Nelson, BC — A small tech company based in Nelson BC is being recognized for helping overwhelmed Canadian teachers, students and parents solve the challenges presented by the increase in on-line learning due to the COVID pandemic.

Called LIVE IT, the company is a leading on-line Canadian learning platform that offers teachers and kids interactive opportunities that connect them to real and natural worlds.

In March 2020, Nelson-based co-founders Mike Irvine and Melissa Welsh realized that kids would not be returning to school because of the pandemic. So, they took what was intended to be a three-year plan — and implemented it, during the two weeks of March break.

The LIVE IT team went from producing a live program every two months to producing a program every week — for 10 weeks straight. The company’s educational and interactive series for teachers and parents stuck at home attracted thousands of participants from
around the globe.

After completing their 10-week series, LIVE IT launched its “Nature-Netflix-Like” platform two years earlier than planned. This pandemic pivot was the catalyst for growth of 175 per cent in a year, and the addition of five full time jobs.

“I am so proud of the LIVE IT Earth team and what we have accomplished,” says Irvine. “This past year was fraught with a lot of challenges and hard decisions. But the tenacity and creativity of our team made 2020 our best year yet. Our team is honoured to be nominated for a #2021TIAs award and recognized for the incredible work we’ve accomplished.”

LIVE IT Earth produces mind-blowing, live-learning experiences that expands students’ understanding of our planet, offering a series of eight new programs throughout the school year that include a feature show, live online Q&A and an array of student activities. Parents, teachers, schools and districts can purchase a subscription to access their “Relive It” Library and the new content.

“What makes a LIVE IT Earth Program different from most on-line teacher resources today, is that we use technology to spark conversations and inspire deeper learning — away from screens” say Welsh. “Our programs are cross-curricular — covering multiple subjects — and engage every student in a classroom, no matter what their skill level.”

LIVE IT programs are available in French, English and include indigenous worldviews as well.

The theme of this year’s Technology Impact Awards (TIAs) — BC’s largest tech awards program — is the inspiration that comes from resilience and community pulling together. The TIA’s are an initiative of the BC Tech Association, which is the largest member-led technology non-profit in British Columbia. The award winners will be announced this fall.

About Live It Earth

Based in Nelson BC, LIVE IT Earth is an Ed-tech company that produces a series of innovative on-line programs for the K-12 market. LIVE IT works with trusted organizations to produce relevant, engaging educational programs in a multi-media platform, with on-line distribution to markets of thousands of teachers and families across Canada. www.liveit.earth