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We're over one month in to quarantine/remote learning/coronavirus, and as Kirby Salerno said last week, "the genie is out of the bottle."

Some schools have shut down for the rest of the year, while others are delaying decisions as long as possible. At the top of mind for many in high schools right now is end-of-year activities for seniors.

As always, innovators come to help. For example, My School Dance has launched their Virtual Prom Live project. Even John Krasinski (Jim from The Office) is DJ'ing something similar.

On to the updates for this week...

New on the podcast: Unlocking the power of listening with Monica Brady-Myerov

Monica Brady-Myerov told herself she would always be a journalist. And with the awards and accolades she earned in the field, no one could blame her. Instead, she saw an opportunity to unlock new learning opportunities for students through listening. And she founded Listenwise. She's my latest guest on the EdTech Startup Show.

• Check out the "instant listen" link here (no download required).
• Share your favorite quote from the episode here.
• Changing careers to launch an EdTech startup

The Daily Outschooler

One reason I've scaled back writing a daily email here is that I've recently helped launch The Daily Outschooler. It's a daily email for parents and families who've been thrust into doing at-home schooling.

If you have kids and are looking for one quick idea per day to help them keep learning at home, then I hope you sign up.

Do you have news or announcements you'd like me to share in this email? Reply and let me know.

Copywriting/marketing tip

Run your copy through the "4Us" test.

• Is it useful?
• Is it ultra-specific
• Is it unique?
• Is it urgent?

Try to have at least three out of four of them for your marketing messages.

For example, compare these two Facebook ads:

"Online Reader is the perfect solution for parenting doing remote learning. Try it free today."

vs. this...

"87% of parents (ultra specific) said OnlineReader works better than YouTube educational videos (useful). This week only (urgent), get a 15% off referral code to share with a friend when you sign up."

Thanks for reading,

Gerard Dawson

PS - You must have started thinking about how the landscape will look when the new school year rolls around. I don't have a crystal ball, but I can help you develop and execute a strategy. If you want to schedule an upcoming marketing project, tell me about your needs here.