What Is Ed Tech in K–12 Schools? Educational technology, or ed tech, encompasses a wide variety of applications, software, hardware and infrastructure components — from online quizzes and learning management systems to individual laptops for students and the access points that enable Wi-Fi connectivity.. Interactive panels are a popular tool, and schools have recently implemented learning ...

Another driver of AI reluctance may be a lack of familiarity with the technology. In Microsoft’s AI in Education report, 68% of educators say they have used AI once or twice, while 22% use it daily. However, only 24% claim a strong familiarity with AI. Most educators in this survey may be trying to develop a better understanding of how the emerging technology could be applied to their ...

In the 21st century, it can feel like advanced technology is changing the K–12 classroom in ways we’ve never seen before. But the truth is, technology and education have a long history of evolving together to dramatically change how students learn.

K–12 IT Leaders Must Understand the Educational Environment. While more than half of K–12 technology directors come to the profession with backgrounds in education according to a 2024 CoSN survey, relatively few teachers report having significant experience in IT.. Unfortunately, this difference has meant that classroom technology decisions are …

Rebecca Torchia is a web editor for EdTech: Focus on K–12.Previously, she has produced podcasts and written for several publications in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and her hometown of Pittsburgh.

Despite the pandemic forcing more K–12 schools into some form of technology innovation, the American educational model has not seen massive shifts in recent years.That needs to change if today’s students are to become future ready, said Michael Meechin, Florida state director at the National Center on Education and the Economy.. A former principal who …

When the Academy of Whole Learning, a K–12 private school in Minnesota for students with autism spectrum disorder and individual learning needs, introduced virtual reality technology in their classrooms, students could not contain their excitement.

IT departments will also need to help teachers navigate those waters, especially helping to address any compatibility issues. “One of the things that we have to think about when we’re supporting faculty is, are they using tools that are going to integrate well with the LMS?” says Mindy Colin, instructional consultant at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

EdTech Magazine explores K-12 technology and education issues that IT leaders and educators face when they’re evaluating and implementing a solution.

The U.S. Department of Education released the highly anticipated update to the National Educational Technology Plan Monday. The 2024 NETP focuses on closing the digital use, access and design divides. “The Biden-Harris Administration has made bold investments aimed at closing the digital divide and ensuring all students can equitably access the latest digital tools and technology,” U.S ...