The screen-time debate’s blind spot
Last fall, during a professional development session I was running with a group of teachers in São Paulo, a fifth-grade teacher raised her hand and asked a question…
edtech
The next wave of K-12 innovation: How educators are shaping the future of edtech
Every school year brings an influx of IT solutions designed to reinvent K-12 education. Schools are primed to jump on the latest technologies to address the issues most…
New CoSN report underscores importance of intentional, reliable edtech use
A purposeful commitment to responsible edtech use--and to professional development for teachers--is necessary to ensure edtech is innovative and transformational, according to CoSN's annual 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation…
The death of the static textbook: Why financial education must be “live”
Imagine trying to teach a student how to navigate the city of New York in 2026 using a map from 1950. The streets have changed names, new bridges…
AI in edtech: The 2026 efficacy imperative
AI has crossed a threshold. In 2026, it is no longer a pilot category or a differentiator you add on. It is part of the operating fabric of…
AI for empathy: Using generative tools to deepen, not replace, human connection in schools
For the last two years, conversations about AI in education have tended to fall into two camps: excitement about efficiency or fear of replacement. Teachers worry they’ll lose…
We built evaluation for accountability–now it’s time to build it for growth
Teacher evaluations have been the subject of debate for decades. Breakthroughs have been attempted but rarely sustained. Researchers have learned that context, transparency, and autonomy matter.
25 predictions about AI and edtech
As generative AI technologies evolve, educators are moving away from fears about AI-enabled cheating and are embracing the idea that AI can open new doors for teaching and…
Edtech teaching strategies that support sustainability
Educational technology, or edtech, has reshaped how educators teach, offering opportunities to create more sustainable and impactful learning environments.
Why every middle school student deserves a second chance to learn to read
Between kindergarten and second grade, much of the school day is dedicated to helping our youngest students master phonics, syllabication, and letter-sound correspondence--the essential building blocks to lifelong…
Funding technology initiatives in uncertain times
Recent policy shifts have caused significant uncertainty in K-12 education funding, especially for technology initiatives. It’s no longer business as usual. Schools can’t rely on the same federal…
Do screens help or hurt K-8 learning? Lessons from the UK’s OPAL program
When our leadership team at Firthmoor Primary met with an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) representative, one message came through clearly: “Play isn’t a break from learning, it…
K-12 districts are fighting ransomware, but IT teams pay the price
The education sector is making measurable progress in defending against ransomware, with fewer ransom payments, dramatically reduced costs, and faster recovery rates.
Developing a Curriculum? Review These 7 Common Challenges
Whether you’re an educator within a school district, or an EdTech curriculum developer creating content for a wide range of ... Read more
Strengthening middle school literacy: What educators need to know
Literacy has always been the foundation of learning, but for middle school students, the stakes are especially high. These years mark the critical shift from learning to read…
Reaching New Heights: Students Share How AI-Powered Math Tools Drive their Progress and Build Confidence
Individualized edtech tools are transforming the way students approach math, opening new pathways for deeper understanding, confidence, and achievement. These ... Read more
Why AI’s true power in education isn’t about saving time
As a former teacher, educator coach and principal, I've witnessed countless edtech promises come and go. The latest refrain echoes through conference halls and staff meetings: "AI saves…
Lessons from DENSI: Weaving digital citizenship into edtech innovation
A few weeks ago, I had the thrilling opportunity to immerse myself in the 20th anniversary of the Discovery Educator Network (the DEN), a week-long journey that reignited…
4 tips to support the literacy needs of middle and high school students
Today's middle schoolers continue to struggle post-pandemic to read and write at the level needed to successfully navigate more complex academic content in the upper grades and beyond.
5 cybersecurity green flags: A practical guide for sourcing edtech
Although educators are excited to innovate, school leaders must weigh every new app or online platform against cybersecurity risks and the responsibility of protecting student data.
Data, privacy, and cybersecurity in schools: A 2025 wake-up call
In 2025, schools are sitting on more data than ever before. Student records, attendance, health information, behavioral logs, and digital footprints generated by edtech tools have turned K-12…
Teach Strats Live @InstructureCon25
Spokane, Washington, may not be the first place you think of when downloading some of the biggest edtech news of ... Read more
5 AI tools that offer more than hype
The term "AI-powered" is today's most popular buzzword--particularly in education. A growing number of edtech tools now claim to leverage AI, promising smarter, faster, and more personalized learning…
Digital learning is different
In the animated film Up, the character Dug is a talking dog with an interesting mannerism. Each time he sees a movement off to the side, he stops…
ISTE Takeaways:What’s the Deal with Data—EdTech Research and Challenges
While districts understand the value of data, they often lack confidence in knowing what specific data to demand from EdTech ... Read more
8 under-the-radar digital learning resources
Digital learning resources are transforming classrooms, and educators are always on the lookout for tools that go beyond the standard platforms. There are numerous lesser-known digital platforms that…
Districts are more selective about edtech tools as they face a budget crisis
As districts grapple with mounting financial pressures, a new report notes a noticeable shift in edtech strategy as leaders prioritize impact over volume, demanding stronger alignment with institutional…
10 (and counting…) Google goodies for your classroom
During an ISTELive 25 session, Dr. Wanda Terral, chief of technology for Tennessee’s Lakeland School System, took attendees through a growing list of Google tools, along with some…
5 strategies to get your students talking
Communication is one of today’s most in-demand skills, and building strong communication skills in person and online is critical. Those skills start in the classroom.
ISTE launches four new initiatives to improve edtech experiences
The nation’s largest professional edtech organization kicked off its annual conference on June 29 by announcing major initiatives to train 200,000 teachers in using AI within the next…
ISTELive 25: Let’s Get on With the Show!
Who better than Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD, to give you the lowdown of what to expect this week at ... Read more
ISTELive 25 spotlights bold innovation
ISTELive 25 and the ASCD Annual Conference 25 will be held together in San Antonio this year, giving attendees twice the opportunity to connect with likeminded educators, explore…
From school year to summer: Why reliable edtech matters to boost literacy
There’s something to be said for legacy platforms that not only stand the test of time but continue to evolve in ways that meet the shifting needs of…
ISTELive 25 spotlights bold innovation
ISTELive 25 and the ASCD Annual Conference 25 will be held together in San Antonio this year, giving attendees twice the opportunity to connect with likeminded educators, explore…
How instructional audio amps up physical education classes
Effective communication is essential for physical education teachers to engage and teach K-12 students. P.E. teachers work with diverse groups, often with varying language backgrounds and ability levels,…
Edtech leaders see expanding roles as concerns over AI and cybersecurity increase
If the Supreme Court decides Universal Service/E-Rate is unconstitutional, losing E-rate funding would have a catastrophic impact on the vast majority of school districts, according to CoSN's 2025 State…
How One California District is Leading the Way with Interoperable Edtech
Learn how Modesto City Schools use an interoperable product to connect students, administrators, teachers, and parents across the district and ... Read more
Developing a Curriculum? Review These 7 Common Challenges
Whether you’re an educator within a school district, or an EdTech curriculum developer creating content for a wide range ... Read more
4 edtech tools that can transform student teamwork
As a longtime STEM educator, I’ve come to understand the value of teamwork, both within the classroom and beyond. Teamwork is essential for building students’ social-emotional intelligence.
Edtech gone rogue? Tackling “Dirty Stream” attacks amidst uncontrolled app overloads
In May 2024, Microsoft identified a critical vulnerability pattern targeting Android applications, ominously called “Dirty Stream.” This vulnerability allows malicious apps to overwrite files, potentially leading to arbitrary…