest for the trees.’ Making students aware of the learning process, the steps involved and the value… Read More
2022-04-12 16:05
Equity. It may now be a buzzword, but when it comes to supporting your student body, it can’t be an afterthought. It’s something that must be woven into the fabric of your course… Read More
2022-03-29 18:24
At Top Hat Engage in Austin, Dr. José Antonio Bowen, author of Teaching Naked, challenged faculty to embrace the role of a ‘cognitive coach’ in the classroom. This involve… Read More
![Backward Design Model: Lesson Plans And Examples [PLUS: Free Lesson Plan Template]](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/3064/306426-1359837154.w320.jpg "Backward Design Model: Lesson Plans And Examples [PLUS: Free Lesson Plan Template]")
2022-03-10 14:44
Begin at the end. It’s a novel concept, and just one of the 21st-century teaching practices that are modernizing how we think, prep and lecture. Educators like Jennifer Gonzales have c… Read More
2022-03-07 22:56
If you aren’t bringing your authentic self to the classroom, how do you expect students to? At Top Hat Engage Atlanta, Dr. Christopher Emdin, Tenured Professor of Education at the Univ… Read More
2022-03-07 18:27
Curiosity is the fuel for discovery and learning. It creates the space to explore different perspectives, develop empathy for others and a deeper appreciation of what we ourselves have yet t… Read More
2022-03-01 21:38
To say that professors were challenged over the past two years would be an understatement. Teaching modality shifts. New health and safety protocols. Engagement challenges with students spre… Read More
2022-02-25 21:56
Engagement. Equity. Effectiveness. These are the principles that Top Hat was built upon—no matter the course format, modality or discipline. To support you in making learning fun and e… Read More
2022-02-11 20:46
At the end of the Fall 2021 semester, we surveyed more than 2,000 students on their experiences using Top Hat. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing what they love most… Read More
2022-02-11 18:25
Educators today know all too well the challenges present in—and out of—the higher ed classroom. Social media distractions. Student unpreparedness. Material that becomes outdated… Read More
![Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Motivation: 10 Tips To Increase Motivation In Hybrid Classes [PLUS: Free Hybrid Teaching Toolkit]](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/3064/306426-351940312.w320.jpg "Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Motivation: 10 Tips To Increase Motivation In Hybrid Classes [PLUS: Free Hybrid Teaching Toolkit]")
2022-02-10 21:56
Education is evolving to allow for distance learning and hybrid formats alongside the traditional face-to-face model. Higher educators are challenged to adjust to different ways of teaching… Read More
2022-02-09 15:23
Hope Amid the Uncertainty
Hard-won lessons from remote teaching, along with growing concerns over student well-being and enrollment rates, have spurred faculty and institutions to emb… Read More
2022-02-01 19:17
Over the past decade, digital textbooks have become the norm in many college classrooms. That may sound like progress, but there’s an issue: Digital doesn’t mean dynamic. Many of… Read More
2022-02-01 17:20
Institutions are struggling to adapt to today’s diverse student body: according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, Hispanic and black students’ graduation rat… Read More
2022-01-27 20:49
An effective textbook is more than just well-written, easy-to-read and visually captivating. To appeal to today’s higher education students, a textbook must be more than a static conve… Read More
2022-01-18 21:17
Diagnostic assessment examples can help ground the concepts of diagnostic assessment in education. Plus, these examples can be an effective tool in gauging student progress and comprehension… Read More
2022-01-13 21:34
If you’re starting to think that 2022 is looking an awful lot like 2020, you’re not alone. Yet despite modality pivots and new COVID policies to grapple with, this year still off… Read More
2021-12-17 21:02
Many educators believe that learning should be challenging. But the wisest ones believe it can be fun, too! Certainly, adding an element of enjoyment to education increases student engagemen… Read More
2021-12-06 14:52
Generation Z are among the most diverse learners in history. So why is it that much of academia continues to overlook the voices of racialized and historically excluded groups? Dalton Higgin… Read More
2021-12-02 20:20
Today’s employers don’t just hire based on educational achievement. They’ve increasingly prioritized higher-order learning skills during the hiring process. To help student… Read More
2021-11-17 12:00
A proven leader with a track record of driving aggressive growth strategies, Leen most notably dedicated 14 years to helping build Pearson into a global leader in educational technology and… Read More
2021-11-17 10:51
Since the majority of students play video games at home, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that 70% of teachers saw an increase in student engagement when using educational video games… Read More
Subscribe to Top Hat Blog -
Get updates delivered right to your inbox!