Artificial Intelligence
Udemy Reports First Quarter 2022 Results
SAN FRANCISCO, May 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Udemy (Nasdaq: UDMY), a leading destination for learning and teaching online, today reported results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2022.
“One of our core values at Udemy is to be both mission-inspired and results-obsessed. This quarter’s performance proves we can be both, with revenue exceeding expectations on the back of strong Udemy Business growth,” said Gregg Coccari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Udemy. “Within our strong, symbiotic business model, the continued health of Udemy’s consumer marketplace fuels the growth of Udemy Business with the broadest and most relevant skill-building content in what is a very large and under-penetrated market. We’re just getting started, and I’m excited for the opportunity ahead.”
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Key Operating Data:
- Revenue totaled $152.2 million, up 22% year over year.
- GAAP net loss was $(25.6) million compared to $(18.0) million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. GAAP net loss per share was $(0.18), compared to $(0.50) in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
- Non-GAAP net loss was $(11.2) million compared to $(7.5) million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Non-GAAP net loss per share was $(0.08) compared to $(0.21) in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
- GAAP gross profit was $85.8 million, compared to $66.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
- Non-GAAP gross profit was $87.3 million, compared to $66.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
- Adjusted EBITDA was $(7.0) million, compared to $(2.9) million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
- Udemy Business revenue totaled $64.9 million, up 77% year over year.
- Udemy Business segment gross profit was $42.7 million compared to $23.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
- Udemy Business segment annual recurring revenue was $279.6 million, up 80% year over year.
- Udemy Business total customers was 11,605 as of March 31, 2022, up 49% year over year.
- Udemy Business net dollar retention rate of 120%.
- Consumer revenue totaled $87.3 million, down 1% year over year.
- Consumer segment gross profit was $47.5 million compared to $45.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
- Consumer segment monthly average buyers was 1,383 thousand, down 2% year over year.
First Quarter Highlights:
- In the first full quarter of selling Udemy Business in South Korea, generated nearly $500K in ARR through partner, Woongjin ThinkBig, and closed first Udemy Business deals in the People’s Republic of China through partner, Sanjieke.
- Added new Udemy Business customers across key verticals, including Baptist Health System, Inc., Crocs, Inc., Medici, and Volta Trucks Ltd.
- Udemy Business customer expansions included Abu Dhabi Port, Grupo Falabella, Gympass USA LLC, Indeed, Inc., Klarna AB, and Picsart, Inc. Also expanded work with one of the U.S. military’s branches, and now support several branches with their learning programs.
- Launched three new assessments and 19 new labs within Udemy Business Pro, as well as our Learning Paths API that allows learners to bring their curated Udemy Business and Udemy Business Pro Learning Paths directly into their LMS or internal sites.
- Built proprietary skills graphs that match courses and skills to professional aspirations on the Udemy Business platform, fueled skills graphs with sophisticated machine learning and artificial intelligence models that personalize learning experiences, and launched career guides within the consumer subscription offering.
- Expanded relationship with Randstad N.V., the world’s largest provider of flexible work and human resources services. Since 2019, Randstad has used Udemy Business to increase talent mobility across their client base, and has since doubled the number of Udemy licenses they use to support their efforts.
- Partnered with First National Bank, one of South Africa’s largest banks that serves over nine million customers. Through this multi-million dollar partnership agreement, their customers now have access to hundreds of global courses from Udemy.
- Certified™ as a Great Place to Work® in the United States, citing company’s strong culture and high employee engagement.
- Ranked fifth on Great Place to Work’s list of Best Mid-sized Workplaces in Ireland. Udemy Dublin office recognized as 2022 Best Workplace for Women, citing gender equity in policies, benefits and culture.
2022 Financial Outlook
Udemy provides guidance based on current market conditions and expectations; actual results may differ materially. Please refer to the comments below regarding forward-looking statements.
The table below reflects Udemy’s financial outlook for its second quarter ending June 30, 2022 and fiscal year ending December 31, 2022:
Q2’22 | FY22 | |
Revenue | $147.00 – $151.0 million | $610.0 – $640.0 million |
Adjusted EBITDA Margin | (15)% – (12)% | (12)% – (10)% |
Weighted Average Share Count | 140 million | 142 million |
Webcast Information
Udemy will host a webcast at 2:00 pm Pacific Time on Wednesday, May 4th, to discuss its first quarter 2022 financial results, as well as its 2022 outlook. The live webcast will be accessible on Udemy’s website at investors.udemy.com. A webcast replay will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live event.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the condensed consolidated financial statements prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), Udemy’s key non-GAAP performance measures include Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and non-GAAP income. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net loss (income) determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding by i) interest expense (income), net; ii) provision for (benefit from) income taxes; iii) depreciation and amortization; iv) other expense (income), net, including gains and losses from the remeasurement of foreign currency assets and liabilities into their functional currency and v) non-cash stock-based compensation expense. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue for the same period. We have not reconciled our expectations for Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to net loss and net loss margin, respectively, the most directly comparable GAAP measures, because certain items are out of our control or cannot be reasonably predicted and a reconciliation for the guidance for Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin is not available without unreasonable effort. As Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin facilitates internal comparisons of our historical operating performance on a more consistent basis, we use this measure for business planning purposes. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management team and board of directors. In addition, it provides a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our business, as it removes the effect of certain non-cash expenses and certain variable charges. We define non-GAAP income as net loss attributable to common stockholders, adjusted to exclude non-cash stock-based compensation expense and the amortization of acquired intangible assets. We believe the presentation of operating results that excludes these non-cash items provides useful supplemental information to investors and facilitates the analysis of our operating results and comparison of operating results across reporting periods. Udemy’s non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. Because of the limitations of non-GAAP financial measures, you should consider the non-GAAP financial measures presented herein in conjunction with Udemy’s financial statements and the related notes thereto. Please refer to the non-GAAP reconciliations in this press release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Udemy’s expectations relating to future operating results and financial position, including the first quarter of 2022, the full year 2022, and future periods, anticipated future expenses and investments, our business strategy and plans, market growth, our market position and potential market opportunities, and the impact of acquisitions and business alliances. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance.
The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted include, among others, those risks and uncertainties included under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, without limitation, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on March 25, 2021. All information provided in this release is as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty to update this information unless required by law.
About Udemy
Udemy (Nasdaq: UDMY) provides flexible, effective skill development to empower organizations and individuals. The Udemy marketplace platform, with thousands of up-to-date courses in dozens of languages, offers the tools learners, instructors, and enterprises need to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Millions of people learn on Udemy from real-world experts in topics ranging from programming and data science to leadership and team building. Udemy Business offers corporate customers an employee training and development platform with subscription access to thousands of courses, learning analytics, and the ability to host and distribute their own content. Udemy Business customers include Fender Instruments, Glassdoor, GoFundMe, On24, The World Bank, and Volkswagen. Udemy is headquartered in San Francisco with hubs in Ankara, Turkey; Austin, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; Mountain View, California; Denver, Colorado; Dublin, Ireland; Melbourne, Australia; New Delhi, India; and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Udemy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2022 | 2021 | ||||||
Revenue | $ | 152,223 | $ | 124,550 | |||
Cost of revenue (1)(2) | 66,438 | 57,923 | |||||
Gross profit | 85,785 | 66,627 | |||||
Operating expenses (1)(2) | |||||||
Sales and marketing | 66,878 | 53,239 | |||||
Research and development | 22,570 | 15,413 | |||||
General and administrative | 21,653 | 14,413 | |||||
Total operating expenses | 111,101 | 83,065 | |||||
Loss from operations | (25,316 | ) | (16,438 | ) | |||
Other income (expense) | |||||||
Interest income (expense), net | 243 | (218 | ) | ||||
Other expense, net | (244 | ) | (428 | ) | |||
Total other expense, net | (1 | ) | (646 | ) | |||
Net loss before taxes | (25,317 | ) | (17,084 | ) | |||
Income tax provision | (332 | ) | (905 | ) | |||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders | $ | (25,649 | ) | $ | (17,989 | ) | |
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders | |||||||
Basic and diluted | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | (0.50 | ) | |
Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders | |||||||
Basic and diluted | 139,405,294 | 36,178,304 |
(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||
2022 | 2021 | ||||
Cost of revenue | $ | 840 | $ | 300 | |
Sales and marketing | 4,137 | 1,924 | |||
Research and development | 3,334 | 2,090 | |||
General and administrative | 5,031 | 6,198 | |||
Total stock-based compensation expense | $ | 13,342 | $ | 10,512 |
(2) Includes amortization of intangible assets as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||
2022 | 2021 | ||||
Cost of revenue | $ | 724 | $ | — | |
Sales and marketing | 342 | — | |||
Total amortization of intangible assets | $ | 1,066 | $ | — | |
Udemy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
March 31, | December 31, | ||||||
2022 | 2021 | ||||||
Assets | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 510,965 | $ | 533,868 | |||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $678 and $678 as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. | 67,699 | 73,180 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 15,279 | 15,927 | |||||
Deferred contract costs, current | 23,074 | 18,898 | |||||
Total current assets | 617,017 | 641,873 | |||||
Property and equipment, net | 8,937 | 9,887 | |||||
Capitalized software, net | 21,693 | 20,054 | |||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 15,994 | — | |||||
Restricted cash, non-current | 3,629 | 2,900 | |||||
Deferred contract costs, non-current | 27,927 | 25,647 | |||||
Strategic investments | 15,000 | 10,000 | |||||
Intangible assets, net | 12,531 | 13,597 | |||||
Goodwill | 12,646 | 12,646 | |||||
Other assets | 3,516 | 3,247 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 738,890 | $ | 739,851 | |||
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 16,275 | $ | 34,627 | |||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 35,697 | 40,140 | |||||
Content costs payable | 31,606 | 35,961 | |||||
Accrued compensation and benefits | 20,909 | 22,341 | |||||
Operating lease liabilities, current | 7,410 | — | |||||
Deferred revenue | 227,701 | 208,274 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 339,598 | 341,343 | |||||
Long-term obligation under operating leases | 11,458 | — | |||||
Deferred revenue, non-current | 2,817 | 2,280 | |||||
Other liabilities, non-current | 4,509 | 6,528 | |||||
Total liabilities | 358,382 | 350,151 | |||||
Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||
Preferred stock | — | — | |||||
Common stock | 1 | 1 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 864,676 | 848,229 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 9 | (1 | ) | ||||
Accumulated deficit | (484,178 | ) | (458,529 | ) | |||
Total stockholders’ equity | $ | 380,508 | $ | 389,700 | |||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 738,890 | $ | 739,851 | |||
Udemy, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2022 | 2021 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||
Net loss | $ | (25,649 | ) | $ | (17,989 | ) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 4,967 | 3,069 | |||||
Amortization of deferred sales commissions | 6,582 | 3,481 | |||||
Stock-based compensation | 13,342 | 10,512 | |||||
Provision for doubtful accounts | 110 | 3 | |||||
Non-cash operating lease expense | 1,573 | — | |||||
Other | 75 | — | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts receivable | 5,371 | 2,039 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 198 | (2,738 | ) | ||||
Deferred contract costs | (13,038 | ) | (7,956 | ) | |||
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | (21,964 | ) | (16,265 | ) | |||
Content costs payable | (4,355 | ) | (1,986 | ) | |||
Operating lease liabilities | (1,151 | ) | — | ||||
Deferred revenue | 19,964 | 14,072 | |||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (13,975 | ) | (13,758 | ) | |||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||
Purchases of property and equipment | (156 | ) | (933 | ) | |||
Capitalized software costs | (3,121 | ) | (3,289 | ) | |||
Purchases of strategic investments | (5,000 | ) | — | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (8,277 | ) | (4,222 | ) | |||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||
Net proceeds from exercise of Series A-1 redeemable convertible preferred stock warrants | — | 2 | |||||
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options | 1,658 | 4,489 | |||||
Payment of redeemable convertible preferred stock issuance costs | — | (2,250 | ) | ||||
Payment of deferred offering costs | (1,586 | ) | — | ||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 72 | 2,241 | |||||
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash flows | 6 | — | |||||
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (22,174 | ) | (15,739 | ) | |||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—Beginning of period | 536,768 | 177,931 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—End of period | $ | 514,594 | $ | 162,192 | |||
Udemy, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
GAAP | Stock-based Compensation |
Amortization of Intangible Assets |
Non-GAAP | ||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 152,223 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 152,223 | |||||||
Cost of revenue | 66,438 | (840 | ) | (724 | ) | 64,874 | |||||||||
Gross profit | 85,785 | 840 | 724 | 87,349 | |||||||||||
Operating expenses | |||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 66,878 | (4,137 | ) | (342 | ) | 62,399 | |||||||||
Research and development | 22,570 | (3,334 | ) | 19,236 | |||||||||||
General and administrative | 21,653 | (5,031 | ) | 16,622 | |||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 111,101 | (12,502 | ) | (342 | ) | 98,257 | |||||||||
Loss from operations | (25,316 | ) | 13,342 | 1,066 | (10,908 | ) | |||||||||
Other income (expense) | |||||||||||||||
Interest income, net | 243 | — | — | 243 | |||||||||||
Other expense, net | (244 | ) | — | — | (244 | ) | |||||||||
Total other expense, net | (1 | ) | — | — | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss before taxes | (25,317 | ) | 13,342 | 1,066 | (10,909 | ) | |||||||||
Income tax provision | (332 | ) | — | — | (332 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders | $ | (25,649 | ) | $ | 13,342 | $ | 1,066 | $ | (11,241 | ) | |||||
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders | |||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | |||||||||
Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders | 139,405,294 | 139,405,294 | |||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||
GAAP | Stock-based Compensation |
Non-GAAP | |||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | |||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 124,550 | $ | — | $ | 124,550 | |||||
Cost of revenue | 57,923 | (300 | ) | 57,623 | |||||||
Gross profit | 66,627 | 300 | 66,927 | ||||||||
Operating expenses | |||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 53,239 | (1,924 | ) | 51,315 | |||||||
Research and development | 15,413 | (2,090 | ) | 13,323 | |||||||
General and administrative | 14,413 | (6,198 | ) | 8,215 | |||||||
Total operating expenses | 83,065 | (10,212 | ) | 72,853 | |||||||
Loss from operations | (16,438 | ) | 10,512 | (5,926 | ) | ||||||
Other income (expense) | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (218 | ) | — | (218 | ) | ||||||
Other expense, net | (428 | ) | — | (428 | ) | ||||||
Total other expense, net | (646 | ) | — | (646 | ) | ||||||
Net loss before taxes | (17,084 | ) | 10,512 | (6,572 | ) | ||||||
Income tax provision | (905 | ) | — | (905 | ) | ||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders | $ | (17,989 | ) | $ | 10,512 | $ | (7,477 | ) | |||
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders | |||||||||||
Basic and diluted | $ | (0.50 | ) | $ | (0.21 | ) | |||||
Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders | |||||||||||
Basic and diluted | 36,178,304 | 36,178,304 |
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2022 | 2021 | ||||||
Net loss | (25,649 | ) | (17,989 | ) | |||
Adjusted to exclude the following: | |||||||
Interest (income) expense, net | (243 | ) | 218 | ||||
Provision for income taxes | 332 | 905 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 4,967 | 3,069 | |||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 13,342 | 10,512 | |||||
Other expense, net | 244 | 428 | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | (7,007 | ) | $ | (2,857 | ) |
Contacts
Media:
Abby Welch
Director, Global Communications
[email protected]
Investors:
Willa McManmon
Managing Director, The Blueshirt Group
[email protected]
Artificial Intelligence
Picus Security Launches Security Validation for Kubernetes
Teams can eliminate container security exposures with the new enhancements in Picus’ platform for multi-cloud
SAN FRANCISCO, May 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Picus Security, the Security Validation company, today announced security validation for Kubernetes. This new capability allows Security and DevOps teams to realize the benefits of containers securely by proactively measuring and optimizing the resilience of clusters. It is the latest innovative addition to the Picus Security Validation Platform, which empowers users to consistently validate their security posture and measure risk across on-premises and multi-cloud environments.
For organizations that want an agile way to deploy, run and scale applications, Kubernetes offers considerable benefits. However, security is often the biggest barrier to its adoption. The dynamic and complex nature of Kubernetes means that containers are often misconfigured due to human error. Without a hands-on approach to governance, security gaps can easily emerge over time, increasing the risk of incidents. This situation is exacerbated by the high level of expertise required to secure Kubernetes and the use of default settings which are inherently insecure. According to The State of Kubernetes Report, more than two-thirds of Kubernetes users (67%) have delayed deployments due to security concerns.*
The addition of Kubernetes validation extends the Picus platform’s existing validation capabilities, which are powered by attack simulation and GenAI. It enables organizations to proactively identify and mitigate security misconfigurations, such as weak policies and settings that could allow containers to run with insecure privileges and facilitate lateral movement. Now security teams can automatically assess the security of their workloads wherever they are located – on-premises, in containers, and also in cloud platforms including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.
“Cloud security is perhaps the biggest barrier of entry for organizations that want to take advantage of container orchestration,” said Volkan Erturk, Picus CTO and Co-Founder. “Kubernetes offers incredible opportunities for DevOps teams to deploy and scale new applications, but Security teams can struggle to keep pace.
“With the Picus Security Validation Platform, security concerns won’t slow down an organization’s digital transformation journey. This new offering will allow our users to consistently measure the security of their workloads and vastly reduce the effort needed to address exposures across growing IT environments.”
Additional Information
Read the Kubernetes validation announcement blog.Register for the upcoming webinar on July 11th 2024 at 10.00 EST/ 15.00 BST: Beyond Cloud Security Posture Management: Validating Cloud Effectiveness with Attack Simulation About Picus Security
Picus Security helps security teams consistently and accurately validate their security posture. Our Security Validation Platform simulates real-world threats to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls, identify high-risk attack paths to critical assets, and optimize threat prevention and detection capabilities.
As the pioneer of Breach and Attack Simulation, we specialize in delivering the actionable insights our customers need to be threat-centric and proactive.
Picus is a Gartner® Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice for 2024 in the BAS tools category†. The company is recognized as a leader by Frost & Sullivan^.
† Gartner, Voice of the Customer for Breach and Attack Simulation Tools, Peer Contributors, 30 January 2024 ^ Frost and Sullivan, 2022 Frost Radar™ report for the Global Breach and Attack Simulation Market
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183222/4724563/Picus_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/picus-security-launches-security-validation-for-kubernetes-302154775.html
Artificial Intelligence
Highlights from the Finale: Day Three of the London Blockchain Conference Unravelled
As the London Blockchain Conference draws to a close, attendees heard from industry experts on Driving Innovation with Blockchain.
LONDON, May 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Attendees at the London Blockchain Conference were in to witness the final day, which featured a line-up of informative and thought-provoking speakers. Throughout the day, there were exciting panels and presentations which featured cutting-edge ideas and insights.
Day 3 kickstarted with BSVA launching a new report focusing on the role of blockchain in safeguarding data and streamlining transactions.
Other sessions included:
The Intersection of Web3, AI, and Emerging Tech – Somi Aran, Founder of InPeak gave the opening keynote which explored the dynamic convergence of Web3, Artificial Intelligence, and emerging technologies. She delved into how these technologies are reshaping industries and redefining the boundaries of innovation and the potential impacts and opportunities these technologies present.
Bridging the gap: Making Web3 technologies user-friendly – Christine Leong, CIO, nChain – discussed some of the innovative strategies and practical solutions aimed at simplifying Web3 technologies. She also discussed how nChain is planning to transform Web3 from a domain exclusive to the tech-savvy, into a user-friendly ecosystem that empowers all users.
Is code law? – Rules applicable to blockchain networks – panel featuring Marcin Zarakowski, CEO of Token Recovery, Akber Datoo CEO of D2 Legal Technology, Jeffrey Golden, King’s Counsel (Hon) at 3 Hare Court Chambers, Andrei Kirilenko, Professor of Finance at Cambridge Judge Business School, Professor Sarah Green, Law Commissioner at Law Commission, where they discussed that rules apply to the nodes and validators which support the particular network and process its transactions. The group also discussed whether the blockchain protocols’ rules and software code are the only sources of regulation in blockchain networks.
An Introduction to nChain Identity – Thomas Moretti, Head of Product Development at nChain. He spoke about the Self Sovereignty Identity concept and showcased the latest project it is working on – nChain Identity.
Reimagining Roles: How regulated industry leaders are shaping the future of finance – a panel featuring, Andrew Mosson (Chief Commercial Officer of OneTrading, Néstor Palao, Head DLT & Corporate Clients at Sygnum Bank, Laurence Lewandowska, CFO/COO at BSV Association and Wojciech Kaszycki Chairman & Founder at Mobilum. The panel discussed how the new era of digital assets, traditional banking institutions, exchanges, and financial services are being reimagined in the context of emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI.
Please register here if you would like to listen to any of the sessions today.
If you want to interview any speaker from today’s sessions, please email [email protected].
About the London Blockchain Conference NETWORK. LEARN. ENGAGE. At the London Blockchain Conference, we show how Blockchain will change the world and help people see another way to manage data, build scalable on-chain solutions and achieve great things. We do this by creating valuable, insightful, and engaging events that educate and inform, allowing you to connect and network to build strong business relationships. Our conference is the best avenue to see blockchain innovations, ecosystem announcements, product launches, technology updates, keynote speeches, panels, and fireside chats from blockchain leaders. Join us and experience it for yourself.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/highlights-from-the-finale-day-three-of-the-london-blockchain-conference-unravelled-302154546.html
Artificial Intelligence
Nord Anglia Education publishes new insights on the role of AI and metacognition in learning
LONDON, May 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — INSIGHTS, the global publication from Nord Anglia Education, has published two new articles taking an in-depth look at AI in education and the role of metacognition in teaching and learning.
Exploring the role of AI in learning
https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/insights/2024/articles/the-generative-generationIn its ‘Generative Generation’ feature, INSIGHTS explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, and whether the technology is making it easier for children to learn. Speaking to Nord Anglia’s educators as well as leading experts from the world of academia, it also includes real-life examples of how Nord Anglia’s schools are using AI in the classroom.
For example, Nord Anglia’s British International School in Kuala Lumpur has adapted the technology to create an AI-powered teaching assistant that can personalise learning, guide students through content exploration, and deepen their understanding through interactive activities. Learners define the topic they want to explore and the course specification they are working to, and the AI explores the content with them in a conversational way, enabling them to ask questions as they go.
Dr Bruce Geddes, Deputy Head of Secondary at the school, told INSIGHTS that AI represents “the biggest opportunity we’ve had in our lifetimes, for many, many spheres, but particularly in education”.
Avenues: The World School in New York, which became part of Nord Anglia in 2023, encourages its students to use AI in their work. As an example, in an app development project students use ChatGPT to generate the bulk of the coding, then review, correct and refine it. This saves them “hours of manual work by leveraging the appropriate tool in an academically appropriate way,” says Lia Muschellack, Director of Technology at the school.
The school also has its own generative AI chatbot, Savvy, built in 2019 and now powered by open AI technology. It can answer queries, provide information, and engage in “diverse discussions ranging from academic topics to casual conversations”.
“We understand that our students will be actively leveraging these tools throughout their academic and professional pathways, so we want to make sure they not only understand the potentials and limitations, but that they have tinkered and truly experienced them,” Muschellack explains.
Metacognition: a learning superpower
In its feature ‘Metacognition. Helping Kids Unlock the Power of ‘Thinking about Thinking’, INSIGHTS looks at how students can develop the important skill of metacognition.
“Metacognition is the ability to be aware of our cognitive or thought processes and to monitor, reflect on, and change those processes,” Dr Rose Luckin, Professor of Learner Centred Design at the University College London Knowledge Lab, told INSIGHTS.
Nord Anglia Education is working with Dr Luckin to develop its approach to metacognition and to help teachers introduce metacognitive strategies into classrooms. It has developed a metacognitive framework of six “Learner Ambitions” to help students develop the 6 Cs: to become critical, creative, committed, and curious learners, working compassionately and collaboratively in the classroom and beyond.
As the article explains, Nord Anglia’s deep dive into metacognition has many goals: developing student agency, boosting academic performance, and developing ‘future’ skills that employers want. The framework is being initially applied across 27 Nord Anglia schools around the world and its impact will be measured in independent research in partnership with Boston College, reporting in 2025.
Nord Anglia’s examination of metacognition also involves exploring personalised goals and thinking routines. For instance, students at Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong use the “Step In, Step Out, Step Back” routine to develop empathy and understanding in their studies. “It’s about asking the right questions; those really big questions that lead to even more questions,” says Raquel Thomson, the school’s Deputy Head of Primary. “Thinking strategies like this stay with students and serve a purpose whatever they do in their lives, whether they choose to be a scientist or a teacher or go into business.”
For media enquiries please contact: Francesca Milani Communications Manager, Digital Education Portfolio +44 20 7131 0000 [email protected]
About Nord Anglia Education:
As the world’s leading international schools organisation, we’re shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.
Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world’s top universities.
To learn more or apply for a place for your child, go to nordangliaeducation.com.
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