Ed Tech Blog

In the dynamic landscape of modern education, technology is no longer a peripheral tool—it's a foundational component of how students learn and how educators teach. Classrooms have evolved from chalkboards and textbooks to smartboards, tablets, cloud-based learning management systems, and AI-driven instructional tools. But despite the abundance of devices and platforms, technology in itself is not a silver bullet. What truly drives impactful change is the strategic collaboration between IT departments and curriculum leaders.

Districts across the country are discovering that when these two forces work in sync, technology adoption becomes smoother, more thoughtful, and genuinely transformative. Instead of struggling to adapt to isolated systems, teachers feel supported, tools are better aligned with learning goals, and students benefit from an enhanced educational experience. This shift—from fragmented implementation to integrated planning—marks a significant evolution in how schools use technology to support instruction.

Bridging Two Worlds: IT Meets Curriculum

Historically, technology teams in schools have focused on technical issues: internet connectivity, cybersecurity, software updates, and device management. Meanwhile, curriculum teams have been responsible for pedagogical decisions, lesson planning, assessments, and instructional standards. While both areas are vital, their paths often operated independently, resulting in mismatched tools and missed opportunities.

However, with the...

Read more: Bridging the Gap: How K–12 Schools Are Uniting IT and Instruction to Make EdTech Work

Learning is a rewarding process, but one of the greatest challenges educators and students face is retaining information over time. It’s common for students to feel like they understand a concept in class, only to forget much of it days or weeks later. This phenomenon is explained by the forgetting curve, a theory first described by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century. He found that without reinforcement, people forget a significant portion of newly learned information very quickly—up to 50% within an hour and as much as 90% after a month. Although this may seem discouraging, the forgetting curve also highlights a crucial truth: forgetting is a natural brain function designed to filter what is essential from what is not. More importantly, it points to methods we can use to help students retain knowledge effectively.

The Brain’s Information Filter

The brain is constantly managing enormous amounts of information, and it prioritizes what it deems useful or relevant. Because of this filtering, memories fade unless they are actively maintained. For teachers and learners, understanding this natural process provides a roadmap for strengthening memory. By adopting deliberate learning strategies, educators can help students move knowledge from short-term memory—where it quickly...

Read more: How to Help Students Remember More: Practical Tips to Overcome the Forgetting Curve

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a transformative force in education, revolutionizing the ways teachers deliver instruction and students engage with learning. From personalized tutoring systems to automated grading software, AI tools offer promising benefits for K–12 schools by saving educators time and providing tailored learning experiences. However, as these technologies grow in prevalence, it becomes increasingly critical for school IT leaders and educators to understand how to integrate AI safely and securely into their digital environments. Without proper preparation and security protocols, AI tools can introduce risks such as data breaches, privacy violations, and algorithmic bias that could harm students and staff. This post offers a comprehensive guide to help school technology teams and educators thoughtfully secure AI tools while maximizing their educational value.

Building a Foundational Understanding of AI Tools

The first step toward securing AI tools in a K–12 setting is developing a clear understanding of what these technologies actually do. AI in education is not a single monolithic entity; it encompasses a broad spectrum of applications, including adaptive learning platforms that adjust content based on student progress, AI-powered assessment systems that grade assignments automatically, chatbots that provide homework help, and predictive analytics tools that identify students...

Read more: How K–12 Schools Can Safely Integrate AI Tools into Their Digital Ecosystems

In an age where technology is an ever-present part of our lives, helping young people develop healthy digital habits has become a critical component of education. While many schools have responded by enforcing phone restrictions and digital rules, these measures alone are not sufficient. Teens are not just passive consumers of technology—they are also at a stage where they’re shaping their identities, values, and sense of autonomy. To truly guide them toward responsible and thoughtful tech use, educators need to go beyond enforcement. This is where values-alignment messaging becomes a transformative tool.

From Compliance to Conscious Choice: The Need for Digital Self-Agency

Traditional approaches to digital discipline often revolve around compliance—such as banning phones in class, using monitoring software, or confiscating devices. These policies can be effective in limiting distractions in the short term. However, they do little to help students build the internal motivation and decision-making skills required to navigate technology responsibly outside the classroom. Once students are out of sight, they revert to the same patterns—late-night scrolling, compulsive social media use, and overdependence on devices.

What’s often missing in these efforts is a focus on digital self-agency—the ability to make intentional, value-driven choices about how, when, and why...

Read more: Empowering Digital Self-Agency: How Values-Driven Teaching Builds Healthy Tech Habits in Teens

In classrooms filled with energy, curiosity, and constant movement, early learners bring a unique set of challenges and opportunities to educators. One of the most important—and often most difficult—tasks is securing and maintaining their attention. Attention is the foundation of learning, and if a teacher cannot first engage a child’s focus, meaningful instruction becomes nearly impossible. Fortunately, early childhood educators can use a wide range of creative, engaging strategies to draw students in and keep them engaged throughout a lesson. Techniques such as using music, videos, picture walks, puppetry, and hands-on sensory experiences are highly effective ways to spark excitement and establish connections between children and the learning process. These “lesson hooks” act as captivating entry points that not only gain attention but also build anticipation, motivation, and confidence in young students.

The Importance of Attention in Early Learning Environments

Attention in early childhood classrooms goes far beyond simply getting children to sit still. It’s about helping them develop the cognitive and emotional skills needed to engage deeply with the world around them. Because the brains of young children are still developing—especially the parts related to impulse control and concentration—teachers must design lessons that align with their natural learning style.

Read more: Capturing Young Minds: Creative Strategies to Engage Early Learners