Sales Associate Anne Gregoire anne.gregoire@futurenet.com
MANAGEMENT
SVP, MD, B2B Amanda Darman-Allen
VP, Head of US Sales, B2B Tom Sikes
Managing VP of Sales, B2B Tech
Adam Goldstein
VP, Global Head of Strategy & Ops, B2B Allison Markert
VP, Product & Marketing, B2B Andrew Buchholz
Head of Production US & UK
Mark Constance
Head of Design, B2B Nicole Cobban
CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF TECH & LEARNING
Okay, it doesn’t quite feel like yesterday when Tech & Learning published its first issue in 1980, but the past four and half decades have seemingly flown past. In that time, education technology has gone from the first home computers being used to write book reports to AI that can create its own videos and podcasts, all with a dizzying array of innovations in between.
Tech & Learning will be celebrating its 45th anniversary this year with a series of special features, including looking at some of the most influential
edtech innovations, past and present, as well as sharing memories and experiences from our readers.
It’s been gratifying hearing from so many of you telling us how Tech & Learning has impacted your teaching and career. And you can still share with us via this survey!
“I started FIRST Tech Challenge teams because of being exposed to the concept through articles in Tech & Learning,” shares Kristina Sorrells, Head of School at Salem Academy, and a loyal reader since 1998 when she started teaching. “My all-girls school has now had
robotics teams for nearly 15 years. T&L has been a fantastic introduction to many topics that educators at all levels need to know.”
“When I began using the Tech & Learning subscription, it helped determine what technology resources to use in my class and adapt the resources for student use,” C., a teacher at PGCPS and reader since 1999, told us.
Over the decades, our regional leadership summits have also provided memorable professional learning and networking opportunities.
“Of all the networks I am affiliated with, this is unique and special,” says Dr. Jennifer Parker, Faculty Development Coordinator at the Center for Teaching
Excellence, University of Florida. “It is a close-knit group of special leaders who truly have their fingers on the pulse of the edtech world. It differs from ISTE, FETC, CoSN and the State EdTech networks in that it provides a national perspective and a 1:1 vendor experience in an intimate setting. No one else can do that. Well done T&L!”
“Tech & Learning has been instrumental in keeping me informed and knowledgeable about the world of EdTech,” writes Mary Jane Warden, Chief Technology Officer at Palatine Community Consolidated District 15. “I couldn’t have been as effective as an educator/administrator without the networking and the learning facilitated by Tech & Learning.”
LOOKING BACK, AHEAD
By Ray Bendici
Looking back at the 1980s, “educational technology” was essentially overhead projectors and computer labs. Some of us who were in high school back then can remember the “cutting edge” of technology was learning BASIC computer language to create what would now be seen as crude text-based experiences. I coded a “choose your own natural disaster” game that featured a random generator that would summon events such as an inverted triangle of green Xs that was supposed to be a tornado and a swarm of little circles slowly moving across the screen that stood in for a horde of plague-infested rats. (At least I got an A for creativity!)
Obviously, both education and technology have come a long way together, with each one supporting the other. The vast array of current platforms and digital tools encourage innovation, leading students to develop the next generation of technology and solve real-world problems, such as devising solutions for cleaning oceans, providing clean water and energy, and providing healthcare support.
Of course, even while new technology has evolved classrooms and pedagogy, many of the same challenges that existed 45 years ago still plague schools now. Funding still tops the list, which shows no signs of diminishing. Schools and districts continue to struggle with providing proper professional development, which has been exacerbated by the influx of digital tools and platforms. And of course, the dearth of quality, caring, and dedicated educators never really goes away, either.
Looking at the challenges ahead, Tech & Learning will be here to help, as we’ve always been.
“I started reading articles and paying attention to Tech & Learning during Covid,” says Nicole Greer, a library media specialist in Muscogee. “Reading about websites and apps that I could share with our teachers to help them with learning was beneficial during this time. In 2021, I decided to get my Specialists degree in School Library Media. The articles continued to help me stay current with my degree and practices in the library. I continue to read the articles to see how I can stay current with technology and its uses in the school. Even though I am six years away from retiring, I love to continue to learn and find new ways to help my students and staff.”
We look forward to supporting learning for the next 45!
HONORING INNOVATION
Highlights and takeaways from Tech & Learning’s annual Innovation Summit
Tech & Learning’s Innovation Summit was a celebration of the school district leaders and companies who are driving innovation and success in today’s schools.
The event kicked off with an awards dinner at the beautiful Liberty Science Center outside of New York City, where winners of Tech & Learning’s Innovative Leader Awards and the Awards of Excellence program came together for a fun night of celebration.
Some of the evening’s highlights:
The next day, attendees took a deep dive into the work of our innovative leaders, who shared their experiences, best practices, and more through dynamic small-group discussions, which generated all sorts of terrific and practical ideas and actionable advice. They also got to network, see and hear how their peers are approaching certain challenges, meet with vendor partners, and much more.
At the end of the day, attendees were divided into groups to create an action plan featuring a district vision to support one aspect of the future of education, such as funding technology or retaining teachers. They brainstormed ideas and identified potential challenges, and then outlined practical steps to take, including a timeline, necessary resources, potential roadblocks, possible partners, and other key aspects.
A special thanks to our sponsors: Apptegy, ClassLink, D2L, AnalyticVue, Book Creator, Cricut for Schools, MYdy-Edu, Hiveclass, Pathway Innovations (eGlass and HoverCam), Incident IQ, Pocketalk, SchoolStatus, and Share-A-Cart.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Here are notes from a few of the popular discussions throughout the day.
Rethinking Assessment and Feedback -
During this discussion, Whittney Smith, Director of Instructional Technology & Assessment for Mineola UFSD, shared how his district starts students with “badgebooks” in which standards have been changed into badges and are earned for showing mastery. This helps support growth management, for example by teaching students (as young as first grade) neuroscience so they earn a “neuro badge.” Students design their own journeys and conference with their teachers to discuss their progress. Tests are knowledge level rather than showing mastery.
Mike Lang, Chief Innovation Program Officer at ed.Xtraordinary, suggested changing assessment to meeting students where they are with a more engaging rewards system such as what’s used in video games. For example, in Call of Duty, a user
Attendees gathered in small group discussions throughout the day to discuss ways they can support innovation in education
can customize their character, and as they go through levels, they collect badges, achievements, and daily challenges. It’s always “me against me,” which provides instant feedback, yet allows students to compete against others in a way. The game provides a sandbox that’s big enough to provide lots of opportunities but still has rules and structure.
Privacy and AI: What You Need to Know
- The first thing to keep in mind with most AI tools is that “You are the product,” as Mike Lang said, who added that his district added some AI products without really doing due diligence.
Not having been educated in AI in any capacity, the articles and information in the Tech & Learning newsletter have been wonderful assets and opportunities to build my knowledge base little by little. Less threatening and more relatable than just ‘googling’ information on ethical AI usage and applications in education. Thank you for the incredible depth and breadth of information you share.”
Monika Davis, Retired CTO of Dekalb County School District, pointed out the need to be very mindful of the data being collected, and how it can affect the decisions being made about students. She championed the “Awareness, Education, Expansion” model, and added that her district attached their AI policy with an acceptable use policy. And overall, when it comes to AI products, she said that it’s important to not let vendors tell you what your district needs but to work with them to let them know what you want. She also cited 1EdTech as a resource.
Melissa Dyer, Reference & Outreach Librarian, Wareham Public Schools, and reader for two years.
can be used for catfishing and other improper purposes, and it’s critical to train staff to understand what is real and what is not. To that end, her district offers a professional learning series for teachers that features a required AI awareness course.
Preparing Our Future Leaders
- Terry Webb discussed having a specific plan and policies in place to build leaders, which requires involving stakeholders and creating opportunities for student voice.
Dekalb, her district, has an aspiring leadership academy, which takes the district plan and then builds out a school plan that aligns with the vision. They also create a space for assistant principals to become principals, and focus on six keys to understanding the school’s technology and how to address it. She noted that it’s important to have a strategy but also be flexible.
Terri Webb, Manager III of Instructional Technology for Dekalb County School District, noted that AI can be used to create fake profiles that
Monika Davis and Terri Webb of DeKalb County Public Schools
Randy Asher, Deputy Chief Information Officer for School Planning, Modernization, and Partnerships for the New York City Department of Education, talked about how going from assistant principal to principal is one of the biggest career jumps there is because whereas an assistant principal typically has a specific area of focus, a full principal has to have a wider vision to include all the aspects of leadership, from handling financials to investigating an incident. Asher suggested it’s critical to have a checklist of questions to ask and actions to take when first taking over a new building, such as what tools are being using, what’s the politics of the building/ community, which teachers are the strongest/most disliked, what are the steps to fire someone, etc.
& Learning's
Building a Collaborative Environment - To forge better collaboration, Mike Gaskell, author and principal of Central Elementary School in East Brunswick, New Jersey, suggested trying innovative programs such as:
• Schoolhouse Adjustment (SHA) Program: Replaces punitive measures with constructive interventions, using school security officers to deliver tailored lessons for specific offenses.
• Blindside Project: Pairs older at-risk students with preschoolers, encouraging them to read to younger children, which shifts teacher perceptions and enhances school climate.
• Positive Behavior Support Program: Reduces bus disciplinary issues by empowering
bus drivers, emphasizing positive interactions, and maintaining a 3:1 ratio of positive to disciplinary actions.
• Restorative Service Program: Engages faculty in one-on-one discussions with students, focusing on relationship building and constructive problem-solving.
• Pod Races Program: Incentivizes on-time class arrivals through competition, reclaiming nearly 8 instructional days annually and improving school culture.
The Tech & Learning Team: Ray Bendici, Christine Weiser, Allison Knapp, Blake Pippin, and Marquita Amoah
Tech
Allison Knapp shares a laugh with IncidentIQ's Courtney White. Also pictured: Andrew Wallace (South Portland Maine Schools) and Matt Winters (Utah State Board of Education)
Gaskell also encouraged leaders to review surveys, and instead of “always/sometimes/never” options, instead make the qualitative data more openended. Once you have answers, you can use AI to identify patterns and trends and create recommendations based on the information.
Launching
& Analyzing Pilot Programs - Andrew Wallace, Technology Director in South Portland, Maine, suggested that a “pilot” program can sometimes be a way to get around obstacles and test ideas, but the challenge then becomes if it’s successful, what’s involved with getting it implemented, especially when it comes to funding? He jokingly likened it to the “drug” model – it’s free at first, but once you get hooked, the cost comes–and how do you approach this?
Technology Coordinator at Warren Hills Regional School District in New Jersey, suggested that the decision of what tools to use to enhance learning is usually left to curriculum departments, but it should involve technology leaders as well. Curriculum and tech departments can sometimes be at odds, so working together is critical to successful procurement and integration of teaching platforms and tools.
Wallace also compared a pilot to test driving a Porsche in that it can be great but can you really afford it, and is it practical? Districts need to ask what is the life cycle cost of a product, can it be replaced if it breaks, etc. Although one benefit of piloting a program first is being able to start small, and then gradually figuring out how to scale it.
He also suggested it could be effective to pilot a tool with a less tech-savvy teacher, and if it works for them, then it can be an easier lift to integrate with the more tech-savvy ones.
Enhancing Learning Experiences with Effective Technology Integration - Tim Jaw,
Districts often purchase products with no plan for integration, which creates challenges. It’s critical to truly vet a purchase to make sure it fits the vision and that there are effective implementation processes in place, including allowing for PD (both in terms of cost and time). It also can be a challenge to find a tool that gets used by everyone, and if it doesn’t, it’s important to know how to remove it without upsetting the folks who do use it.
Creating privacy agreements (such as New York’s parents bill of rights) is key, but it also has to be something that vendors can sign off on or it can create extra challenges.
Ultimately, bringing together so many passionate and inspiring educators and solution providers for the Innovation Summit provided an amazing professional learning and networking opportunity–and it was also just fun! Thanks again to everyone who participated and openly shared their experiences.
Here’s looking forward to the next celebration of innovation!
The view from Tech & Learning's Innovation Summit
BOLD PREDICTIONS IN EDTECH FOR 2025
By Carl Hooker
In 2013, I made a resolution to come up with a range of various “bold” predictions for the world of education and technology. Twelve years later, I continue to try to up the ante in these posts while also staying grounded in some level of realism.
Now it’s time to face forward and peer into the notso-distant future. Last year, AI played a major role in most of my predictions, and it will continue to play a role in some this year!
1. A rapid increase of “AI Schools”
The rise in AI and the ever-shifting landscape of public education funding means that schools such the Alpha School will continue to develop and grow exponentially this year.
2. You’ll soon be able to buy stock in schools
The stock market (founded in 1792) has been around almost as long as public schools (1635). With funding of schools becoming more of a state issue, we’ll have to start thinking of innovative ways to get dollars into learning institutions.
3. K-12 crypto launches
Incentivizing students with a “Learn to earn” model might be the ticket to increase attendance and student engagement. Creating education cryptocurrencies can’t be that hard, can it?
(RIP Toys R’ Us) to on-demand online ordering. I predict learning will evolve the same way. Using an app, struggling students (or their parents) can order a few servings of math tutoring with a side of language arts.
5. Transformative furniture will re-imagine the traditional classroom space
We have mobile chairs, hokki stools, and standing desks, so what’s next? These TRANSFORM tables from MIT can readjust the learning surface into whatever you might imagine.
6. The Meta Smart Ray-Bans go next level Halliday smart glasses have a mini-display and a way to control the menu through a connected smart ring. I can hear the excuses already: ”I can’t learn today because I forgot my ring!”
7. I will publish a response book to The Anxious Generation Forbes recently stated that 60% of employers have fired Gen Z employees within their first year. In The Anxious Generation, Jon Haidt details why kids are struggling, and suggeests “screens are bad, play is good.” In response, I’m working on “Antidotes for the Anxious,” coming your way in 2025.
8. Some kid will get rich using AI to invest I predict a student will use AI to create an investment strategy that turns them into a millionaire before they graduate. Maybe they’ll even buy K-12 crypto! No matter what happens, here’s hoping we all get rich with learning in 2025!
4. Uber-like education services become a thing Commerce has rapidly shifted from the big box stores
5 EDTECH AND OTHER SCHOOL TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2025
By Erik Ofgang
As anyone who has ever engaged in sports betting or election forecasting knows, predicting the future can be a fool’s errand. I find this particularly true with education, particularly over the last five years. No one could have predicted the shockwaves of the pandemic, and few foresaw the rise of generative AI and its impact on teaching.
That all being said, here are areas of edtech and education in general that I believe are poised to see significant changes and evolution this year.
1. Return on Investment For Edtech
The gold rush days of the pandemic, when new edtech tools were embraced out of necessity, have long since passed, but as budgets grow tighter, expect 2025 to be the year school districts really take a closer look at their subscription plans.
2. AI Tutors Get Tutoring
In 2025, it seems likely AI tutors will lose some of their shiny-new-thing appeal, and educators, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders will take a harder look at how well these tools are actually working, and look to improve processes.
3. AI Cheating Boils Over
AI cheating has increased every
year since ChatGPT ushered in the current generative AI revolution. It’s something to watch in 2025, as the need for more effective responses to the problem grows. If more is not done at institutional levels to prevent this, I think teachers are going to voice increasing frustration and demand better support.
4. Funding, Funding, and More Funding
Funding is always something to watch in edtech as digital tools and platforms often come with costs, but in 2025 it will have even increased importance. President-Elect Donald Trump has proposed eliminating the U.S. Education Department, which could have far-reaching implications on school funding, both through direct allocation of government resources and by discouraging school funding overall.
5. Focus On Mental Health and Tech Tools
Last year the potential links between digital devices, social media, and student mental health became a focus at many schools. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warned against excessive social media use, and many districts banned or discouraged phone use during the school day. This will continue to bear watching in 2025.
2025 EDUCATIONAL TRENDS TO FOCUS ON TO ENHANCE DISTRICTS, SCHOOLS AND CLASSROOMS
By Matthew X. Joseph
Welcome to 2025—a year brimming with opportunities to make a difference in our classrooms, schools, and communities. As educators, we continue to adapt, innovate, and inspire the next generation. This year, let’s double down on what matters most: fostering meaningful connections, embracing new technologies, and empowering our students to be thinkers, leaders, and changemakers. While AI dominated much of the education conversation in 2024, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. As we enter 2025, I want to broaden the focus to highlight other critical trends and topics shaping education’s future.
• Personalized LearningPersonalized learning is not new, but technological advancements have significantly enhanced its feasibility and effectiveness.
• Focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) - SEL will be a cornerstone of educational practices in 2025.
• Greater Emphasis on STEM and STEAM - With rapid advancements in AI, robotics, and biotechnology, there is a growing
need to equip students with skills relevant to the 21st-century workforce.
• Micro-Credentials and Lifelong LearningEducational institutions are adapting by offering stackable credentials and modular learning options, promoting lifelong learning as a norm.
• Equity and Inclusion in EducationInclusive education is gaining momentum, with schools adopting universal design principles to accommodate diverse learners.
I am thankful for being part of the Tech & Learning community. The content has been great, and the people I’ve met through their events have opened doors and provided opportunities and confidence to take the next steps in my career.”
Matthew X. Joseph
• Gamification and Edutainment - Gamification and edutainment are transforming student engagement with learning materials.
• Data-Driven DecisionMaking - Predictive analytics and machine learning enable stakeholders to proactively forecast trends and address challenges.
• Hybrid and Blended Learning Models - The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of hybrid and blended learning, which has become a permanent fixture in education.
JANUARY 2025
By T&L Editors
Welcome to the January 2025 Edtech Show & Tell, in which our editors share some of the new edtech products that have caught our attention this month. These are not reviews or endorsements, but a showcase of education-friendly hardware, software, platforms, and more that we think might be noteworthy for you.
Eaton | Samsung Gen 3 lithium-ion battery system
Eaton’s Samsung Gen 3 lithium-ion battery system is a complete solution that provides power for energy storage and emergency backup power for uninterruptible power supplies to enhance the usability and reliability of critical IT infrastructure. With lithium-ion batteries, removeable battery modules and a DC-rated circuit breaker, Eaton’s Samsung Gen 3 lithium-ion battery system enables 24/7 uptime in critical data center applications while lowering totalcost-of-ownership.
NVIDIA | Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit
The NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit is a compact computer that delivers up to 67 TOPS of AI performance—a 1.7X improvement over its predecessor—to run generative AI models, such as vision transformers, large language models, vision-
language models and more.
Philips | ScreenShare
Philips ScreenShare is a new presentation software solution that delivers unrestricted secure wireless content sharing and connected experiences. Philips ScreenShare transforms any teaching or meeting space into a secure, connected environment, without any additional hardware.
reDesign | CBE Catalyst
CBE Catalyst is a team-based online professional learning community to accelerate school and district implementation of competency-based systems. It is designed to provide school and district teams with maximum flexibility to design a CBE pathway that fits their vision, community, and capacity.
Slooh | Earth Science Curriculum
The new NGSS-aligned Earth science curriculum is tailored for Earth science and career and technical education IT courses and leverages Slooh’s platform, which allows students to capture images identifying Earth surface features and atmospheric phenomena, as well as to participate in Quest learning activities covering natural disasters, landmarks, urban commercial planning, and more.
Sonnet | Twin 10G SFP28 Thunderbolt Adapter
The Twin10G SFP28 adapter adds dual-port 10Gb Ethernet optical network connectivity to a wide range of computers, enabling users to connect to 10GbEenabled network infrastructure and storage systems via LC fiber optic cables.
The AVID WonderEars AP-400 Headset delivers a safe and quality listening experience for young learners, ages 4-9. These units are available in vibrant orange or green for both USB-C and 3.5mm TRRS connections. With ample adjustability and comfort these allow for a safe and comfortable classroom audio experience.
Key Takeaways
I tested the AVID WonderEars AP-400 Headsets in various scenarios and found both the 3.5 mm and USB-C models connected immediately to both Chromebook and PC devices. I listened to music, spoken work, and video, and had a pleasurable listening experience that delivered clear sound that captured the entire sound experience. The recording properties of each were a little different in my experience, with the 3.5 mm connection delivering a little better overall voice recording quality than USB-C. Not to say the USB-C input was poor, just the 3.5 mm connection had a little better clarity. Of course, there are many factors that contribute to this difference, such as device hardware, drivers, etc. Educators
Best Features
• Excellent audio quality, compatible with PC/MAC, Chromebooks, tablets, and more.
• Volume limitation designed into the product to limit volume setting to 85 dB.
• The KidCom microphone is designed for durability and ease of cleaning.
• Comfort and adjustability designed for young learners.
• Long braided cables with reinforced connections.
and students would be happy with either of the units for recording student audio.
Overall, the AVID WonderEars AP-400 Headsets are well-designed and -built units that deliver great audio in a small form factor at a great price. These headsets come in two fun colors and have durable, easy-to-clean surfaces and components. I would recommend the AVID WonderEars AP-400 Headset to any elementary school educator.
• 3.5 mm and USB-C connection options. Read the full article here
August 18-20, 2025 | Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, GA
The Networking Event Connecting Industry Executives Serving the Education Market
The EdExec Summit returns in August and will be hosted at the stunning Chateau Elan Winery & Resort!
This premier 3-day conference gathers senior executives from leading companies in the K-12 industry for unparalleled networking and insights, all focused on advancing the business of education.
Discover, connect, and lead the future of education at our free Tech & Learning Regional Leadership Summits. These exclusive events offer a unique opportunity to gather in a relaxed, face-to-face setting with fellow education leaders to tackle the big questions:
• How do we best support students and faculty?
• What does a future-focused approach look like for our schools?
Share, listen, and learn about the great work going on in your region!
