Laura Ascione, Author at eSchool News

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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.

12 lesser-known K-12 STEM education resources

February 18, 2025 by Laura Ascione

STEM education is shaping the workforce and is equipping students with the tools to question, innovate, and lead in a rapidly-changing world.

As society becomes increasingly driven by and focused on innovation, the demand for critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity has grown significantly. Introducing STEM education at an early age…

STEM & STEAM Trends

Reaching peak engagement in K-12 science education

February 14, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Hands-on engagement and exploration in science classes builds students' curiosity, unlocks new possibilities, and sparks innovative solutions

More than half of science teachers believe the most important value of science education is how it contributes to students’ curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity, according to a…

Edtech Trends

TCEA 2025 spotlights innovation, collaboration

February 11, 2025February 11, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Session presenters and speakers shared a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience with their fellow educators at TCEA 2025.

During the first week of February, TCEA 2025 served as a collaboration center for teachers, administrators, IT leaders, and all educators as they shared ideas, instructional strategies, leadership…

Durable Skills

This district champions media literacy to combat “brain rot”

February 10, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Teaching critical thinking skills helps to ensure students are active and engaged--and that they aren't falling victim to brain rot.

It’s critical that students know how to use digital content, but as students have more access to information, it’s also critical that they know how to evaluate that…

Edtech Trends

Collaborate and celebrate at TCEA 2025

February 7, 2025January 29, 2025 by Laura Ascione

At TCEA 2025, embark on a learning journey with your fellow educators and find inspiration with keynote speakers, sessions, and more.

Educators, IT leaders, tech professionals, and everyone in between will find inspiration and connection at the 2025 TCEA Convention & Exposition in Austin, Texas.

Live @ FETC 2025

Show Floor News–From flexible devices to AI-assisted learning

January 24, 2025January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Lenovo announced new hardware solutions that makes it easy for students and teachers to connect, collaborate, and engage from anywhere. The ... Read more

Live @ FETC 2025

Show Floor News–Tried and true edtech solutions

January 24, 2025January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Leading the way for LG at this year’s FETC is LG’s new Google-compatible CreateBoard Pro TR3PN Series of interactive digital ... Read more

Live @ FETC 2025

Show Floor News–Supporting Teachers with AI

January 17, 2025January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

AI can’t replace teachers, but it can support them. Merlyn, a voice-controlled AI classroom assistant from Merlyn Mind, is designed ... Read more

Live @ FETC 2025

The State of STEM

January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Once again, Pitsco Education has come to FETC with cutting-edge content that includes preK-12 core science, CTE, and hands-on STEM ... Read more

Live @ FETC 2025

Breaking Classroom Barriers with Advanced AV

January 17, 2025January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

The Forney Independent School District sought to break away from traditional classroom setups, aiming to enhance teacher mobility and foster ... Read more

Live @ FETC 2025

How to Keep Edtech Fresh

January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

eSchool News scored a backstage tour of the latest Chromebooks, workstations, and peripherals offered by CTL, and was able to ... Read more

AI in Education

Best practices for an AI-infused classroom

January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Instead of avoiding AI, embrace it with best practices for more impactful teaching and ensure teachers and students have AI literacy.

Avoiding or banning AI in the classroom does students a disservice, and if teachers aren’t familiar with AI tools and how to use them, who is really in…

Teaching Trends

6 educator predictions about teaching and learning in 2025

January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Teaching and learning trends include fostering essential skills like critical thinking and adaptability to prepare students for the future.

With 2025 barely in its infancy, educators are looking to new technologies and strategies to meet the needs of students. AI, digital learning tools, and personalized supports have…

Live @ FETC 2025

Show Floor News–Robotics Curriculum for Grades 3-5

January 17, 2025January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

KinderLab Robotics, creator of the award-winning KIBO robot, is expanding its curriculum offerings to serve students in grades 3–5 with Exploring with ... Read more

Live @ FETC 2025

Show Floor News–LEGO Education’s Science Solution

January 17, 2025January 16, 2025 by Laura Ascione

LEGO® Education‘s new LEGO® Education Science is intended to help educators bring hands-on science learning to more students. Designed to boost engagement, LEGO ... Read more

Live @ FETC 2025

Show Floor News–Avantis Education Debuts Eduverse+ Content Library for ClassVR

January 21, 2025January 14, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Avantis Education is showcasing its latest innovation, Eduverse+, during FETC at the ClassVR booth #1177. Eduverse+ is designed to enhance Avantis’ award-winning ... Read more

AI in Education

Navigation and guidance in the age of AI: 5 trends to watch

January 14, 2025 by Laura Ascione

In terms of navigation and guidance, how will students access support and information in the age of AI--will human connection grow or shrink?

With the right tools and market conditions, AI could enable more schools to offer high-end, high-touch supports to students, assert Julia Freeland Fisher and Anna Arsenault of the…

College and Career Readiness

3 ways to create a strong district CTE program

July 29, 2025January 8, 2025 by Laura Ascione

A new report provides actionable steps for creating successful career-centered CTE programs in school districts.

Career and technical education is a crucial piece of worldwide economic success, particularly with talent shortfalls forecasted in numerous industries--but CTE leaders still face challenges in creating successful…

IT Innovations

8 K-12 IT priorities for 2025

January 8, 2025 by Laura Ascione

K-12 IT teams face the challenge of protecting sensitive student data and ensuring access to learning tools and resources.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, K-12 IT teams play a critical role in shaping the future of learning. As schools navigate complex cybersecurity and data protection challenges,…

Live @ FETC 2025

FETC 2025: Transformation, innovation, and 5 new sessions

January 8, 2025January 3, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Edtech plays an influential role in today's classrooms, and at FETC 2025, innovative educators are at the forefront of digital transformation.

At the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC), forward-thinking educators and edtech leaders gather to brainstorm strategies and promote innovations that transform and teaching and learning in their…

Classroom Learning

21 priorities for student success and learning in 2025

January 3, 2025 by Laura Ascione

K-12 student success plays a pivotal role in equity, innovation, and the future of the global economy--here's what experts have to say.

Improving student learning and student success is necessary for students to compete in a rapidly changing world that requires critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability.

AI in Education

25 AI predictions for 2025

January 2, 2025 by Laura Ascione

As generative AI tools mature, AI predictions contend that K-12 education will leverage AI in new ways to transform teaching and learning.

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 Trends

50 predictions about what 2025 will bring to edtech, innovation, and everything in between

January 2, 2025January 1, 2025 by Laura Ascione

Educators and stakeholders set their sights on the edtech trends that are most likely to influence teaching and learning in 2025

As 2024 moves into 2025, educators greet a new year with uncertainty. Pandemic-related learning loss and academic inequities remain a ... Read more

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access)

Districts put DEI into action

December 24, 2024 by Laura Ascione

A panel of educators weighs in on the challenges and opportunities that make DEI a critical component of K-12 schools.

DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) is a commonly used acronym, but what does it mean in the context of day-to-day operations in a school district?

Live @ FETC 2025

Good to Know Before You Go

January 8, 2025December 12, 2024 by Laura Ascione

As you prepare for FETC 2025, here are some basics to keep in mind while you plan your conference experience.

The Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) welcomes forward-thinking educators and edtech leaders as they seek to transform and innovate teaching and learning in their classrooms, schools, and…

Live @ FETC 2025

AI Sessions You’ll Love

January 6, 2025December 12, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Whether you’re comfortable with AI or a classroom AI newbie, there’s an AI session for everyone at FETC 2025

Like it or not, AI is definitely here to stay. And while generative AI tools will continue to evolve and offer new capabilities in all industries, AI’s influence…

Teacher Professional Development

A look at one school’s innovative approach to PD

December 11, 2024 by Laura Ascione

A strong PD framework directly impacts teaching and learning, boosting teachers’ ability to differentiate and personalize their instruction.

In this Q&A, eSchool News chats with Andi Morency, founder and executive director/principal of The Honors Academy of Literature in Reno, Nevada.

Coding and Robotics

5 fast and fun Hour of Code resources

December 10, 2024 by Laura Ascione

The Hour of Code helps students connect coding with real-world challenges and career possibilities as they explore computer science.

As each year passes, it becomes more clear that the skills students build through STEM activities like coding can contribute to their professional success--even if they don't enter…

Digital Learning Tools

Closing the digital use divide with active and engaging learning

December 2, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Students offered insight into how to use active learning, with digital resources and edtech tools, to boost their engagement.

When it comes to classroom edtech use, digital tools have a drastically different impact when they are used actively instead of passively--a critical difference examined in the 2023-2024…

STEM & STEAM Trends

5 approaches that engage middle school students in STEM learning

December 2, 2024 by Laura Ascione

As students progress through middle school, STEM learning should focus on building curiosity, confidence, and foundational skills.

Creating engaging STEM learning experiences in middle school is essential to spark curiosity, build foundational skills, and foster a love for STEM topics--and potentially encourage students to pursue…

Computer Science Education

Computer science education sees more investment, but access gaps linger

November 26, 2024 by Laura Ascione

An annual look at computer science education reveals persistent gaps in access, particularly for underserved student groups.

More policymakers are prioritizing computer science education, recognizing the vital role it and other STEM subjects plays in helping students develop workplace-ready skills.

STEM & STEAM Trends

Early STEM career awareness drives future success for students–and the economy

November 25, 2024 by Jerry Wooden, eDynamic Learning

Engaging, career-connected STEM learning opportunities spark students' interest in emerging technologies and in-demand STEM careers.

With career interests and aspirations forming as early as age 10, the middle grades are the ideal time to start making connections between students’ academic work and their…

AI in Education

A look at AI use in schools across the country

November 18, 2024 by Laura Ascione

As AI infiltrates learning, states and districts are grappling with the best way to handle AI use policies in schools.

Educational technology and digital learning tools are classroom essentials, and each day, educators make decisions surrounding how to integrate edtech intentionally and effectively--particularly as AI makes its way…

Classroom Management

5 ways your classroom environment boosts student engagement

November 14, 2024 by Kelsey Tygrett, Greenbrier County Schools

With some creativity and DIY power, teachers can create their dream classrooms that boost student engagement and learning.

Teachers have their own preferences and approach when it comes to classroom decor. But every teacher is designing their classroom with the same goal in mind: to create…

AI in Education

Federal toolkit targets safe, ethical AI use in classrooms

November 11, 2024 by Laura Ascione

AI is growing, but its increased use in schools and classrooms comes with questions about the right way to approach implementation.

Given AI's evolving and increased presence in classrooms, the U.S. Department of Education has released a guide intended to help educators and education leaders integrate AI into education…

AI in Education

Survey shows skyrocketing AI use in education

November 7, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Educator confidence is inching up since pandemic; generative AI use shows five-fold increase, highlighting potential for educators.

Educators continue to feel confident about integrating technology into their instruction, and say they approach AI use with cautious optimism--with many planning to use it more

Classroom Management

3 key opportunities to address education’s biggest challenges

November 1, 2024 by Laura Ascione

A new study reveals key areas of opportunity for addressing the most pressing issue facing educators today: student engagement.

While most students say they are eager to learn and say they feel a strong sense of belonging in school, teachers still face challenges that slow improvements in…

Literacy

4 components of an effective literacy ecosystem

October 22, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Literacy is arguably the most important skill needed to ensure students reach academic and professional success. It's also important that students establish strong literacy skills from the get-go--because…

College and Career Readiness

Students want more career-connected learning

October 18, 2024 by Laura Ascione

A new poll finds that nearly half of New Hampshire high school students learn about new jobs through career-connected learning.

Fifty-nine percent of students say they would like more opportunities for career-connected learning, according to a new report from the New Hampshire Learning Initiative and Gallup.

E-rate Funding

New E-rate rules could narrow the homework gap

October 17, 2024 by Laura Ascione

Lack of at-home internet access for many students perpetuates the homework gap--but a new E-rate action on wi-fi- hotspots can change that.

Learning is mobile--but how can schools provide reliable high-speed internet for students who need devices at home, but who lack connectivity?

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