BrainStream Ltd

Author: Steve Alcorn

  • The Forklift, the Gym, and the Renaissance of the Oral Exam

    The Forklift, the Gym, and the Renaissance of the Oral Exam

    in ,

    by Chief Financial Officer Chia-Hua (Phyllis) Chen As the CFO of an AI learning startup, I spend a lot of time analyzing where the EdTech market is heading. Recently, a fascinating narrative has emerged from campuses across the country: to “AI-proof” their courses, professors are turning to the oldest technology available—the oral exam. According to…

  • AI & Critical Thinking: A Better Way Forward

    AI & Critical Thinking: A Better Way Forward

    in ,

    by Chief Operating Officer Tzu-Ying (Kimberley) Chen A few weeks ago, a CityNews story caught my attention. It described how many Canadian students feel that AI is making it harder for them to think on their own. I imagined a classroom I once visited, with students quietly typing, screens glowing, answers appearing instantly. Their speed impressed…

  • The Future of Education: How AI is Transforming Learning

    The Future of Education: How AI is Transforming Learning

    in ,

    by BrainStream Chief Marketing Officer Ya-Hui (Laura) Kao In today’s AI-driven education landscape, students have unprecedented access to learning resources. Yet the real challenge is no longer a lack of content—it’s direction. Even with abundant materials, many students feel lost, unsure where to start, and unclear about their progress. What students truly need is to…

  • Sensory-Friendly Design: Creating Comfortable and Inclusive Digital Experiences

    Sensory-Friendly Design: Creating Comfortable and Inclusive Digital Experiences

    in

    by BrainStream Chief User Experience Officer Yung-Wen Cheng As apps evolve toward more inclusive UI/UX design, it’s important to recognize that accessibility extends beyond visual and motor considerations. A large number of students benefit from sensory-friendly design, which ensures that the app feels comfortable, predictable, and non-overwhelming. This approach supports not only users with sensory…

  • What AI Can’t Replace: The Lasting Value of Books and Real Learning

    What AI Can’t Replace: The Lasting Value of Books and Real Learning

    in ,

    by Chief Financial Officer Chia-Hua (Phyllis) Chen There’s no denying it — AI tools like ChatGPT have completely changed the way we learn. They’re fast, convenient, and surprisingly good at helping us explain concepts or clear up confusion within seconds. But the more I work with AI, the more I’m reminded of something important: AI can support learning,…

  • Designing for Colorblindness: Enhancing Accessibility Through Inclusive Color Use

    Designing for Colorblindness: Enhancing Accessibility Through Inclusive Color Use

    in

    by BrainStream Chief User Experience Officer Yung-Wen Cheng As BrainStream increasingly adopts mobile-first and accessibility-centered design principles, color inclusivity has become a critical extension of this conversation. While earlier discussions may focus on color theory for engagement and emotional impact, it is equally important to recognize how color perception varies across users—and how these differences…

  • Accessibility in BrainStream: Designing for Every Learner

    Accessibility in BrainStream: Designing for Every Learner

    in

    by BrainStream Chief User Experience Officer Yung-Wen Cheng Following the growing emphasis on mobile-first design, another equally vital aspect of BrainStream’s development is accessibility. While mobile optimization ensures that BrainStream is convenient and portable, accessibility ensures that it is usable and inclusive for all students—regardless of physical, cognitive, or technological differences. A truly effective app…

  • Mobile-First UX Design for BrainStream: Balancing Accessibility and Learning Diversity

    Mobile-First UX Design for BrainStream: Balancing Accessibility and Learning Diversity

    in

    by BrainStream Chief User Experience Officer Yung-Wen Cheng In today’s mobile-driven world, designing with a mobile-first mindset is essential for apps aiming to support modern students. Smartphones have become the primary tool for communication, study, and productivity, making mobile accessibility a cornerstone of effective educational design. However, mobile-first UX is not only about fitting content…

  • Shaping the Future of Learning with AI

    Shaping the Future of Learning with AI

    in ,

    by Chief Operating Officer Tzu-Ying (Kimberley) Chen Last month, the Government of Canada launched its AI Strategy Task Force and a national consultation to shape the future of artificial intelligence. (Source: Government of Canada)  Among the priorities, education and skills development stand out — a vision that speaks directly to us at BrainStream, where our…

  • Marketing Isn’t a Cost, It’s a Lever

    Marketing Isn’t a Cost, It’s a Lever

    in ,

    by BrainStream Chief Marketing Officer Ya-Hui (Laura) Kao Playing the Long Game vs. Chasing Short Wins Marketing is often seen as a line item to trim when budgets are tight. “What’s the ROI?” is a fair question — but too often, the timeline behind that question is too short. In reality, marketing is not just…