Instructure - INST STOCK NEWS

Instructure and UPCEA released a survey on AI adoption and credentialing in higher education. Key findings include:

• 49% of institutions don't use AI-driven tools, while 31% do
• Among AI users, 52% use predictive analytics and AI-driven feedback systems
• Top challenges: academic integrity (71%), data privacy (57%), insufficient training (52%)
• Only 3% of institutions have implemented Comprehensive Learner Records (CLRs)
• Digital credentials are influenced by strategic goals (55%), student demand (52%), and employer demand (45%)

The survey highlights the potential of AI in improving student success but also reveals concerns about its implementation. Institutions are advised to invest in training and internal champions to effectively use AI-powered tools.

Instructure has released 'The Lifelong Learning Report: Trends & Insights from K-12 to Career', a comprehensive study analyzing the evolving landscape of education and technology's role in shaping the future of learning. The report surveyed over 1,000 educators and administrators, revealing key findings:

- LMS usage is nearly universal: 91% of K-12 teachers, 95% of higher education instructors, and 79% of professional learning respondents use an LMS to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

- Generative AI holds promise but raises concerns: 65% of respondents rate it as having high potential to improve teaching practices, but there are ethical considerations and a need for clear policies.

- Industry partnerships are important for providing real-world experiences and preparing learners for the workforce.

The report emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, adaptable pathways, and the need for institutions to embrace innovation and personalize learning experiences.

Instructure, creator of Canvas LMS, has announced a free integration of Microsoft Reflect into Canvas, enhancing mental wellness support for students and educators ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10. This integration aims to streamline social-emotional learning (SEL) in digital classrooms from K-12 to higher education.

Additionally, Instructure has launched a new Mental Wellness Hub within its Community, serving as a central resource for 2.25 million educators and learners. The hub offers best practices, professional development, and a forum for discussing mental health strategies in education.

This focus on mental health addresses a growing need in education, as recent research shows nearly 40% of students screened positive for moderate or severe depressive symptoms, while 68% of faculty felt overwhelmed. Instructure will spotlight these resources throughout October, featuring tips and podcasts to help educators effectively use these tools.

Instructure has launched the Education Policy Atlas, a comprehensive resource outlining federal, state, and funding guidelines for Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) evidence. This first-of-its-kind atlas is designed for K-12 districts, state education departments, and edtech companies, providing specific evidence requirements for each state. The atlas aims to simplify the complex process of navigating state funding requirements, which often vary across states.

Key points:

• 34 states encourage evidence-based programs, while 16 states require at least ESSA Level IV
• The atlas outlines minimum ESSA levels required for Title I Funds and school improvement funds
• It supports educational institutions in maximizing resources and identifying compliant solutions
• The tool can help edtech companies align their solutions with funding requirements, enhancing their market position

This initiative expands Instructure's commitment to evidence-based edtech management and aims to improve student learning outcomes across the country.

Instructure Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: INST), a leading learning ecosystem, has announced its acquisition by KKR for $4.8 billion. The all-cash transaction values Instructure at $23.60 per share, representing a 16% premium over its unaffected share price. KKR, with participation from Dragoneer Investment Group, will acquire all outstanding shares, including those owned by Thoma Bravo, Instructure's existing majority owner.

The current management team, led by CEO Steve Daly, will continue to lead the company. KKR plans to support Instructure's growth strategy, focusing on core markets and building the Instructure Learning Ecosystem. The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent. Upon completion, Instructure will become a privately held company and delist from the NYSE.

Instructure Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: INST) has announced its upcoming second quarter 2024 earnings release and conference call. The company will disclose its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, after the market closes on Thursday, August 1, 2024. A conference call to discuss the results is scheduled for the same day at 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time).

Participants can join the call by registering through a provided link or by dialing 1-888-596-4144 (U.S. and Canada) or 1-646-968-2525 (International) using conference code 6925245. A live audio webcast will be available on Instructure's investor relations website. A replay of the call will be accessible until August 8, 2024, via the website or by phone using the same conference code.

Instructure has introduced Intelligent Insights, an AI-driven analytics product designed for educational institutions. This product integrates with Canvas LMS through the new Analytics Hub, offering real-time, self-service reporting capabilities.

Key features include 'Ask Your Data,' a conversational AI for querying data, 'Students in Need of Attention' for proactive student monitoring, 'Course Readiness' for assessing course preparedness, and 'LTI Usage Reporting' for tracking third-party tool usage.

This initiative aims to enhance teaching efficiency and student success by automating historically manual tasks. Early adopters include institutions like San Diego State University, Oxford University, and Cornell University. Intelligent Insights is now available globally.

Instructure has announced significant AI-driven enhancements to its learning ecosystem at the InstructureCon 2024 conference. The updates include the integration of Khan Academy's Khanmigo Teacher Tools within Canvas, aimed at improving educator efficiency and student success. New AI features focus on AI-assisted content generation, holistic AI policy support, and data transparency with 'AI nutrition fact' labels. Instructure also launched the Intelligent Insights product, leveraging AI and analytics to aid educators in data-driven decision-making. Other notable updates include enhanced discussion summaries, real-time translation tools, and improved search functionalities within Canvas. These innovations aim to streamline teaching and learning, making AI a core component of educational workflows.

Instructure has announced the creation of the EdCo Partner Program at InstructureCon, designed to elevate teaching and learning excellence. This program supports partners focused on enhancing student success by connecting directly with educators and students within the Instructure Learning Ecosystem.

The EdCo Partner Program, part of the EdTech Collective, includes new categories like integration, evidence, strategic, and solution partners. New members joining the program include Salesforce, Grammarly, and Inspera, all integrating their technologies to improve educational experiences and outcomes.

The EdTech Collective, launched in 2021, now encompasses over 1,000 partners, offering unique tools to build solutions, drive adoption, and grow impact. Partners can earn badges and receive tailored support to address significant challenges such as high teacher turnover and low student test scores. Close to 65 partners will attend InstructureCon to connect with users and demonstrate solutions.