Laura Ascione, Author at eSchool News

Author
Recent Posts

Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.

10 reasons to upgrade to Windows 11 ASAP

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just a fix--it protects students, strengthens IT resilience, and equips classrooms for an AI-powered future

K-12 IT leaders are under pressure from all sides--rising cyberattacks, the end of Windows 10 support, and the need for powerful new learning tools.

AI in Education

How AI is streamlining special education

November 3, 2025 by Laura Ascione

As special education teams face mounting caseloads and staffing challenges, AI can relieve administrative strain and strengthen compliance.

Districts nationwide are grappling with increased special education demands amid persistent staff shortages and compliance pressures.

K-12 Cybersecurity

How Windows 11 is powering the next generation of K-12 innovation

November 5, 2025October 23, 2025 by Laura Ascione

K-12 leaders can strengthen cybersecurity, simplify IT management, and deliver inclusive, AI-driven learning experiences with Windows 11.

As school districts navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape, IT and academic leaders face a growing list of challenges--from hybrid learning demands and complex device ecosystems to rising…

Digital Learning Tools

Rethink the classroom: How interactive tech simplifies IT and supercharges learning

October 22, 2025 by Laura Ascione

For tech leaders balancing innovation, security, and scalability, interactive solutions offer a chance to reimagine what’s possible.

Today’s school IT teams juggle endless demands--secure systems, manageable devices, and tight budgets--all while supporting teachers who need tech that just works.

Internet Connectivity

Future-proof your district’s network: Smarter, faster, and more secure classroom connectivity

November 5, 2025October 21, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Innovative districts are modernizing and future-proofing district networks to power learning, safeguard data, and maximize E-rate funding.

As digital learning continues to evolve, K-12 districts are under pressure to deliver connectivity that’s as fast, secure, and flexible as the learning it supports.

Literacy

Strengthening middle school literacy: What educators need to know

October 1, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Building middle school literacy doesn’t just improve test scores--it gives students the skills to succeed in every subject.

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…

Edtech Trends

26 insights about what back-to-school season has in store

September 9, 2025September 8, 2025 by Laura Ascione

This back-to-school season, the conversation is not just about new devices or apps, but about how technology and thoughtful innovation can transform education

As the back-to-school season begins, educators and students alike are stepping into classrooms that look and feel increasingly different from just a few years ago. Technology is no…

AI in Education

How to avoid cognitive debt by building critical thinking skills

July 29, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Clear instruction, critical dialogue, and process-focused assignments help students use AI in ways that help avoid cognitive debt.

As AI tools become increasingly embedded in K-12 education, they offer personalized learning, real-time feedback, and access to information at unprecedented speed.

AI in Education

5 AI tools that offer more than hype

July 23, 2025July 23, 2025 by Laura Ascione

High-impact AI tools in education typically provide real-time feedback on student work and adapt instruction based on performance.

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…

AI in Education

Educators: Lack of infrastructure and vision limit AI’s potential

July 23, 2025 by Laura Ascione

AI, educator burnout, and the future of education are all top focus areas for educators in a recent PowerSchool survey.

AI tools to support and personalize student learning will have the most significant impact on students in the next few years, according to PowerSchool's 2025 National Educator Survey.

AI in Education

AI tools are everyday study buddies, survey finds

July 21, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Over-reliance on AI tools yields surface-level learning instead of the cognitive involvement that leads to long-term learning.

Across the U.S., AI tools are becoming go-to learning companions for students--helping them brainstorm essays, practice languages, and solve tough math problems.

Teacher Professional Development

5 resources to build stronger classrooms through PLCs

July 17, 2025July 14, 2025 by Laura Ascione

PLCs help educators collaborate with purpose and build stronger, more equitable learning communities to benefit teachers and students.

s the new school year approaches, one of the most powerful tools for continuous improvement is the professional learning community (PLC).

Digital Learning Tools

8 under-the-radar digital learning resources

July 11, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Digital learning resources help educators diversify their toolkit--and give students access to a wider range of learning modalities.

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…

Digital Learning Tools

5 digital resources to engage students in meaningful learning

July 8, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Digital resources allow educators to establish meaningful learning and connect with students in a way that’s personalized and relevant.

Digital resources--interactive platforms, games, simulations, and multimedia--allow educators to bring subjects alive in ways that foster curiosity, creativity, and a deep understanding of content.

Digital Learning Tools

10 (and counting…) Google goodies for your classroom

July 7, 2025July 4, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Teachers of all subjects and grade levels can leverage these ideas and resources for using Google tools in the 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…

Digital Learning Tools

5 strategies to get your students talking

July 3, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Technology tools play a crucial role in fostering better discussions among students--in physical and digital classrooms.

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.

Login