Microsoft has launched its Reading Coach as a standalone app, part of the Reading Progress suite, to help students improve literacy using AI for personalized feedback on reading scores and pronunciation. The tool will be free for users with a Microsoft account and will flag frequently mispronounced words. Educators can integrate the program in classrooms through learning platforms, track student feedback, and generate content for lessons. Additionally, new features for Microsoft’s Teams for Education app will help educators tailor content for digital learning platforms using AI.
Clayful, a startup focused on providing mental health support to students, has raised $7 million in funding. The platform connects students aged eight to 18 with mental health experts within 60 seconds through instant messaging technology. Clayful aims to address the shortage of school counselors and ensure every student has access to support. The startup has already partnered with over 50 schools and offers its services for free to students. The funding will be used to expand the team and reach more schools and students.
Duolingo, the language learning app, is reportedly working on a music app that will teach basic concepts in music theory using popular songs and teachers. The app will likely be similar to Duolingo's language and math apps, which focus on building blocks instead of specific mastery. Duolingo has expanded beyond language learning into several auxiliary projects, including the Duolingo English Test and Duolingo ABC. The company's revenue nearly doubled in 2022, and it has more than doubled its paid subscriber base. It is unclear how the music app will materialize or what specific skills it will teach.
