edtech Archives

A blanket screen-time ban won’t fix what’s broken in edtech

August 31, 2026 by Todd Wirt, Discovery Education & Former Public School Superintendent

A ban on edtech and screen time won't work if we want to prepare students for the future and help them build digital fluency and AI literacy.

Many parents, policymakers, and educators are worried about screens in schools. They’ve observed the positive effects of cell phone bans and are wondering how edtech might contribute to…

Education Policy & Funding

We need to start giving agency to educators instead of edtech vendors

June 8, 2026 by Priten Soundar-Shah, PedagogyVentures

Teachers and students need agency as they are voicing concern and disagreement over administrators’ edtech purchasing decisions.

American schools spent roughly $30 billion on educational technology in 2024--a figure that's projected to nearly double by 2033. Superintendents are constantly bombarded with emails, brochures, and demos…

Teaching Trends

Why so many students struggle in math before learning even begins

May 6, 2026May 6, 2026 by Nigel Nisbet, Mind Education

$Aligning math learning and math instruction with how the brain learns opens access for every student to achieve success.$

In mathematics education, we have long relied on a familiar sequence: introduce vocabulary, demonstrate procedures, and assign practice. For some students, this works well enough.

AI in Education

The screen-time debate’s blind spot

April 17, 2026April 15, 2026 by Adriana Perusin, IASEA & Flip Education

The point of AI is not to replace the teacher--it is to give her more of what he or she actually needs: time and structure.

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…

Teaching Trends

The next wave of K-12 innovation: How educators are shaping the future of edtech

March 30, 2026 by Dr. Matthew X. Joseph, New Bedford Public Schools

Edtech innovation can come from teachers who remove learning guardrails and show students the joy and excitement in trying something new.

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…

Edtech Trends

New CoSN report underscores importance of intentional, reliable edtech use

February 16, 2026 by ESchool News Staff

Strength, creativity and humanity of educators and IT leaders will be the driving forces behind true edtech innovation

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…

Digital Learning Tools

The death of the static textbook: Why financial education must be “live”

January 30, 2026 by Isaac Lamptey, Piggy Investors

Democratizing financial intelligence means democratizing the technology that delivers it--financial education and edtech must be modern.

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 Education

AI in edtech: The 2026 efficacy imperative

January 29, 2026 by Rishi Raj Gera, Magic Edtech

A strong and solid AI strategy will enable education leaders to answer what improved, for whom, and under what conditions.

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 in Education

AI for empathy: Using generative tools to deepen, not replace, human connection in schools

January 13, 2026 by Timothy Montalvo, Iona University & the College of Westchester

AI can’t perform human actions like empathy for us, but it can help students and educators practice and prepare for them.

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…

Teacher Professional Development

We built evaluation for accountability–now it’s time to build it for growth

January 8, 2026 by Jena Draper, RefynED

Real leadership means moving past outdated educator evaluation processes and redesigning it around evidence, clarity, and authentic feedback.

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.

AI in Education

25 predictions about AI and edtech

December 30, 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

Edtech teaching strategies that support sustainability

December 23, 2025 by Sam Bowman, Contributing Writer

Integrating edtech learning strategies into classrooms brings sustainability and enhanced learning experiences to the forefront.

Educational technology, or edtech, has reshaped how educators teach, offering opportunities to create more sustainable and impactful learning environments.

ELL

Why every middle school student deserves a second chance to learn to read

December 15, 2025 by Kim Hicks, Southwestern Jefferson County Consolidated School

To read with confidence, middle school students need foundational literacy instruction that respects age, cognitive development, and dignity.

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…

Education Policy & Funding

Funding technology initiatives in uncertain times

October 24, 2025 by Gillian Rhodes, Avantis Education

Be intentional about where to look for technology funding, how to frame proposals, and how to measure and share impact

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…

Edtech Trends

Do screens help or hurt K-8 learning? Lessons from the UK’s OPAL program

January 14, 2026October 22, 2025 by Nesreen El-Baz, ESL Educator

In education, we don’t have to choose between tech and tradition--the real challenge is finding balance in learning.

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 Cybersecurity

K-12 districts are fighting ransomware, but IT teams pay the price

October 10, 2025 by ESchool Media Contributors

Recovery times are improving, and ransomware payments are falling, but K-12 IT staff burnout and stress are on the rise.

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

October 6, 2025 by Vcarlson

Whether you’re an educator within a school district, or an EdTech curriculum developer creating content for a wide range of ... Read more

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…

Reaching New Heights: Students Share How AI-Powered Math Tools Drive their Progress and Build Confidence

September 22, 2025 by Jeff Festa

Individualized edtech tools are transforming the way students approach math, opening new pathways for deeper understanding, confidence, and achievement. These ... Read more

AI in Education

Why AI’s true power in education isn’t about saving time

September 16, 2025 by Melissa Serio, GoGuardian

AI's purpose in education isn't to automate teaching, but to clear space for the creativity, experimentation, and human connection.

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…

Digital Literacy

Lessons from DENSI: Weaving digital citizenship into edtech innovation

August 12, 2025 by Dr. Stephanie J. Madlinger, Discovery Educator Network (DEN)

As edtech tools enable new paths to digital citizenship, innovative AI and collaborative tools form new learning experiences.

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…

Literacy

4 tips to support the literacy needs of middle and high school students

August 8, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

A new report underscores the literacy challenges of older students left behind by the COVID-19 pandemic's disruptions to learning.

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.

K-12 Cybersecurity

5 cybersecurity green flags: A practical guide for sourcing edtech

August 1, 2025 by Ben Johnson, Prodigy Education

Every school district can take meaningful, manageable steps to reduce risk, establish guardrails, and build trust with cybersecurity.

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.

AI in Education

Data, privacy, and cybersecurity in schools: A 2025 wake-up call

July 30, 2025 by Rishi Raj Gera, Magic Edtech

In the rush to embrace AI, schools must not lose sight of their responsibility to protect students' data and privacy from shadow AI tools.

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…

Innovation Insights

eSchool News Live @InstructureCon25

July 23, 2025July 23, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

Spokane, Washington, may not be the first place you think of when downloading some of the biggest edtech news of ... Read more

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…

Digital Learning Tools

Digital learning is different

July 17, 2025 by Rick Cave, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District

When students can master learning with digital learning tools and resources, they'll be prepared to navigate an increasingly digital world.

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…

Live @ ISTE 2025

ISTE Takeaways:What’s the Deal with Data—EdTech Research and Challenges

July 15, 2025July 15, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

While districts understand the value of data, they often lack confidence in knowing what specific data to demand from EdTech ... Read more

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…

Edtech Trends

Districts are more selective about edtech tools as they face a budget crisis

July 9, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

A new report offers a comprehensive view of how districts are navigating the crowded and complex landscape of edtech tools.

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…

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.

Live @ ISTE 2025

ISTE launches four new initiatives to improve edtech experiences

July 1, 2025June 30, 2025 by Dennis Pierce

All students should have transformational edtech learning experiences that spark their imagination and prepare them to thrive in life.

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…

Live @ ISTE 2025

ISTELive 25: Let’s Get on With the Show!

June 30, 2025June 25, 2025 by Kevin Hogan

Who better than Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD, to give you the lowdown of what to expect this week at ... Read more

Live @ ISTE 2025

ISTELive 25 spotlights bold innovation

December 4, 2025June 18, 2025 by Laura Ascione

ISTELive 25 aims to spark joyful learning and immerse attendees in the latest edtech-centric teaching and learning strategies.

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…

Literacy

From school year to summer: Why reliable edtech matters to boost literacy

June 11, 2025June 11, 2025 by Judy Boone, Irving Independent School District

Literacy is not confined to English Language Arts--in fact, every teacher is a reading teacher, and reliable edtech is key.

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…

Featured on eSchool News

ISTELive 25 spotlights bold innovation

June 29, 2025June 9, 2025 by Laura Ascione

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…

Digital Learning Tools

How instructional audio amps up physical education classes

May 19, 2025 by Amber Reynolds, Summit View Elementary School

Portable instructional audio technology helps physical education teachers overcome critical barriers to listening.

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,…

E-rate Funding

Edtech leaders see expanding roles as concerns over AI and cybersecurity increase

May 13, 2025 by ESchool News Staff

Key findings in a new report highlight expanding role of edtech leaders amid rising AI, cybersecurity, and connectivity challenges.

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

May 13, 2025May 10, 2025 by Jeff Festa

Learn how Modesto City Schools use an interoperable product to connect students, administrators, teachers, and parents across the district and ... Read more

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