eSchool News - Innovations in Education

Remote Learning Strategies: Beyond the Pandemic

eSchool Media — Sat, 31 May 2025 20:33:00 +0000

How Digital Learning is Evolving to Meet Diverse Student Needs

This month’s episode explores how remote and digital learning has evolved beyond emergency pandemic measures into strategic, purpose-driven educational approaches. DLAC’s John Watson distinguishes between emergency remote learning during the pandemic and today's well-planned online and hybrid models. He emphasizes that effective digital programs are driven by specific educational needs—whether supporting CTE (Career and Technical Education), dropout recovery, or creating early college opportunities—rather than by technology itself.

Guest speaker John Watson is the founder of DLAC (formerly Education Education Group), which has been a leading consulting and advisory firm serving school districts, state agencies, foundations, and companies in the K-12 digital learning field for more than 20 years.

Cybersecurity in K-12 Education

eSchool Media — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:30:00 +0000

School systems experience nearly daily security incidents with increasing sophistication, resulting in data breaches, financial losses, and operational disruptions. Recent reductions in federal support have created additional challenges, but the sector demonstrates unique strength through collaborative information sharing and grassroots support networks. The conversation highlights the critical importance of focusing on fundamental security practices, vendor accountability, and cross-district cooperation to strengthen K-12 cybersecurity despite limited resources.

Our guest Doug Levin is co-founder and national director of the K12 Security Information eXchange (K12 SIX), a national non-profit dedicated solely to helping schools protect themselves from emerging cybersecurity threats.

What’s Next for DoEd

eSchool Media — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What will be the fallout of Trump’s dismantling of the Department of Education?

It’s not often that I have trouble finding people to discuss the politics of public education. Of course, nothing is usual about this administration’s first few weeks. So I was happy to have this conversation with The Cato Institute’s Neal McCluskey, Director for The Center for Educational Freedom, who may not leave you happy with what he has to say, but maybe less worried.

Real World Support

eSchool Media — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0000

How High-Quality Instructional SEL and Life Skills Materials Equip Students for Success

As students navigate an increasingly complex world defined by artificial intelligence, social media, and rapid technological change, the need for essential life skills has never been greater. A new curriculum called The Edge immerses students in real-life, complex scenarios that challenge them to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply social-emotional learning (SEL) to everyday situations. Hear how educators are using these next-generation strategies in classrooms today.

Special Guests:

Jessie Bushman
Senior Director SEL
North Fayette Valley Community School District, Iowa

Devi Sahny
CEO and Founder
Ascend Now & The Edge

Navigating Special Education with Open Communication

eSchool Media — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Special education services improve when parents and educators can trust one another for the benefit of students

Expert IEP founder Antoinette Banks outlines how special education has been chronically underfunded for decades—and how the potential dismantling of the Department of Education adds new complications.

Expert IEP founder Antoinette Banks outlines how special education has been chronically underfunded for decades—and how the potential dismantling of the Department of Education adds new complications.

This episode is sponsored by ManagedMethods. ManagedMethods is the only company providing K-12-specific cybersecurity and safety for Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and online browsing. Our product suite makes cybersecurity and safety easy and affordable for school districts working to keep their students, faculty, staff, and communities safe. Gain the visibility and control you need to monitor, alert, and respond when time is of the essence—no proxy, no agent, and no special training needed.

Our newest product, Classroom Manager, is the classroom management tech that teachers have been waiting for. Contact ManagedMethods today to learn how other districts are benefitting from unifying their cybersecurity, student safety, web filtering, and classroom management systems. District tech teams love our products’ reliability, ease of use, and lightweight construction which has minimal impact on the end-user experience. To learn more go to https://managedmethods.com/

The Best in K-12 EdTech—Last Year and Next

eSchool Media — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

It wasn't all about AI in education 2024! In this special episode of Innovations in Education, editors Laura Ascione and Kevin Hogan go through the list of the most-read stories from last year and identify the best insights for our readers looking forward to next.

Palmdale School District's Technological Transformation: Equity, Innovation, and Literacy

eSchool Media — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Palmdale School District Superintendent Dr. Raúl Maldonado discusses the district's "Palmdale Promise" initiative, focusing on technological equity and early literacy. By investing $7 million in technology and implementing the bilingual "Footsteps to Brilliance" program, the district aims to provide equal educational opportunities for its diverse student population, including one-third English learners. The program offers free access to digital reading resources, engaging families and supporting language learning across the community.

How AI Will Change Personalized Learning

eSchool Media — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:11:53 +0000

Keisha Ray and Susan Gentz, co-founders of k20 connects, tackle two of the most popular, but sometimes confusing, topics in the world of education and technology.

The State of STEM in 2024

eSchool Media — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Everyone has heard the acronym, but what does it mean in the day-to-day classroom?

Patrick Brown, Executive Director of STEM and Career and Technical Education in Saint Charles County, Missouri, oversees STEM and technical programs for approximately 18,000 students. His role involves developing integrated STEM courses, emphasizing critical thinking and real-world problem-solving. What does that mean? Click through to hear details on how to reset and enhance your STEM-based strategies.

eSports—More Than Just Fun and Games

eSchool Media — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:30:00 +0000

What started as a niche hobby for gaming enthusiasts has exploded into a global phenomenon.

What does eSports phenomenon mean for the broader educational landscape? Schools that embrace eSports are starting to see changes in student engagement and participation. eSports can be a powerful tool for inclusion, offering students who might not excel in traditional sports or academics a chance to shine. It’s also a way to bring a sense of community and school spirit into the classroom. Listen for details.

Best of ISTE 2024

eSchool Media — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +0000

This episode we look back on one of the biggest events in the edtech calendar—ISTE 2024, which took place in Denver, Colorado. We’ll explore some of the standout moments, groundbreaking innovations, and key takeaways from this year’s conference. As always, ISTE 2024 was a whirlwind of inspiring sessions, cutting-edge technology, and incredible networking opportunities. From new product launches to thought-provoking keynotes, there was a lot to unpack.

Remote Possibilities: District leaders share best practices of online learning

eSchool Media — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Innovations in Education, sponsored by Stride Professional Development, host Kevin Hogan delves into the complexities and potential of personalized learning with three education leaders—Susan Moore, Director of Technology, Meriden Public Schools in Connecticut, Misty Shea, Educational Technology Facilitator, Keller Independent School District in Texas, and Jeffrey Bradbury, Technology Education / Digital Media Teacher New Milford Public Schools in Connecticut.

These EdTech experts explore how their districts initially approached online learning, their successes, challenges, and the pivotal shifts they've observed in teaching methodologies. We'll also discuss the emergence of virtual academies, hybrid learning models, and the long-term implications for education post-pandemic.

This episode is sponsored by Stride Professional Development. Are you tired of one-size-fits-all PD? Do you want to differentiate your professional learning? Discover our expanding library of on-demand, bite-sized, and mobile-friendly courses that meet teacher and school learning needs. Based upon microlearning principles, our courses are developed by educators for educators as content experts are paired with instructional designers who have been teachers as well. To learn more go to https://stridepdcenter.com/

Future Schools—The Power of Connection

eSchool Media — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Watch now to hear eSchool News and the experts from Verizon explore the current state and future possibilities for technology-driven education.

Takeaways will include:

Cybersecurity Assurance:Compare comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, which safeguard school districts against digital threats and protect sensitive data.
DEI Empowerment:Ensure equitable Internet access for all students, regardless of background or location.
Future Technologies: Leverage advanced bandwidth solutions to unlock the full educational benefits of AR, VR, and AI, enabling enhanced student engagement, deeper understanding, improved academic outcomes and fewer administrative tasks for educators.

Dyslexia and Instructional Equity: A Conversation for School Administrators

eSchool Media — Tue, 28 May 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Listen to highlights of a conversation with literacy experts Dr. David Hurford Executive Director at the Center for Research, Evaluation and Awareness of Dyslexia and Octavia Gray-Essex, Senior Education Advisor at Lexia, as they explore schools’ systemic challenges that include an outmoded understanding of dyslexia and lack of alignment with evidence-based instructional strategies.

Listeners takeaways include:

A clear sense of the system-level challenges that schools and their leaders face in providing effective, inclusive instruction for students with dyslexia
A fuller understanding of the intersections of dyslexia-inclusive teaching and instructional equity
Effective and evidence-supported strategies that have systemic, long-term impact to improve learning outcomes and foster instructional equity

Personalized and Differentiated Learning

eSchool Media — Thu, 09 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Innovations in Education, sponsored by Stride Tutoring, host Kevin Hogan delves into the complexities and potential of personalized learning with two education leaders—Dr. Matt Callison from South Fayette Township School District in Pennsylvania and Superintendent Diego Ochoa from San Mateo Foster City School District in California.

The discussion hits on various aspects of this ubiquitous yet vague phrase. Dr. Callison emphasizes the importance of keeping human interaction central while leveraging technology to provide authentic learning experiences tailored to individual student needs. Superintendent Ochoa highlights the necessity for districts to align personalized learning strategies with broader educational goals, also emphasizing the need for student-driven learning experiences.

They go on to discuss the evolution of personalized learning solutions in the EdTech industry and emphasize the importance of involving educators and students in the design process to ensure effectiveness. Looking ahead, Dr. Callison aims to expand personalized learning opportunities, while Superintendent Ochoa plans to implement innovative, individualized programs to engage students in underrepresented communities.

This episode is sponsored by Stride Tutoring, an online education platform that closes learning gaps by connecting students with state-certified teachers who bring lessons to life. Their tutors personalize instruction to each student, ensuring everyone receives the support they need to succeed. With their on-demand online learning model, students can get help anytime, anywhere—and education leaders are never left searching for effective tutoring solutions.

Stride Tutoring is powered by parent company Stride, Inc., a leader in online education with over 20 years of experience serving 2,000+ districts in all 50 states. Through personalized solutions for students, educators, schools, and districts, Stride encourages every learner to build the skills and confidence they need to make their way forward in life. To learn more go to https://stridetutoring.com/schools-districts/

The Best of CoSN 2024

eSchool Media — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 21:00:00 +0000

Highlights of the speakers, topics, and technologies showcased this year.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Cybersecurity in Education

eSchool Media — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Innovations in Education, we do a deep dive into the ongoing battle against cyber threats. We explore the intersection of technology and human behavior, where the real battleground lies in preempting threats before they breach the network. Rivka underscores the importance of leveraging advanced technologies like machine learning and threat intelligence to stay one step ahead of adversaries. Yet, amidst the buzz of AI and cutting-edge defenses, she reminds us of the foundational importance of sound data management and collaborative efforts across departments.

Digital Equity Means More Than Access

eSchool Media — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0000

John represents TPR Education, including The Princeton Review and tutor.com. They aim to highlight their services for all students and districts, emphasizing equity and support structures. John discusses the evolution of remote tutoring, especially its impact on underserved communities. He also addresses the changing landscape of test preparation, focusing on digital SAT and training teachers. Additionally, John outlines two key focuses for the event: high-dosage tutoring and integrating AI into their services for faster and more insightful support.

Conversation highlights:

Equity and Support: TPR Education emphasizes providing support structures for all students and districts, highlighting their services' accessibility and effectiveness, particularly for underserved communities.
Evolution of Remote Tutoring: The transcript illustrates how remote tutoring has evolved, especially during the pandemic, becoming more accepted and beneficial for students, particularly those in underserved areas.
Changing Landscape of Test Preparation: With the introduction of digital SATs and shifting educational priorities, there's a focus on training teachers and providing effective test preparation services to adapt to these changes.
Focus on High-Dosage Tutoring and AI Integration: TPR Education is prioritizing high-dosage tutoring programs tailored to specific student needs and integrating AI into their services to provide faster and more insightful support, aiming to enhance student learning outcomes and streamline processes for educators and parents.

Analytics in Action

eSchool Media — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:28:00 +0000

This special episode of Innovations in Education highlights details from the recent webinar Analytics in Action: Innovative Approaches to Attract, Engage, Grow and Retain Top Talent. Panelists Kevin Agnello, Product Manager, Human Capital Analytics – Frontline Education and Keegan Bassett, Director of Human Resources – Queen Creek Unified School District (AZ) share insights on using analytics unique to their district to optimize recruitment processes, enhance employee engagement, and implement analytics to identify and nurture the best candidates.

Frontline HCM, a connected human capital management suite, equips schools with everything needed to support the entire employee lifecycle from recruiting to retirement. Built exclusively for K-12 education, it includes applicant tracking with proactive recruiting capabilities, seamless onboarding, connected time tracking and absence management functionality, professional learning and evaluation tools, and the ability to oversee benefits, compensation, and position management with automated workflows across the suite. Designed around the unique needs of K-12 and flexible enough to support state and local regulations for time tracking, performance evaluation, and hiring practices, Frontline’s HCM suite brings greater efficiency, productivity, and performance to school districts so leaders have more time to focus on what will most support great teaching and student learning.

How to Create a Culture-Conscious Campus

eSchool Media — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 05:00:00 +0000

The Culture Conscious Campuses Model which has been approved by the Texas Education Agency commissioner as a research-based instructional model with proven results in increasing academic success for African American students as well as students from low socio-economic backgrounds, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Host Kevin Hogan talks to the author.

What were the most-read stories of 2023?

eSchool Media — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0000

It wasn’t all about AI in K-12 in 2023! SEL, equity, and more were top news. In this special episode of Innovations in Education, editors Laura Ascione and Kevin Hogan go through the list of the most-read stories from 2023 and identify the best insights for our readers.

What does blended learning mean in post-pandemic classrooms?

eSchool Media — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Avantis Education, the leading provider of VR and AR content and hardware for K-12 schools, has released a new white paper: “Building Back Stronger: New Thinking and Technologies Reshaping Education” which delves into the myriad ways K-12 schools are embracing different methodologies and cutting-edge technologies to support students following a period of declining academic success.

The white paper, released under the brand ClassVR, Avantis’ award-winning all-in-one VR/AR headsets for schools, is available for download at https://bit.ly/BBSwhitepaper.

As stated in the white paper, “issues such as underfunding, understaffing, the digital divide and the impacts of the pandemic have set the stage for an ambitious revival.” It notes that ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funding has provided school districts with opportunities to leverage new educational approaches and technologies and that “these innovations serve as the catalysts for rejuvenation, charting a course toward the restoration of educational excellence. U.S. education is building back stronger.”

The white paper examines several specific approaches and technologies being used in schools, including:

The flipped classroom
AI-generated teaching materials
The no-grades movement
Data-driven learning analytics
Post-pandemic expansion of SEL
VR and AR
Maker-based learning, makerspaces and STEM labs

The white paper includes insights from five education thought leaders:

Dr. Rupert Rawnsley, Chief Science Officer for Avantis Education
Christopher Klein, Education Consultant for Avantis Education
Simon Luxford-Moore, Head of eLearning at ESMS independent schools
Luke Knightly-Jones, Education Researcher and private tutor for Royal Tutors
Dr. Lorah Sirri, Senior Lecturer in Educational Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University

It also provides examples of how some of these approaches and technologies are being used in classrooms.

“The 2020s will likely be a defining decade for education as schools and policymakers rethink their approaches to education,” said Avantis Education’s Chief Executive Officer, Huw Williams. “In this white paper we provide an informative look at some of the innovations happening in K-12 schools today and their potential to engage students and support academic growth. It includes thoughtful context offered by experts in the field about these practices and technologies in order to help inform the conversation about how best to support students in moving forward.”

The Future of Game-Based Learning

eSchool Media — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Game-based learning holds great potential for student engagement in the classroom--where is it headed?

In this episode of Innovations in Education, a conversation with Ki Karou, Senior Director of Product, Content for MIND Research Institute, on the evolving landscape of education, gamification, and technology integration.

How a true teacher hero advocates for student equity and belonging

eSchool Media — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0000

The 2023 eSchool News K-12 Hero Awards honors educators for their exemplary use of innovative edtech to support student learning. Profiled here is winner John Arthur, a 6th grade teacher at Meadowlark Elementary School nominated by Follett. Stay tuned for two more winner profiles to come.

John Arthur, a sixth-grade teacher at Meadowlark Elementary School in Salt Lake City, was the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year and one of four finalists for 2021 National Teacher of the Year.

Now in his 10th year of teaching, John’s students have gained national recognition as champions for children and immigrants like them through music videos and other digital content they create and share across platforms as @9thEvermore (on YouTube and Twitter/X). Moreover, he uses Kwame Alexander Bookfest book club from noted author Kwame and Follett to help his students see themselves in story, build literacy skills, and allow students to share their experiences and emotions through books.

The Future of Canvas

eSchool Media — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Instructure’s senior leadership discusses the course of one of the world’s leading open-source learning management systems.

On this special edition of Innovations of Education, host Kevin Hogan sits with CEO Steve Daly, CPO Shiren Vijiasingam, and Vice President of Global Strategy Ryan Lufkin to lay out post-pandemic strategies for the company.

The New Rules for Library Research

eSchool Media — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Wilson Tsu, founder of PowerNotes talks about how AI is being baked into his and other platforms to transform the ways students perform research—and how the rise of AI has re-invented the role of libraries and librarians.

Esports grows up

eSchool Media — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Esports continues its evolution as it becomes an important part of student engagement--here's how educators can leverage its popularity

This month’s episode of Innovations in Education features James O’Hagan, Vice President of Education Innovation at LeagueSpot.

O’Hagan shares his insights on the continued emergence of esports as an integral part of any school’s overall education experience; how student use of tech in esports compliments and clashes with other onscreen activities; and what strategies educators can use to make the best of this phenomenon.

Why SEL is the foundation of Future Schools

eSchool Media — Tue, 30 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Student mental health is under the microscope--here's why SEL is critical for schools and districts

One of many post-pandemic truths exposed and emphasized is that learning outcomes suffer without proper student mental health measures.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, host Kevin Hogan has a conversation with Sonny Thadani, CEO of Robin, to explore how SEL can be integrated into district policies and school curricula. The key? Get everyone involved.

The state of play in STEM education

eSchool Media — Tue, 02 May 2023 04:00:00 +0000

STEM education doesn't have to be intimidating--here's how to work it into everyday teaching and learning.

STEM education might seem a bit overwhelming, but if teachers can move past their initial hesitation, they're likely to find more than a couple ways to highlight STEM each day.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

An interdisciplinary approach to STEM can help close equity gaps
How teacher agency has improved post-pandemic
The need for STEM starts early and sets students up for success

Robotics plays a key role in early STEM education

eSchool Media — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 04:31:00 +0000

Listen to an industry expert explain how robotics offers the perfect way for younger students to develop critical higher-order skills.

While many think of high school students engaged in mechanical engineering or robotics competitions when they hear the word “robotics,” the subject naturally lends itself to learners of all ages—including very young students.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan, you’ll hear from Jason Innes, Director of Curriculum, Training and Product Management at KinderLab Robotics, Inc., discuss why robotics is an excellent way to introduce young learners to coding, computational thinking, and design principles.

How to deal with the STEM situation

eSchool Media — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 17:01:00 +0000

STEM learning is critical--here's how educators can approach STEM education's changing presence in schools.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

What is computer science education lacking?
Why educational robotics is a critical STEM learning tool
STEM Lessons Straight from the Classroom

What is the state of play in edtech?

eSchool Media — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 05:01:00 +0000

Education leaders have turned their focus to critical areas, including innovation, cybersecurity, and pandemic-related learning recovery.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

Finding the learning loss data needed to drive learning recovery
Education must keep pace with evolving ransomware
Current Challenges and Trends in K-12 Education

Why student and teacher wellness comes first

eSchool Media — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 05:01:00 +0000

Creating a school culture that supports the mental health and overall well-being of students and teachers is critical to school success.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

3 strategies to support student well-being and SEL
Building culture and community takes more than a committee
Fostering student well-being

Get smart about AI and edtech

eSchool Media — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 05:01:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence is making waves in education--and it has a number of implications for edtech

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

Teachers are burning out. Can AI help?
Using AI to improve accessibility
AI in the classroom: Supporting innovative teaching and increased productivity

Top Techniques for District Management

eSchool Media — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 05:01:00 +0000

From streamlining your edtech ecosystems to micro-learning this week we highlight some of the new trends coming in 2023.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

How to engage your students in order to build literacy

eSchool Media — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 05:02:00 +0000

Engaged students are students who are excited to learn--and increased engagement can lead to better literacy learning.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

8 predictions about literacy learning in 2023
6 tips for tech-enabled instruction in the early literacy classroom
How Active Learning Environments Help Students Engage in Content

How you can improve student performance with virtual tools

eSchool Media — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 05:01:00 +0000

Edtech tools are constantly evolving, and virtual tools can play a major role in how students achieve success

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

5 ways virtual tutoring reinforces our after-school program
5 ways video improves school-home communication
Virtual Reality Gets Real

Post-pandemic progress with edtech

eSchool Media — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 05:01:00 +0000

As the height of the pandemic fades away, what lessons have educators learned, and where is edtech headed next?

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

Virtual school nurses can play a pivotal role in schools
5 ways tech helps create calmer learning environments
All About Accessibility: Enabling a More Inclusive Classroom

New year with new edtech solutions

eSchool Media — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 05:01:00 +0000

As we head into 2023, here's where edtech has potential to forge new paths and support new ways of learning.

37 predictions about edtech’s impact in 2023
New school year shows continued signs of academic rebounding
Digital Safety for Students: Keeping Student Data Private and Access Secure

Making connections

eSchool Media — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 05:01:00 +0000

Whether it's in the classroom or across the district, tech is helping educators connect with students, parents, and stakeholders

In this episode of Innovations in Education, sponsored by Promethean and Merlyn Mind, and hosted by Kevin Hogan:

4 reasons we put all of our district communications on one platform
Teachers can’t keep up with the need for SEL
How a dedication to STEM makes this eSN Hero a winner

New strategies and solutions for schools

eSchool Media — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 05:01:00 +0000

Schools need innovative options as they seek to better serve students and stakeholders.

In this episode of Innovations in Learning, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

4 blended learning strategies for better student engagement
Only out-of-the-box solutions will fix the real problems in schools
The Promising Reality of AI

Online solutions to new post-pandemic realities

eSchool Media — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 05:01:00 +0000

COVID changed education, and post-pandemic learning will look different--here's how edtech plays a crucial role

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

5 ways to prep students for online learning success
Our district is battling a loneliness epidemic
Cybersecurity in the K-12 Space – Realities and Myths

Edtech tools for teachers

eSchool Media — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 05:01:00 +0000

When it comes to the classroom, edtech tools can be invaluable when used to support strong instructional practices

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

Using data insight platforms to improve SEL strategies
5 tips to help students master foundational skills
Teacher Shortages: Viable Solutions to Meet Immediate Needs

Systems check

eSchool Media — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 05:01:00 +0000

Are your education systems up to snuff? Take stock of the latest developments.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

4 ways to design collaborative learning spaces
Free internet could erase the digital divide
STEM lessons straight from the classroom

Big thoughts in edtech

eSchool Media — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 05:01:00 +0000

Edtech is making moves--here's how new tools and innovations are set to impact education

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

How edtech is embedded in Society 5.0
How digital equity enhances cybersecurity in schools
Blended and hybrid learning--the future of education

Sharing best practices

eSchool Media — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 05:01:00 +0000

When something works--in the classroom, at the district level, or in the IT department--educators want to share

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

3 reasons instructional audio is a must-have in classrooms
4 tips for using data to differentiate instruction
Modernization of K-12 Financial Operations: Increase Transparency, Improve Control and Compliance, Mitigate Fraud

All together now

eSchool Media — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 04:01:00 +0000

Community support and stakeholder buy-in--from students, teachers, parents, and more--is critical to the success of education initiatives

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

Teachers using technology report stronger connections, community with students
5 tips to build community-wide support for IT transformation
Digital Safety for Students: Keeping Student Data Private and Access Secure

Lessons learned using edtech during COVID

eSchool Media — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 04:01:00 +0000

COVID shed light on inequities, but it also taught educators some valuable lessons

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

New research offers major insights into post-pandemic learning
In post-COVID schools, let’s redouble efforts to support students
Meet the 2022 K-12 Hero Awards winners!

Future Strategies for Today’s Schools

eSchool Media — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 04:01:00 +0000

Where is education headed as pandemic-related interruptions dwindle--and where can you find inspiration as you outline your school's priorities?

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

District leaders outline top 3 COVID relief funding priorities
Private wireless is the key to K-20 digital transformation
Meet the 2022 K-12 Hero Awards winners!

How to ease three district pain points

eSchool Media — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 04:01:00 +0000

School leaders must navigate challenges--here's how to address three persistent troubles and create efficient school systems

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

K-12 staffing shortages threaten reading instruction–AI can help
It’s time to permanently increase education funding–ESSER spending proves it
Safe and Sound: Systematic Communication Strategies for Ensuring School Safety

Teachers’ helper: Edtech as TA’s

eSchool Media — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 04:01:00 +0000

Edtech can be a valuable tool when used by knowledgeable educators--here's how it benefits teaching and learning.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

6 classroom tech tools that help educators’ mental health
8 questions for educators as they use assessments to support student learning
AI in the Classroom – Supporting Innovative Teaching and Increased Productivity

Running the numbers: New data on the state-of-play in education

eSchool Media — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 04:01:00 +0000

What's the latest in education--and how is it impacting state and district leaders, teachers, and students?

In this week's Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

Educator retention hinges on these 3 things
E-rate spending reveals schools’ tech evolution
New report: Equity, Cybersecurity Top List of State Education Technology Priorities

Best practices for the new normal

eSchool Media — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 14:04:00 +0000

Schools are open, COVID protocols are part of new (but normal) school policies--here's what's happening in classrooms

In this week’s Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

How online tutoring helps us close learning gaps and support teachers
3 tips to balance the back-to-analog edtech transition
Teacher Shortages: Viable Solutions to Meet Immediate Needs

All about the IT department: Proven strategies for success

eSchool Media — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 04:01:00 +0000

The IT department plays a pivotal role in a school and district's success--here are tips to make the most out of IT initiatives

In this week's Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

5 ways to make your IT department more efficient
3 critical considerations for the future of school cybersecurity training
4 ways to tackle IT workforce shortages

Run the numbers: How data solve problems

eSchool Media — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 04:01:00 +0000

Data can provide powerful insights into how your district can leverage resources to best meet the needs of students and teachers.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

AI and expenses—a smarter way to track costs
5 ways relationship mapping supports your students
How analytics can identify student mental health challenges

Back-to-school success strategies

eSchool Media — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 04:01:00 +0000

A new school year brings with it new potential for teaching and learning--here are some strategies to help make this year a success.

In this week's episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

How to keep innovations discovered during the pandemic alive
3 simple things to start an esports program
5 classroom management strategies to try this year

Successful edtech impacts more than just teachers and students

eSchool Media — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 04:01:00 +0000

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

Edtech has wide-reaching implications, and when implemented correctly, can benefit an entire district's operations

4 ways library media specialists lead digital transformations in districts
6 back-to-school tips for virtual district leaders
Back office innovations: Devising a more dynamic workflow

Edtech insights from the back office to the teacher’s desk

eSchool Media — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 04:01:00 +0000

Hear from K-12 Hero Awards nominee Kelly Goodman with Florida Virtual School, and James McClurkin of program sponsor SAP Concur

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

Why back-office systems are an essential element to successful learning
9 priorities for a future-focused education system
Some good news (sort of) on post-pandemic learning gains

It's not about the tech, but about how you use it

eSchool Media — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 04:01:00 +0000

Tech for tech's sake won't pass muster--here's how to use today's edtech tools and resources for maximum impact on teaching and learning.

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

3 collaborative strategies to bolster cybersecurity
3 ways to highlight productive urgency while avoiding teacher burnout
Heroes at work: How San Diego USD made PD a pandemic priority

Next-generation tech for schools--right now

eSchool Media — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 04:01:00 +0000

Tech is constantly evolving, and new technology advances mean that your schools don't have to wait to use future-looking tools and strategies

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan and sponsored by Galaxy Next Generation:

7 things K-12 IT teams can do now to manage OT risks
AI is the key to scaling personalized, one-on-one instruction
A look at cybersecurity with past Hero Awards Winner Brevard Public Schools

All systems go: Future IT strategies to consider today

eSchool Media — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

IT teams are paving the way with innovative strategies--will your institution keep pace?

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

All you need to know about ERP in education
The future of recruitment? Digital campus tours
5 areas ripe for a blockchain boom in higher education

Edtech best practices

eSchool Media — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Discover how to take full advantage of edtech tools and resources in your school or district--and learn how other educators do the same

In this episode of Innovations in Education, sponsored by Galaxy Next Generation, host Kevin Hogan explores:

AI education is critical for an equitable tomorrow
Are you tackling the durable skills challenge?
Heroes at Work: Navajo Prep goes all-in on internet access during pandemic learning

The Kids Are Alright Online

eSchool Media — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Innovations in Education, Sponsored by Galaxy Next Generation, host Kevin Hogan explores:

Remote possibilities: Successful strategies for virtual teaching and learning

eSchool Media — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 04:01:00 +0000

Virtual learning is making its presence known--here's how emerging edtech tools are making room for innovation

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

3 ways telepresence robots are impacting learning
How to ensure digital equity in online testing
Blended and hybrid learning--the future of education

ISTELive 22 wrap-up!

eSchool Media — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 14:23:00 +0000

Educators once again gathered at one of the nation's largest edtech conferences, where post-pandemic education was in the spotlight

In this episode of Innovations in Education, host Kevin Hogan explores:

How esports and gamification have advanced classroom instruction and homework
Has AR/VR finally come of age?
Will empathy for students AND teachers remain once normality returns?

On the ground at ISTE Live22: Learning needs joy and civility

eSchool Media — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 00:34:00 +0000

This week's special edition of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan, comes live from one of the nation's largest edtech conferences. At least 15,000 educators and edtech enthusiasts are gathered in New Orleans for ISTELive 22.

ISTE CEO Richard Culatta notes that we've "beaten the joy out of learning" in recent years. Now is the time to inspire educators and learners. Along with inspiration comes the idea of injecting civility, kindness, and understanding into education.

"It's OK to disagree…you need to disagree; it's how you learn, but we have to do it in a way that's kind and civil, and you have to model that for kids," Culatta said.

In this special edition:

Rethinking teaching and learning
Modeling technology adoption
Game-changing creative technologies
Real-world SEL implementation
How to honor the hero educators in your world

Future Techniques for Schools to Use Today

eSchool Media — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 04:01:00 +0000

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:
• What’s so great about online teaching?
• Why “offline” digital learning is critical to impact children worldwide.
• Tips, Tools and Solutions for Safe, Accessible, and Easy to Manage IT.

Adopting new student support systems

eSchool Media — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:01:00 +0000

Student support is critical--here's how these systems are changing and evolving to be more comprehensive and informative

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:
• 3 “keepers” from teaching in a pandemic
• 3 ways families can support students’ learning at home
• Tips, tools and solutions for safe, accessible, and easy-to-manage IT

Using tech to combat trauma

eSchool Media — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 04:01:00 +0000

Many tech tools can help educators address the impact trauma has on their students

In this week's episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

3 key actions for trauma-informed student support
6 ways administrators can address teacher burnout in their schools
Fostering student well-being with Microsoft Education Solutions

Mastering the FUND-amentals

eSchool Media — Tue, 31 May 2022 04:01:00 +0000

Funding is always at the top of school leaders' minds--here's how to manage edtech investments, COVID relief funds, and other instructional programs

In this week's episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:
• It’s time to invest in tech equity in education
• How to fund your CTE program
• How to make the most of your COVID relief funds

Lessons of Leadership

eSchool Media — Tue, 24 May 2022 04:01:00 +0000

School leadership is not without its challenges--discover how to address issues such as inclusivity, staff shortages, and more.

In this week's episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

7 facts about the state of edtech in schools
5 tips to retain your educators during school staff shortages
All about accessibility: Enabling a more inclusive classroom

How to solve the teacher shortage remotely

eSchool Media — Tue, 17 May 2022 04:01:00 +0000

COVID has thinned the teacher pool, with many leaving in droves due to extra stress and demands in the wake of the pandemic

In this episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

Schools amplify inequity with failed solutions to teacher shortages
Transforming summer school with high-dosage tutoring
How staff absences impact educator burnout

Finding the flipped classroom again

eSchool Media — Tue, 10 May 2022 05:01:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

A flipped classroom can engage students and breathe new life into your instructional approach

Emerging ideas for education

eSchool Media — Tue, 03 May 2022 05:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

2 years after COVID, remote learning lessons are clear
Transforming education through the ingenuity of communities
Why you should focus on esports–experts share their advice

Moving Forward: New Concerns, and Promises, for Post-Pandemic Classrooms

eSchool Media — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 04:01:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

Mental health tops education leaders’ post-pandemic priorities
How to create a primary computer science curriculum in 5 steps
Blended and Hybrid Learning – The Future of Education

Three solutions for top district difficulties right now

eSchool Media — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 04:04:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

3 critical elements of a K-12 cybersecurity strategy
Ways SEL helps students build life readiness
Using Federal Grants to Hire Personnel: Advice for K-12 Districts

Let’s Show You the Money

eSchool Media — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 04:01:00 +0000

Funding is at the top of the list when it comes to a district's ability to serve its students and stakeholders--here's how to manage it

How districts can take advantage of the great federal funding cashout.
6 things you can do now to make smarter tech purchases later
Schools need to put funding into play for the second half of the year

All About EdTech Bots

eSchool Media — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 04:01:00 +0000

Bots are become more and more common in education, and it seems their potential is almost limitless.

In this week's episode of Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

3 ways chatbots can support mental health in schools
How AI chatbots can help students navigate college admissions
When will bots be in the classroom?

All in your head: Essential post-pandemic mental tactics for education leaders

eSchool Media — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 04:01:00 +0000

The post-pandemic learning environment presents new challenges, and mental health has never been more critical for school leaders and educators.

In this week's episode of Getting There: Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

It's not about the tech you have, it's how you use it

eSchool Media — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 07:01:00 +0000

Edtech has limitless potential--and most of it lies not in having the fanciest tools, but in how tools and resources are implemented

How Education Can Be Better Post-Pandemic

eSchool Media — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 04:01:00 +0000

11 educator perspectives on post-COVID learning
Where do IEPs stand two years into COVID?
How to build efficiencies through forms process automation

All About CTE: Why Online VoTech is Taking Off

eSchool Media — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 05:01:00 +0000

5 steps to building a robust online CTE program
4 ways to enrich CTE
What's next for online trade schools?

The New Normal: EdTech Techniques That Will Inspire Learning

eSchool Media — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Cybersecurity: How to tackle the #1 issue in education today

eSchool Media — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 06:01:00 +0000

In this episode of Getting There: Innovations in Education, host Kevin Hogan explores the following:

What are the next steps to defend K-12 schools from cyberattacks?
How to make data safe and networks sound for schools
Heroes at Work: Brevard Public Schools maintains cybersecurity awareness during pandemic learning

Essential Time-Tested Teaching Tactics

eSchool Media — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 06:42:00 +0000

3 ideas to center educator wellness
How to use critical thinking in ELA and social studies
The future of assessment using project-based learning (PBL)

When EdTech Concepts Become Practical Classroom Realities

eSchool Media — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 06:42:00 +0000

Bringing the world to life through augmented reality
3 wireless technology trends to track in 2022
How artificial intelligence can transform professional development for teachers

Edtech tactics for both success and failure

eSchool Media — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 06:42:00 +0000

In this episode of Getting There: Innovation in Education, with Kevin Hogan:

How a more equitable school-home communication system helped one district
3 ways to better engage remote students
Exclusive interview with Carl Hooker on his new book Ready, Set, Fail!

From Mental Health to Math--New Insights on Improving Instruction

eSchool Media — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 06:23:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Getting There: Innovations in Education, hosted by Kevin Hogan:

3 ways chatbots can support mental health in schools
3 classroom tech innovations & how to secure funding for them
How to bring creativity into mathematics

Finding Solutions to Learning Loss

eSchool Media — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 06:42:00 +0000

Are learning gaps stabilizing?
When it comes to learning loss, don’t reinvent the wheel.
Gauging the Impact of Personalized Learning.

2021 Takeaways—New Classroom Methods Learned During All This Madness

eSchool Media — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 06:42:00 +0000

2021 Takeaways—New Classroom Methods Learned During All This Madness

3 best practices to take with us to the ‘other side’
4 predictions for computer science education in 2022
All About Accessibility: How to enable a more inclusive classroom

2022 Edtech Predictions—New Year, New Promises

eSchool Media — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 06:11:00 +0000

Seven ways education can change for the better
64 bets on how tech will benefit students, parents, and teachers this year
How asynchronous video provides special complements to in-person instruction

How edtech discoveries during the pandemic can turn into innovations after

eSchool Media — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Getting There: Innovations in Education, sponsored by Adobe Sign:

Nine 2021 takeaways to improve edtech going forward
How personalized learning can help improve digital equity issues
What social-emotional learning (SEL) really means

The Everlasting Importance of E-Rate

eSchool Media — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

The 2021 E-rate Trends Report emphasizes the popularity of this essential program plus resources for districts to take advantage.
District leaders discuss how automating forms processing can be done securely.
Zoom Education Marketing Lead Johann Zimmern on what's next for online synchronous learning.

When it comes to edtech, it's not about the tools but how you use them

eSchool Media — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 05:01:00 +0000

New cyber security standards attempt to help secure district networks through awareness.
Dr. Matthew X. Joseph, Executive Director of Learning, Providence Public Schools on the power of human networks.
How video creation tools can improve parental relations.

Making Lemonade—Finding Edtech Best Practices From Pandemic Pivots

eSchool Media — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 07:30:00 +0000

In this week's Getting There: Innovations in Education, Editor at Large Kevin Hogan explores how education leaders are identifying the best practices that emerged from their COVID learning plans.

Best practices from pandemic pivots include:

Six pillars of online PD
New opportunities for special education students
How one district is coming out ahead of COVID

Measuring Some Sort of Pandemic Progress

eSchool Media — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 17:00:00 +0000

In this episode: Taking lessons from pandemic teaching, Instilling empathy takes center stage in getting students back to school, and how to improve parent communication.

Powering Higher Education: Partnership Transparency and Outcomes 2021

eSchool Media — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 03:59:00 +0000

Wiley Education President Todd Zipper dives deep into their newest report.

How Morehouse School of Medicine stays on the defensive against cyber attacks

Back to School but Not Back to Normal

eSchool Media — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 05:30:00 +0000

In Getting There: Innovation in Education, Editor at Large Kevin Hogan sits down with K-12 educators, thought leaders, and innovators to highlight the latest in an ever-changing school year.

This latest episode, Back to School, but Not Back to Normal, includes:

LearnPlatform CEO Karl Rectanus goes behind the numbers in the 2021 EdTech Top 40.
Hero Award-winning Navaho Prep breaks down how to network the country's most remote district.

Backup Plans

eSchool Media — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000

For Mark Dean, Senior Systems Administrator at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in Atlanta, Georgia, the cybersecurity war is a never-ending tit for tat with what he calls the ransomware people. Think you have built-in redundancy? They are already after it. In this premiere episode of Innovations in Education—Higher Ed, Mark discusses his strategies for keeping the data, and more importantly, the people safe online at this prestigious institution. MSM is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists and public health professionals. An independent, private and historically Black medical school, MSM works to increase patient access to high-quality care and eliminate health disparity in underserved communities.

Hero Awards Winner: San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) - 1:1 Computing

eSchool Media — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 06:01:00 +0000

As the second-largest district in California, San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) has more than 121,000 students enrolled across its 181 schools. The district’s student population is extremely diverse. Nearly 6,000 teachers are in classrooms at the district’s various educational facilities, which include 117 traditional elementary schools, nine, K-8 schools, 24 traditional middle schools, 22 high schools, 49 charter schools, 13 alternative schools, and five additional program sites.

With so many students from a variety of backgrounds, equity is a critical issue for SDUSD. That’s why the district is transitioning from a 1:1 device cart model to a 1:1 device take-home model. Every student from pre-K through 12th grade has access to a device--a decision that served the district well when the coronavirus pandemic forced it to close its schools in March 2020. SDUSD’s Instructional Technology Department was nicknamed the “First Responders” due to its proactive approach to COVID-19. From showing teachers how innovative technology could help improve learning outcomes to ramping up workshops geared toward preparing educators to teach online, this small but mighty team of six went above and beyond to make an impact during unprecedented times.

Hero Awards Winner: Navajo Preparatory School (NPS) - Student Connectivity

eSchool Media — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 06:01:00 +0000

Navajo Preparatory School (NPS) is the only Navajo-sanctioned college-preparatory school for Native American students providing opportunities to and shaping the futures.

When COVID-19 forced NPS to shut its doors in March 2020, the entire technology department quickly mobilized to ensure learning continuity in a completely virtual environment. This proved especially challenging as its student population spans the whole Navajo reservation, including some of the most rural areas of New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona.

The first step was to ensure every student had access to safe, reliable internet connectivity. For those without fixed broadband internet access at home, this meant immediately dispersing Wi-Fi hotspots. However, not every student knew which wireless network worked best for them. In these situations, the technology department faculty members would drive out to a student’s home to physically test different carriers.

Hero Awards Winner: Brevard Public Schools - Cybersecurity

eSchool Media — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Everyone likes a good scare on Halloween, but for the Brevard Public Schools IT team, October of 2020 brought a scare they’d never before experienced. At 10 p.m. on Halloween night, Barrett Puschus, the Director of IT for Brevard Public Schools, received a call from an unknown number. Because he was outside listening to music with his family, he ignored the call, only to see a message appear in his inbox. When he listened to the message, the Microsoft DART team (Microsoft’s cybersecurity arm) let him know it had flagged the Brevard School system with metrics that indicated the district was experiencing the onset of a ransomware attack.

Whatever It Takes—How one underserved district continues to make it through the pandemic.

eSchool Media — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 02:01:00 +0000

Listening to Alena Zachery-Ross, Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools in Michigan, managing her district through this pandemic almost sounds like a positive story. In this conversation with eSchool News, Alena recalls her strategies for success. From a new appreciation for student voice to closer interactions with the wider community, her ideas will help any district not only survive but thrive in these times.

Why districts need to think creatively - inside the box

eSchool Media — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 01:01:00 +0000

Scott Bailey, Superintendent for Desert Sands Unified School District (CA), didn’t let the pandemic get in the way of his team’s plans. Instead, he used the disruptions as an opportunity to accelerate.

In this episode of Getting There: Innovations in Education, Scott breaks down his work to innovate within the confines of a public institution. The district primarily serves five communities in the central Coachella Valley: Bermuda Dunes, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, and Palm Desert. Students from other areas of the desert also take advantage of the quality education provided by our schools.

Onwards and Upwards—How one district not only survived, but thrived, through the pandemic.

eSchool Media — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 02:59:00 +0000

Every district obviously had struggles during this past year. But for Chattahoochee County School District, a small, rural community in Southwest Georgia, it was also a time to automate and accelerate. In this episode of Innovations in Education, Superintendent Kristie Brooks, Ed.D., describes how they were able to grow their student body, provide improved personal and professional development, and change some pre-pandemic practices like attendance for the better.

Making a post-pandemic promise

eSchool Media — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 14:26:00 +0000

Vicksburg Warren School District (VWSD) Superintendent Chad Shealy is irrepressible. Whether you are talking about COVID response, CTE strategies, or curriculum content, Chad not only makes you feel happy you asked, but even happier with his answers.

VWSD serves all of Warren County, Mississippi, and has an enrollment of approximately 7,200 students in grades Pre-K through 12. VWSD consists of three high schools (grades 9-12), three middle schools (grades 7-8), 10 elementary schools, and an alternative program.

Change for the Better—How one district has adjusted to more flexible learning methods.

eSchool Media — Tue, 11 May 2021 17:08:00 +0000

For Rick Cave, Director of Technology at West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District in New Jersey, the biggest challenge to pivoting during the pandemic weren’t the platforms but the people. In this conversation with eSchol News, Rick talks about how the changing behaviors of everyone—students, teachers, and parents—made remote and now hybrid learning work and what aspects should remain once the crisis has passed.

No Going Back—why schools need to keep some pandemic techniques

eSchool Media — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 16:51:00 +0000

For Dr. Matthew X. Joseph, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in Leicester Public Schools (MA), this past year has meant fewer frequent flier miles but a huge increase in his network, albeit virtually. In this conversation with eSchool News, Matt talks about the importance of these sorts of connections for both students and faculty.

Professional Development Should Stay a Pandemic Priority

eSchool Media — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 04:30:00 +0000

For Diane Lauer, Assistant Superintendent of Priority Programs and Academic Support at St. Vrain Valley schools in Colorado, COVID couldn’t stop teacher training. In fact, her work became that much more important. In this conversation with eSchool News, Dianne breaks down her strategies for keeping faculty on point with technology and instruction.

How using data during COVID becomes more important than ever

eSchool Media — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:10:00 +0000

Data is an integral part of this district’s operations, from student engagement to staff vaccinations.

For Matt Reynolds, Assessment and Data Officer for the 64,000+ students that attend Douglas County School District in Colorado, running the usual assessment numbers was obviously useless last year.

That doesn’t mean that data collection was not an essential part of district operations. Quite the contrary in fact.

In this conversation with eSchool News, Matts talks about how they are supporting student learning during this time, as well as helping educators engage students and drive instruction.

Special Ed Success, Even During a Pandemic

eSchool Media — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 18:04:00 +0000

When it comes to integrating technology into the day-to-day workings of special education, even during rolling lockdowns and remote instruction, there is no longer a question of either/or when it comes to using tech says Tarrence (Tarry) McGovern, Director of Special Education for Kershaw County School District in South Carolina. In this episode, Tarry talks about some of the innovations in special education and how they can be applied to education in general.

Be Prepared—It’s a Cliche for a Reason.

eSchool Media — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 21:43:00 +0000

According to Tony Spence, CIO at Muskego-Norway School District, for a district to be ready for everything, it has to constantly be preparing for something. And maybe be a little bit lucky. In this conversation with eSchool News, Tony details his district’s recent major AV implementation and how it dovetailed with his district’s decision to remain in-person during the COVID crisis.

Educational Innovations: IT Innovators in Education Need Rest, Too

eSchool Media — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 16:14:00 +0000

Virtual or hybrid education has been a blessing during the COVID-19 pandemic. When it’s a risk to gather and parents may not feel comfortable sending their children to a classroom, technology has allowed classrooms to take place virtually.

How to Lead in This Time of Crisis

eSchool Media — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 20:01:00 +0000

Henry (Hank) Thiele, Superintendent for Community High School District 99 in Thorndale (IL) can’t stop looking forward. Despite the current, daily chaos of re-opening and lockdowns, hybrid and remote learning, and other disruptive undercurrents affecting schools, he believes that being prepared for what’s next is as important as dealing with the problems of right now. In this conversation with eSchool News, Hank offers his insights for education professionals that will have to deal with fractured communities in the future even after they are “back to normal.”

Educational Innovations: Charting an Educational Course for Success in Choppy Pandemic Waters.

eSchool Media — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 22:14:00 +0000

Marianthe Williams, School Administrator and Director of Technology for the River Dell Regional School District in Oradell, New Jersey, took a journey back in time to March of 2020 to help break down her district’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Call it good fortune, or maybe just innovative planning, but the River Dell School District already created the environment and infrastructure to provide remote learning for students and teachers. So, when the pandemic hit, it was ahead of the curve. On March 11, it knew school closures were imminent, and Williams said the staff used a PD day to plan for online learning.

“We’re a Microsoft school,” Williams said. “So, we had all the 365 tools, years of PD with the HP device, and this was the game changer; everyone had a digital pen.”

With all of the digital tools in place, something the district was slowly rolling out, Microsoft Teams, kicked into high gear once things moved to remote learning.

Fast forward to the fall of 2020, and a new challenge emerged. Williams explained there was a combination of kids learning from home and kids learning in person. “Even though there’s a camera on your laptop, now there’s a barrier,” Williams said. “And everyone is six feet apart, and it’s much harder. You can’t just turn your laptop around.”

It was essential to make sure every student had a webcam to communicate with every student, whether in class or online.

One of the benefits of online learning Williams found is having one-on-one interactions between teachers and students. The situation was more manageable when everyone was doing online learning in the spring. This fall proved more challenging when teachers met new students with masks on their faces. “Even though you’re there, and there is a bond, there is a barrier too,” Williams said.

With her district's 'we got this' mentality, Williams believes there are no obstacles it cannot overcome.

The eLearning Lessons We Can Take into Post-Pandemic Life

eSchool Media — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 15:06:00 +0000

Most teachers and students now have figured out how to utilize the technology that suddenly become required in March.
Student evaluation remains a challenge, especially with some state standards lagging behind technology growth.
Resources utilized during the pandemic still can be important tools going forward.

In March, most school districts were sent scrambling when the start coronavirus pandemic made it clear it was not wise to conduct school on campus – at least not in the traditional way.

Some students are back in the physical building, while others are learning entirely remotely. But, with nine months of time to develop strategies and best practices, not only are districts now starting to get a clearer picture of how to best educate students, but teachers are, as well.

Randy Rodgers, Judson ISD’s Director of Instructional Technology, said one teacher he works with struggled to get the hang of the learning management system but is now a campus leader. It’s hardly the only collaborative moment he’s seen among faculty members during the pandemic.

“One of the things that has been really exciting is that, when I’m not sure of an answer, one of the teachers will chime in and say, ‘Oh, I already figured that out!’” Rodgers said. “I think their skill level is going to be dramatically [increased]. They’re not going to be out there writing code, necessarily, but, as far as just the basics and how to integrate technology into their instruction, I think that’s definitely going to be a plus.”

That will require districts to remain committed to a different way of learning, even when it’s safe for classrooms to be full and everyone to be learning face-to-face once again. Rodgers said he hopes the gains made through hard work this year won’t be thrown away.

“We’ve got to maintain that presence. We’ve got to get better at integrating it seamlessly into our face-to-face instruction,” Rodgers said. “We’ve got that opportunity now.”

With more time to plan what to do post-pandemic than what to do at the start of it, Rodgers said districts should start thinking about how the technology they’ve invested in and trained their students and teachers on can continue to help improve the learning process for years to come.

Brought to you by:

How automation keeps student bullies in check—both in-person and remote.

eSchool Media — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Even a pandemic won’t stop bad student behavior and in many cases inflames it. In this conversation with eSchool News, Laura Lockhart, director of student services of Keller Independent School District in Texas talks about how the district digitally updated their bullying reporting process to keep students safe and meet federal reporting regulations.

STEM in the time of COVID—How one district keeps innovating in “The Weirds.”

eSchool Media — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Like every educator, Frank Pileiro has had to pivot. As Supervisor of Technology at Linwood Board of Education in South Jersey, he has the added pressure of overseeing their robust maker space programs while managing the current hybrid teaching setup. In this conversation with eSchool News, Frank explains how to keep engaging students, even if it’s from a distance.

Looking For The Little Wins

eSchool Media — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Everyone has a crazy COVID story. For Brigantine, NJ Superintendent Glenn Robbins, it goes something like this—lead a school district through a global pandemic having hardly met the students, parents, or faculty. In this conversation with eSchool News, Glenn details the never-ending variables of getting back to school in 2020 and how the priority should be well-being first. In some cases, technology can help not hinder.

Game On—How one district is using gaming to build community and serve student well being.

eSchool Media — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

James O’Hagan is not playing around. As Director of Digital and Virtual Learning for the Racine Unified School District in Wisconsin, his job entails not just managing the virtual learning program in response to the pandemic, but also supporting library services, as well as developing his passion project of Esports. In this conversation with eSchool News, James talks about the essential role Esports can play when it comes to student health, mental wellness, social-emotional learning, as well as connecting to collegiate and career pathways.

Time to Get Real—How one rural district is dealing with both connectivity and equality for fall.

eSchool Media — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

For Todd Dugan, Superintendent of Bunker Hill CUSD #8, a small, remote district in Southern Illinois, issues surrounding back-to-school COVID-19 style are not abstract but all too real. In this conversation with eSchool News, Todd tries to keep the glass half full as he looks to take advantage of these incredible disruptions to education.

Time to Get Real with Equity

eSchool Media — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

How one rural district is dealing with COVID-related connectivity and equality for fall.

For Todd Dugan, superintendent of Bunker Hill CUSD #8, a small, remote district in southern Illinois, issues surrounding back-to-school COVID-19 style are not abstract but all too real.

Some of the district’s biggest priorities include:

Rural struggles–and successes–as COVID hit Address learning loss that comes with inequity As school resumes, freedom of choice In this conversation with eSchool News, Todd tries to keep the glass half full as he looks to take advantage of these incredible disruptions to education.

A Device in Every Hand—How one district handles the chaos of pandemic asset management

eSchool Media — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

For Sandra Paul, Director of Director Of Information Technology at the Township of Union Public Schools in Northern New Jersey, the goal is simple—every one of the 7,200 kids in her district must have a device this fall. How to accomplish this? Not so simple. In this conversation with eSchoolnews, Sandra details her asset management tactics for whatever scenario her district winds up with—in person, hybrid, or remote.

Feedback and Flexibility—Two Keywords for One District’s Goal for Fall.

eSchool Media — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

As the newly installed Director of Student Information at Barrington School District in suburban Chicago (IL), a district with 9,000 students and 13 schools, Phil Hintz has an added challenge to an already impossible situation—discover unprecedented solutions in an entirely new environment. In this conversation with eSchool News, Phil details how the district is reinventing itself through data collection, making tough logistical decisions, and inspiring both faculty and parents to stretch their imaginations when it comes to instruction.

Professional Development Pandemic Style—How one District Is Prepping Staff For Success

eSchool Media — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Jon Castelhano, Executive Director of Technology at Gilbert Public Schools in suburban Phoenix, Arizona, is making lemonade. Instead of stopgap measures to make it through the COVID-19 crisis, his district is crafting strategic changes with an eye toward the long term. These are ideas long talked about but never implemented in the 40 schools that serve 34,000 students. For it to work, faculty need to reinvent themselves too. In this conversation with eSchool News, Jon describes how they intend to do just that.

Stepping Back To Succeed—How one district is dealing with the intangibles of the unthinkable.

eSchool Media — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Forget about tech for a minute. For Adam Phyall, Director of Technology and Media Services for Newton County School System (GA), connectivity, communication, and emotional support are what is key for district success during the pandemic. In his discussion with eSchool News, Adam talks about the big picture challenges the next school year brings for his students, parents, faculty, and administration and how he plans to deal with them.

Data vs. COVID-19

eSchool Media — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

How one district runs the numbers through mapping software to find blended learning solutions for this fall.

When Mark Finstrom, Chief Technology Officer for Highline Public Schools (WA) first integrated data analytic mapping software into his district’s digital toolbox a few years ago, it was to better visualize his district’s data to consider things like potential new school construction or bus routes for approximately 20,000 students. Little did he know he would end up using it for disaster logistics. In this conversation with eSchoolnews, Mark demos the GuideK12 Analytics Suite (watch the video below) and suggests ways districts can make better decisions faster.

Whatever It Takes—South Portland Maine Schools Pivot With The Pandemic

eSchool Media — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

When speaking with Andrew Wallace, Director of Technology, South Portland Maine Schools, two classic marketing slogans come to mind: “Think Different” and “Just Do It.” Whether it is getting Chromebooks and hotspots to students in need, supporting faculty in the move to remote learning, or just giving students a sense of comfort, he and his district, which includes a pre-k center, five elementary schools, two middle schools, and South Portland High School, are making up new rules as they go along in this pandemic era.

How Newport-Mesa Unified School District became closer by being apart

eSchool Media — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Jenith Mishne is a relentlessly positive person. Not even a global pandemic can dampen her enthusiasm when talking about her job as Director of Education Technology in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District (CA), where she serves 22,500 students at twenty-two elementary schools, two intermediate schools, four high schools, one alternative education center, and one adult education center. In this conversation with eSchool News, Mishne finds the silver linings in the world’s largest beta test for remote learning—from device management to compassionate teacher professional development and better community communication. She also shares some of her thoughts about how education can grow from this tragedy.

District leaders share successes while managing school tech in the midst of the COVID crisis

eSchool Media — Tue, 26 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

That COVID “where were you when” moment from last March is still fresh in Paul Sanfrancesco’s mind. Watching neighboring districts announce closures and realizing his own faculty would be stranded at home, contingency plans were hatched and devices were launched to prep students for remote learning.

And while no one could have been completely prepared for what has since developed, schools in the Owen J. Roberts School District (OJRSD) were already using several learning management tools that eased the transition. They also continue to learn new techniques and strategies as all schools everywhere move into the unknown.

Sanfrancesco is Director of Technology for OJRSD. The district, located in northern Chester County, Pennsylvania, comprises five elementary schools, one middle school, and the Owen J. Roberts High School. The student population for the entire district is around 4,800 students. Sanfrancesco teaches as a professor in the Graduate Education Department at Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA and Neumann University, Aston, PA. He was named CTO of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications and Technology and one of the “20 to Watch” educators by the National School Boards Association for his work in IT.