eSchool News Live at Transfr XR Futures

AI isn’t the only acronym poised to create vast improvements in the way we teach and learn. Last month, eSchool attended “XR Training: The Next Frontier of Learning,” hosted by Transfr Inc. The event featured many speakers including CEO Bharani Rajakumar (pictured above), developers, and users in the corporate, not-for-profit, and government sectors that use simulation software to enhance job training programs. 

Conversations touched on a wide variety of topics from the distinctions of spatial computing, to how XR can reduce the skills gap, to how its application can become a powerful force in underserved communities. It was a great opportunity to listen to some of the leading experts in the field, get our chance to try the gear firsthand and hear how the tech is already impacting lives. Scroll down for some highlights of the sessions and some examples of the simulations in action.


Extended reality (XR) is considered a catch-all term for augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technologies. The technology intends to combine or mirror the physical world with a “digital twin world” able to interact with it, which gives users an immersive experience by being in a virtual or augmented environment.…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

The IT solutions you need to succeed this year

Key points:

There is no shortage of devices on a school campus between students, faculty, and educators. Not only are there school-mandated devices, but the rise of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) linked to the school’s network has the potential to cause major strain on a school’s IT system, both from campus and at home.

In today’s digital age, one student alone might be using two or three different devices for their schoolwork – that’s more surfaces for security threats to creep in than ever before. Not only is personal device use on the rise, but since 2020, there has been a 19 percent average increase in the overall use of learning technologies.…Read More

Robbins Transcript

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email KHogan@eschoolmedia.com with any questions.

Speaker 2 

OK, Glenn, as always, a pleasure to see you. If we’re not seeing each other in person here over zoom, but always great to talk to you. Thanks so much for taking the time. …Read More

Edtech tools to beat our state of emergency in reading and math achievement

Key points:

Back in early 2020, educators and students nationwide were living in a fast-paced world full of choices, adjustments, and constant changes. But in March of that year, everything changed.  Our district, like so many across the country, was forced to re-imagine what learning looked like. Under the great leadership of Dr. Shawn Foster, the Orangeburg County School District Superintendent, my school district had an active plan of action to ensure continuity of learning for all students. 

While we move further away from day-to-day impacts of the COVID pandemic, in some ways it is still with us. Although all members of the team worked hard to maintain continuity of learning during the pandemic, COVID has left our students’ reading and math skills in a state of emergency. Today, our challenge is to empower, encourage, equip, and support our teachers and students as they recover the learning lost during the pandemic. …Read More

How Do You Use Technology to Improve Your Learning?

Key points:

In the modern educational landscape, leveraging technology is key to enhancing learning experiences. From interactive platforms to digital resources, incorporating technology optimizes accessibility, personalization, and engagement. New educational models delve into diverse ways individuals can use technology to bolster their learning in the digital age, fostering a dynamic and effective educational journey.

In the contemporary educational landscape, harnessing technology is pivotal to revolutionizing K-12 student learning. Integrating technology enhances engagement, personalization, and skill development.…Read More

How Technology Has Improved Student Learning

Key points:

Technology has significantly transformed K-12 education and learning in the digital age, offering innovative tools that revolutionize student learning. From interactive apps and online platforms to adaptive learning systems, technology has redefined traditional teaching methodologies, promoting personalized and engaging educational experiences.

Let’s delve into the tangible ways in which technology has enhanced student learning in K-12 settings, fostering a dynamic, interactive, and future-ready educational landscape.…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

How to prepare for the future of technology in education

Key points:

Raise your hand if your school is one hundred percent ready for whatever technology inventions and adoptions will come over the next three to five years. This means you know exactly what technology will best benefit your students and teachers, you know exactly what it will cost to upgrade, and you know exactly how to update your technology without any interoperability or other issues.

If we were in a room right now, some people would actually have their hands raised. Are you one of the few, or do you need to know what they know? If the latter, let’s take a look at how to prepare for emerging trends in education and the future of technology in education.…Read More

Tutor.com’s On-Demand Tutoring Meets ESSA II Standards, Demonstrating Positive Impacts on Student Grades and Attendance

NEW YORK —  Tutor.com, one of the world’s largest and most innovative online tutoring organizations, announced that it satisfies Level II requirements (Moderate Evidence) of the  Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for its on-demand tutoring services. 

The findings come from an  effectiveness study independently designed and conducted by LearnPlatform by Instructure, a third-party edtech research company. The study results show four statistically significant favorable outcomes for  El Monte Union High School District students who used Tutor.com, as compared to demographically similar non-users. Highlights include:

–       Students who used Tutor.com had higher GPAs. Students who used Tutor.com had higher spring-semester GPAs as compared to non-users (3.02 vs. 2.87), and the difference was statistically significant. …Read More