Trends and challenges impacting CTE in 2024–and beyond

Key points:

In 2024, career and technical education (CTE) is not simply an alternative for students whose future plans don’t include college. It’s a fundamental part of the K-12 experience and a viable career pathway for many students.

CTE lets students understand the relevance of what they’re learning in school. It exposes them to career pathways they might not have known about otherwise. It prepares them for rich and rewarding careers in high-paying, high-demand jobs, whether they go on to attend college or not.…Read More

Bluum Launches Innovative Esports, STEAM, and Security Solutions

PHOENIX, Ariz. — At its recent Impact 2024 conference, Bluum, a leading provider of education technology, unveiled five new solutions designed to address the biggest challenges in education today. The latest customizable selections of hardware, software, and services from Bluum aim to help educators increase and improve enrollment, keep schools safe and informed, and deliver curriculum innovation for K-12 and higher education.

“Bluum is on a never-ending mission to help improve learning and access to education,” said Bluum CRO Scott Pintsopoulos. “With the new solutions we unveiled at Impact 2024, we are poised to partner with educational institutions to solve some of the toughest challenges facing teachers and learners today.”

Bluum’s diverse range of new offerings include best in class brands addressing everything from stem to school safety.…Read More

Prediction: All schools will embrace sensory spaces

Key points:

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, it’s remarkable to reflect on how sensory spaces for schools have evolved. It has been quite heartening. This shift is not merely a coincidence; rather, it is a result of the collective recognition of the crucial role sensory well-being plays in the overall development and learning experience of our students. And in 2024, I predict that more districts will fully embrace the value and develop sensory spaces in their own schools.

Sensory spaces, initially developed as havens for individuals with severe sensory processing challenges, have found their place in mainstream education. The journey of sensory spaces from specialized rooms to widespread adoption within schools is a testament to the seismic changes occurring in our understanding of education, mental health, and well-being.…Read More

Enhancing Communication and Safety at American Heritage Charter School with Rise Vision

Rise Vision, the #1 digital signage software is excited to announce the release of its newest case study featuring American Heritage Charter School. American Heritage Charter School near Idaho Falls, uses Rise Vision to enhance safety and streamline communication channels within its three buildings.

Josh Siqueiros, the Director of Technology at American Heritage Charter School, was a business IT administrator transplant into the world of education. Josh brought a fresh perspective and a determination to overcome communication challenges he noticed within the school. His background in the business sector equipped him with the skills to navigate the hurdles of implementing new technologies in the educational domain.

Upon joining American Heritage Charter School, Josh Siquerios identified two major challenges he wanted to tackle: Effective communication and to increase safety.…Read More

Learning in the Digital Age

Key points:

  • Digital tools are powering a new era of K-12 learning
  • Still, challenges remain–among them, equity and access
  • Stay up to date on the latest trends about learning in the digital age

In today’s digital age, learning has gone through a profound transformation, reshaping traditional educational models. Technology’s omnipresence has brought forth a new era of accessibility, democratizing knowledge across geographic and socioeconomic boundaries.

As learning in the digital age progresses, online platforms, interactive simulations, and virtual classrooms have become essential tools, promoting and supporting self-directed and personalized learning experiences. The digital availability of information has accelerated the pace of knowledge sharing, enabling instant access to a vast repository of resources. Collaboration is not confined by physical barriers–global learning communities connect and share insights in real-time. Adaptive learning technologies cater to individual needs, optimizing educational paths for diverse learners.…Read More

Digital Literacy Skills for Students

Key points:

  • Digital literacy skills are paramount for students’ future success
  • When teaching digital literacy, it’s important to connect lessons to real-life relevancy
  • Stay up to date on news about learning in the digital age

When it comes to learning in the digital age, cultivating strong digital literacy skills is paramount for students’ success. As technology continues to shape every facet of modern life, proficiency in navigating digital tools, critically evaluating online information, and responsibly engaging in the digital space becomes crucial.

As we examine the significance of digital literacy skills, we’ll focus on highlighting their role in empowering students to navigate the complexities of the information age, fostering critical thinking, and preparing them for the challenges of an increasingly interconnected and technologically-driven world.…Read More

Learning enters the metaverse with “Mission: Mars” Roblox experience

Key points:

Each year, we share our 10 most-read stories. Not surprisingly, many of this year’s Top 10 focused on equity, edtech innovation, immersive learning, and the science of reading. This year’s 3rd most-read story focuses on immersive and interactive learning.

The Museum of Science, Boston is making its first move into the world of immersive online education with its launch of “Mission: Mars,” an educational experience on Roblox, a global platform connecting millions of people through immersive 3D experiences. …Read More

Ulster BOCES Earns Prestigious ‘Deeper Learning Designation’ from Deeper Learning Global

NEW PALTZ, NY – Ulster BOCES is thrilled to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious Deeper Learning Designation from Deeper Learning Global (DLg). This recognition affirms the Ulster BOCES commitment to fostering innovative and transformative learning experiences for educators in the region.

Deeper learning is a pedagogical approach that encourages students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and communicate clearly. It goes beyond traditional classroom methods to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. Ulster BOCES recognizes the importance of equipping educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to instill deeper learning principles in their classrooms.

“We are incredibly proud to receive the Deeper Learning Designation from Deeper Learning Global,” said Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent at Ulster BOCES. “This recognition reflects our mission of cultivating a community of educators who are passionate about nurturing deeper learning principles and creating transformative learning experiences for our students. We look forward to continuing to expand our commitment to deeper learning principles.”…Read More

Abbott Elementary and a push for Black educator representation

Each year, we share our 10 most-read stories. Not surprisingly, many of this year’s Top 10 focused on equity, edtech innovation, immersive learning, and the science of reading. This year’s 8th most-read story focuses on the need for more Black educators–especially Black male educators.

Representation matters, and when students have educators who look like them, it does wonders for their learning experience. At ISTELive 23’s opening mainstage event, featured speakers sat down for a chat about the challenges around representation and getting more Black educators—particularly Black male educators—into classrooms.

Director of ISTE Certification Carmalita Seitz sat down with Joyce Abbott, the inspiration behind Abbott Elementary’s name and a recently retired educator; Tyler James Williams, 2023 Golden Globe winner for best supporting actor as teacher Gregory Eddie on Abbott Elementary; and Sharif El-Mekki, CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development to discuss just how much representation matters for students and teachers.…Read More

5 top education innovation trends in 2023

Each year, we share our 10 most-read stories. Not surprisingly, many of this year’s Top 10 focused on equity, edtech innovation, immersive learning, and the science of reading. This year’s 10th most-read story focuses on the top edtech innovation predictions for 2023.

2022 marked a confusing year in the world of education innovation. As a friend and school leader said to me a few months ago, “Innovation is dead, right?” 

She was half joking while perfectly summing up something in the air last year in schools: a pandemic hangover mixed with ongoing, day-to-day challenges of running complex systems. Together, these made many “new” approaches to education feel too overwhelming to even entertain. …Read More

AI and connectivity: Pillars of the new education revolution

Key points:

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and its availability to the public implies a cross-cutting revolution in all areas of human activity. Like the surface of the internet, this event is profoundly transforming the way we think about creative and problem-solving processes in all industries. No other field will be more impacted in the medium and long term than education.

The application of technologies to improve the educational process, enhance the capabilities of students, and reduce inequality gaps was one of the great promises of the beginning of the XXI century worldwide.…Read More