6 ways teachers want to use digital tools
As states and educators implement the Common Core State Standards or revamp their own standards to be more rigorous and to prepare students for college and the workforce,…
Technologies
Two key steps to using digital content
Today, it seems like digital content is king. But how can districts effectively navigate the transition to digital content and digital resources? Despite digital content's benefits, including a…
Top ways to choose and use tech in early education
Making sure that young children benefit from technology isn't quite as simple as handing a child a mobile device with age-appropriate apps. But using a series of questions…
Five new ed-tech innovations for schools
Products that make it easier for teachers to control students’ tablet computers and leave notes within the margins of online lessons are among the latest ed-tech innovations we’re…
4 questions every tech leader should answer
As schools continuously work to construct digital learning plans that will help transform teaching and learning, it is essential that school technology leaders are updated with the latest…
5 steps to better early childhood tech use
Closing the digital divide has been a constant challenge as technology tools and use become more prevalent in schools. Now, research shows that developing early technology skills can…
International ed tech: Portugal’s success story
As the U.S. struggles with stagnant performance on international assessments, it could learn from other countries' successful ed-tech initiatives. During the Consortium for School Networking's (CoSN) 2013 senior-level…
3D printing and Star Trek?
3D printers have garnered attention in education as of late, due to their ability to generate unique objects and their capacity to engage students and drum up interest…
How to avoid classroom cheating
Snapchat—snap a photo with a smartphone and the image disappears 10 seconds after the receiver opens it. Great for selfies, but also for sending answers on a test.…
Myths and facts about online speech therapy
Online learning extends educational opportunities to a number of different student groups, and those needing special interventions are able to benefit from expanded learning opportunities, too. One fast-growing…
Here’s how digital content and teachers align
As digital content becomes more commonplace in districts across the nation, some school leaders and educators wonder: what's involved in a digital content transition? During the 2014 National…
Building smart networks to improve learning
In the newly-released 2014 CoSN IT Leadership Survey, district technology leaders indicate that being ready for online assessments is their number one priority. And fewer than 18 percent…
6 science strategies for early learners
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills are regularly emphasized as critical to student success, but less attention is paid to STEM skills for early learners. The National…
Stop saying ‘technology’
I have an idea. Let's stop using the word "technology." I have a feeling that the sooner we get this word out of our vocabulary, the sooner we…
7 ways to evaluate educational games
As educational gaming moves from a future technology to a practice found in more and more classrooms, educators are recognizing game-based learning's (GBL) potential to engage students and…
CUE exhibitors show new ed-tech innovations
At the annual CUE conference in Palm Springs, Calif., earlier this month, dozens of ed-tech companies showed their latest products for educators—including a new interactive computer game for…
New software lets teachers control student devices
The lines are blurring between mobile device management (MDM) and classroom management software, as both now offer some classroom-level control over students’ mobile devices. That’s good news for…
Engaging virtual field trip apps, resources
Once a foreign concept, virtual field trips and tours have skyrocketed in popularity, due in part to tight school budgets and a growth in classroom mobile technology tools.…
Google Apps spur rise of new ed-tech market segment
Student use of Google Apps is on the rise, and Google Chromebooks have exploded in popularity within K-12 education. In response to these trends, a new niche market…
Big Data’s revolutionary potential
A recent eSchool News story about five revolutionary new ed-tech trends suggested that big data is one of the technological developments that “will have a near-immediate impact on…
Learning analytics now a key feature of school software
School software programs are getting more sophisticated in using data analytics to help educators target their instruction more effectively and personalize learning for students. Learning and instructional management…
Ed-tech innovations curb cell phone cheating—and more
Each week, I’ll highlight new ed-tech innovations that readers should be aware of. This week’s column includes a next-generation wireless infrastructure, more powerful voice recognition software, a blended…
7 intriguing facts about the brain
When it comes to student learning, many stakeholders focus on important learning supports, such as classroom technology, reliable high-speed internet access in schools, and educators who use technology…
Adobe offers powerful software for video presentations
Adobe Systems has upgraded its Presenter software for easily creating video presentations. The latest version includes new annotation and accessibility features that should appeal to educators.
7 steps to building strong school networks
Capable networks are an essential part of even the most straightforward school technology program, and now school technology leaders can follow seven steps to build strong and reliable…
Seven new ed-tech tools to know about
In just the last month, Austin has hosted two major education conferences: the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) conference and the South by Southwest Education conference (SXSWedu). Here…
New laptops designed with students in mind
With so much recent focus on tablet computers and Chromebooks, it might seem as if traditional laptops have become passé for education. But that’s not the case, as…
Watch out, Apple: Chromebooks on the rise in schools
Education sales of Chromebooks, the lightweight laptops that run software from the internet instead of a local hard drive, have skyrocketed in the last year—and Chromebooks now account…
STEAM tips and resources you can use right now
The need for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and proficiency is nothing new. But a movement is growing for STEAM education, in which the "a" stands…
Free software helps fuel digital instruction
A new software program from Promethean aims to simplify teaching with technology—regardless of what devices teachers or their students are using.
The ABCs of school technology programs
Making the decision to allocate school district resources to a digital conversion, and planning for and sustaining that technology conversion, requires effort and dedication. The need for technology-rich…
Key ways to support your district’s digital transition
Planning, enlisting stakeholder support, and identifying the "why" are chief among the most important steps when it comes to moving from traditional classrooms to digital, connected classrooms. In…
Two rural schools that are beating the odds
Rural schools haven't always had it easy. Lack of funding, geographical isolation, and technology challenges often prove nearly impossible to overcome. But because technology is absolutely essential in…
How learning repositories enable personalized instruction
The emergence of open educational resources and more personalized learning options for students has fueled a need for content repositories that enable teachers, students, and parents to locate…
5 trends poised to rock education
Five technologies are reaching maximum impact and are about to transform education, changing just about everything, according to educational futurist Jason Ohler. Speaking during the International Society for…
Two handy products to support school iPad use
At the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) conference last week, our editors were on the lookout for innovative, yet practical ed-tech products and services. Here are two such…