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Tag: classrooms

  • Tips, tools, and truths: Making PD meaningful in today’s classrooms

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    As a classroom teacher and district leader with over 26 years of experience, I’ve attended countless professional development (PD) sessions. Some were transformative, others forgettable. But one thing has remained constant: the need for PD that inspires, equips, and connects educators. Research shows that effective PD focuses on instructional practice and connects to both classroom materials and real- world contexts.

    I began my teaching career in 1999 through an alternative certification program, eager to learn and grow. That enthusiasm hasn’t waned–I still consider myself a lifelong learner. But over time, I realized that not all PD is created equal. Too often, sessions felt like a checkbox exercise, with educators asking, “Why do I have to be here?” instead of “How can I grow from this?”

    Here are some of my favorite PD resources and experiences:

    edWeb

    edWeb is free to join, and once you’re in, you can dive into as many sessions as you want. The service offers a live calendar of events or on-demand webinars covering a range of topics. Plus, the webinars come with CE certificates, which are approved for teacher re-licensure in states like New York, Massachusetts, Texas, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Utah, and Nevada.

    You can go deeper into the state-specific options with an interactive map. I also love the community aspect of the platform, as you can connect with peers and learn from experts on so many topics for all preK-12 educators.

    Career Connect
    This summer, I attended the Discovery Education Summer of Learning Series at the BMW facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, for a day-long professional learning event focused on workforce readiness and preparing students for evolving career landscapes. It was an energizing day being surrounded by passionate educators. One standout resource we dove into more deeply is Career Connect by Discovery Education. Career Connect is within Discovery Education Experience and is available to all educators in South Carolina by the Department of Education.

    This is quickly becoming a priority tool in our district. With early access in the spring, we’ve integrated it across grade levels–from elementary STEM classrooms to our Career Center. The platform offers students live interactions with professionals in various fields, making career exploration both engaging and real. I witnessed this firsthand during a virtual visit with an engineer from Charlotte, N.C., whose insights captivated our students and sparked meaningful conversations about future possibilities.

    Professional Development Hub
    The ASCD + ISTE professional learning hub offers sessions on innovative approaches and tools to design and implement standards-aligned curriculum. Each session is led by educators, authors, researchers, and practitioners who are experts in professional learning. Schools and districts receive a needs assessment, so you know the learning is tailored to what educators really need and want.

    Tips for Meaningful PD
    With over 26 years of experience as a classroom teacher and district leader, I have participated in my fair share of professional learning opportunities. I like to joke that my career began in the late 1900s, but professional development sessions from those first few years of teaching now do feel like they were from a century ago compared to the possibilities presented to teachers and leaders today.

    Over these decades I’ve seen a lot of good, and bad, sessions. Here are my top tips to make PD actually engaging:

    • Choose PD that aligns with your goals. Seek out sessions that connect directly to your teaching practice or leadership role.
    • Engage with a community. Learning alongside passionate educators makes a huge difference. The Summer of Learning event reminded me how energizing it is to be surrounded by people who lift you up.
    • Explore tech tools that extend learning. Platforms like Career Connect and others aren’t just add-ons–they’re gateways to deeper engagement and real-world relevance.

    Professional development should be a “want to,” not a “have to.” To get there, though, the PD needs to be thoughtfully designed and purpose-driven. These resources above reignited my passion for learning and reminded me of the power of connection–between educators, students, and the world beyond the classroom.

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    Grace Maliska

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  • Is gamification they key to achieving true inclusion in special education?

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    For students with special needs, learning can often resemble a trek through dense woods along a narrow, rigid path–one that leaves little to no room for individual exploration. But the educational landscape is evolving. Picture classrooms as adventurous hunts, where every learner charts their own journey, overcomes unique challenges, and progresses at a pace that matches their strengths. This vision is becoming reality through gamification, a powerful force that is reshaping how students learn and how teachers teach in K–12 special education.

    Personalized learning paths: Tailoring the adventure

    Traditional classrooms often require students to adapt one method of instruction, which can be limiting–especially for neurodiverse learners. Gamified learning platforms provide an alternative by offering adaptive, personalized learning experiences that honor each student’s profile and pace.

    Many of these platforms use real-time data and algorithms to adjust content based on performance. A student with reading difficulties might receive simplified text with audio support, while a math-savvy learner can engage in increasingly complex logic puzzles. This flexibility allows students to move forward without fear of being left behind, or without being bored waiting for others to catch up.

    Accessibility features such as customizable avatars, voice commands, and adjustable visual settings also create space for students with ADHD, autism, or sensory sensitivities to learn comfortably. A student sensitive to bright colors can use a softer palette; another who struggles with reading can use text-to-speech features. And when students can replay challenges without stigma, repetition becomes practice, not punishment.

    In these environments, progress is measured individually. The ability to choose which goals to tackle and how to approach them gives learners both agency and confidence–two things often missing in traditional special education settings.

    Building social and emotional skills: The power of play

    Play is a break from traditional learning and a powerful way to build essential social and emotional skills. For students with special needs who may face challenges with communication, emotional regulation, or peer interaction, gamified environments provide a structured yet flexible space to develop these abilities.

    In cooperative hunts and team challenges, students practice empathy, communication, and collaboration in ways that feel engaging and low-stakes. A group mission might involve solving a puzzle together, requiring students to share ideas, encourage one another, and work toward a common goal.

    Gamified platforms also provide real-time, constructive feedback, transforming setbacks into teachable moments. Instead of pointing out what a student did wrong, a game might offer a helpful hint: “Try checking the clues again!” This kind of support teaches resilience and persistence in a way that lectures or punitive grading rarely do.

    As students earn badges or level up, they experience tangible success. These moments highlight the connection between effort and achievement. Over time, these small wins raise a greater willingness to engage with the material and with peers and the classroom community.

    Fostering independence and motivation

    Students with learning differences often carry the weight of repeated academic failure, which can chip away at their motivation. Gamification helps reverse this by reframing challenges as opportunities and effort as progress.

    Badges, points, and levels make achievements visible and meaningful. A student might earn a “Problem Solver” badge after tackling a tricky math puzzle or receive “Teamwork Tokens” for helping a classmate. These systems expand the definition of success and highlight personal strengths.

    The focus shifts from comparison to self-improvement. Some platforms even allow for private progress tracking, letting students set and meet personal goals without the anxiety of public rankings. Instead of competing, students build a personal narrative of growth.

    Gamification also encourages self-directed learning. As student complete tasks, they develop skills like planning, time management, and self-assessment, skills that extend beyond academics and into real life. The result is a deeper sense of ownership and independence.

    Teachers as learning guides

    Gamification doesn’t replace teachers, but it can help teach more effectively. With access to real-time analytics, educators can see exactly where a student is excelling or struggling and adjust instruction accordingly.

    Dashboards might reveal that a group of students is thriving in reading comprehension but needs help with number sense, prompting immediate, targeted intervention. This data-driven insight allows for proactive, personalized support.

    Teachers in gamified classrooms also take on a new role, both of a mentor and facilitator. They curate learning experiences, encourage exploration, and create opportunities for creativity and curiosity to thrive. Instead of managing behavior or delivering lectures, they support students on individualized learning journeys.

    Inclusion reimagined

    Gamification is not a gimmick; it’s a framework for true inclusion. It aligns with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), offering multiple ways for students to engage, process information, and show what they know. It recognizes that every learner is different, and builds that into the design.

    Of course, not every gamified tool is created equal. Thoughtful implementation, equity in access, and alignment with student goals are essential. But when used intentionally, gamification can turn classrooms into places where students with diverse needs feel seen, supported, and excited to learn.

    Are we ready to level up?

    Gamification is a step toward classrooms that work for everyone. For students with special needs, it means learning at their own pace, discovering their strengths, and building confidence through meaningful challenges.

    For teachers, it’s a shift from directing traffic to guiding adventurers.

    If we want education to be truly inclusive, we must go beyond accommodations and build systems where diversity is accepted and celebrated. And maybe, just maybe, that journey begins with a game.

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    Aditya Prakash, SKIDOS

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  • Los Angeles Unified School District Chooses ClassVR from Avantis Education to Bring Immersive Virtual Reality Learning to Students

    Los Angeles Unified School District Chooses ClassVR from Avantis Education to Bring Immersive Virtual Reality Learning to Students

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    Chicago — Los Angeles Unified School District (Los Angeles Unified) has chosen ClassVR from Avantis Education, a global leader in educational virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology, to introduce groundbreaking immersive learning experiences to students. With more than 16,000 ClassVR headsets deployed, this collaboration supports Los Angeles Unified’s Instructional Technology Initiative and is designed to provide the district’s students with access to cutting-edge VR and AR tools to enhance student engagement and enrich academic instruction.

    ClassVR, designed exclusively for K-12 classrooms, provides an all-in-one immersive learning solution which includes all the hardware, software, training and support required to successfully deploy VR/AR. Through the collaboration, Los Angeles Unified educators can access ClassVR’s vast Eduverse library — housing hundreds of thousands of virtual reality and augmented reality resources — allowing teachers to create captivating, interactive lessons that engage students on a deeper level.

    Empowering Schools with Immersive Technology

    Avantis Education has been a trusted partner of Los Angeles Unified for two years, providing virtual reality experiences that spark curiosity and inspire learning across the district. Initially adopted by a few schools, ClassVR’s success has led to its rapid expansion. Many Los Angeles Unified schools now utilize their own ClassVR headsets for both in-class instruction and extracurricular enrichment programs, fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can explore everything from history and science to career and technical education, all through the immersive lens of virtual reality.

    This latest collaboration will focus on enrichment programs before and after school, with significant potential for broader applications across a wide array of academic disciplines. The collaboration positions Los Angeles Unified as a leader in using immersive learning technologies to offer students, impactful educational experiences that enhance academic outcomes.

    “Los Angeles Unified has demonstrated its commitment to being a pioneer in educational technology by placing students at the forefront of innovative learning tools,” said Huw Williams, CEO of Avantis Education. “Through our collaboration, we’re proud to help the district expand its use of VR technology in a thoughtful, strategic way, supporting the district’s vision of making learning more engaging and future-focused.”

    About Avantis Education

    Avantis Education, the creators of ClassVR, provides simple classroom technology used by more than 2 million students in 200,000 classrooms in over 90 countries.

    The world’s first virtual reality technology designed just for education provides everything a school needs to seamlessly implement VR technology in any classroom, all at an affordable price. To learn more visit http://www.avantiseducation.com/ and www.classvr.com.

    eSchool News Staff
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    ESchool News Staff

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  • CompTIA Spark introduces free high-quality technology curriculum for middle grade classrooms

    CompTIA Spark introduces free high-quality technology curriculum for middle grade classrooms

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    Responding to a critical gap in technology education, CompTIA Spark has launched free technology curriculum specifically for middle grade classrooms, grades 5-8. It aims to support teachers so that they can teach the critical skills students need to succeed in whatever path they choose. The nonprofit organization worked with educators across the country to develop the curriculum.

    “World Teachers’ Day celebrates how important teachers are,” says Randi Parker, chief of staff and vice president of CompTIA Spark. “And we know that middle school teachers in particular play such an important role in a student’s journey which is why they are the key to bringing technology education to more schools. We could not have developed this curriculum without them, and we can’t reach students without them.”

    For about the past year, school districts as well as individual teachers have been implementing the CompTIA Spark curriculum in middle grade classrooms and providing feedback that allowed for a testing and development period prior to the full-scale launch. The schools that participated in this phase ranged from award-winning STEM schools to less-resourced ones, with all types of schools reporting the curriculum was a success and that students were engaged and excited to learn.

    Getting students excited about technology and growing their confidence with hands-on learning is critical at the middle school level. Without access to quality technology education, students fall behind before they reach high school which means they do not have the digital fluency needed to succeed in school and in life. Filling this critical gap is the mission of CompTIA Spark.

    With the new free curriculum, teachers can guide middle grade students through engaging project-based lessons that build capability using common applications and 21st century skills. Students gain a solid foundation in key technology concepts to prepare them for future opportunities — in high school and beyond.

    Delivered through an online learning platform, the curriculum sparks interest in technology and how it is used in a wide variety of careers. For example, the Tech Exploration units have interactive lessons that show how tech skills are used in roles like product design, market research, accounting, marketing and more. Meanwhile, the Emerging Tech units focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and smart home technology. Full access to the curriculum is available to middle grade educators absolutely free — to empower more teachers to teach the subject, even if they have not taught it previously.

    “Because of the way the curriculum is intentionally designed, we are able to take the burden off the teacher by providing high-quality technology curriculum that middle grade teachers can use in their classroom regardless of their past experience with the subject,” says Parker. “Getting this free resource into the hands of teachers can help close the gap in technology education that currently exists at the middle school level. CompTIA Spark curriculum is free, and always will be free, because it is a gift from the tech industry to future generations.”

    Districts, schools and individual teachers are invited to explore the curriculum and get started at comptiaspark.org.

    Kevin Hogan
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    Kevin Hogan

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  • How we use robots and art to make meeting computer science standards fun

    How we use robots and art to make meeting computer science standards fun

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    After the state of New Jersey revised its computer science standards in 2020, I was part of a professional learning community tasked with helping educators in all subjects understand the computer science standards and incorporate them into their classrooms.

    Our group came from all over the state, representing different grades and subjects, and our mission was to create an online guide to help teachers break apart each standard, then provide a video tutorial or example of a lesson to address the standard, which we wrote as a team. The project, a collaboration between the state of New Jersey and Montclair State University to create a multi-year Computer Science Education Hub, provided funding for me to buy KIBO robots, which have become the focus of my school’s STEAM program.

    Igniting young students’ wonder through STEAM

    This grant wasn’t just about acquiring cool, new gadgets–it was about making computer science standards accessible to educators beyond the traditional science and engineering departments. By doing so, we’ve been able to teach coding not in isolation, but as an integral part of our larger curriculum. This approach has allowed us to create interdisciplinary lessons that spark curiosity, imagination, and engagement.

    With KIBO, a hands-on coding robot designed specifically for young learners, we have a screen-free way to introduce robotics and coding to elementary school students. We’re able to combine coding with art and show students the parallel between programming and storytelling. A prime example of this interdisciplinary approach was the lesson plan I wrote for our 2nd-grade students.

    The synergy of science and storytelling

    The book Balloons Over Broadway tells the true story of the master puppeteer who invented the first balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Using the book as inspiration, I created a prompt guiding students to transform their KIBO robots into floats and recreate the parade by coding them to navigate the route down “Broadway.” During library media classes, students coded the parade performance using the wooden programming building blocks, and the computer science assisted with green screen filming and editing to recreate the New York City backdrop depicted in the book. Our art teacher introduced the students to Jeff Koons, instructing them to take artistic inspiration from the artist’s iconic balloon dog.

    For the final product, we produced a video that showcased the students’ programmed KIBO robots navigating a parade route through a virtual New York City. The lesson merged creative storytelling and art with technology, robotics, and engineering. Watching my students’ faces light up as they saw their creations come to life was a powerful reminder of the impact of hands-on, integrated STEAM projects like this one.

    Nursery rhymes with a technology twist

    The success of my Balloons over Broadway lesson inspired me to take a similar approach for our 1st-graders, using nursery rhymes as the jumping-off point. This particular lesson plan was mapped to a story-retelling literacy standard that uses the “first, next, then, last” structure, which is similar to patterns that students use in programming. By integrating this retelling format into the lesson, I was able to create a natural connection to the coding component. The students were able to collaboratively construct coding sequences that mirrored the familiar story structure, creating a better understanding of the technology, while also problem-solving by exploring which KIBO programming blocks they felt were necessary to tell the story of the nursery rhyme to the audience.

    I presented the class with several classic nursery rhymes to retell, including Itsy Bitsy Spider, Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Peep, and Hey Diddle Diddle. After creating their coding sequences, students used KIBO’s wooden programming blocks to guide their robots in retelling the stories. They brainstormed and collaborated on what sounds and actions best matched the action in the nursery rhymes, then programmed their robots accordingly. The project ended with groups presenting four different characters they designed on a tissue box and placed on KIBO’s art platform, so that each of the students in each group could have their own character.

    It was remarkable to witness their creative problem-solving, and I had never seen them so calm and supportive of each other. Everybody applauded!

    To prepare for the new school year, I have received a few extensions for KIBO, including the Marker Extension Set and the Free Throw Extension Set. My plan for the upcoming fall class is to ask the students to devise their own lesson plans using these new tools. I can’t wait to see what the students come up with–the way our first graders were troubleshooting their projects during the nursery rhyme retelling lesson makes me confident that the students are ready to build upon their previous work and take it to the next level.   

    These lessons give my students learning scenarios that prepare them for the interconnected challenges of the real world, especially when it comes to technology and creative problem-solving. By creating lesson plans that not only meet current computer science standards but also anticipate future challenges, I’m equipping my young students with the diverse skillset they need to thrive in our ever-evolving world. 

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    Erin Wicklund, Hillsdale Public Schools

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  • Achieve Miami’s Teacher Accelerator Program Prepares 151 New Teachers for Full-Time Positions Across Miami-Dade County Classrooms

    Achieve Miami’s Teacher Accelerator Program Prepares 151 New Teachers for Full-Time Positions Across Miami-Dade County Classrooms

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    MIAMI, FL – Achieve Miami’s Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP) is tackling South Florida’s teacher shortage head-on by creating a clear path to teaching for college seniors and career changers. Following its first year at the University of Miami in 2023, the education nonprofit expanded to Florida International University and Miami-Dade College, making TAP accessible to college seniors and graduates with a four-year degree. Now in its second year, TAP has more than tripled its impact: 151 participants have successfully graduated from this year’s program and are preparing to teach in public, private, and charter school classrooms across Miami-Dade County as full-time teachers for the 2024-25 school year – up from 43 participants during its first year.

    “While Miami students are performing better than their peers in other major cities, learning gaps exist and the teacher shortage is exacerbating the problem. A strong education system is critical to ensuring the viability of South Florida’s economy over the long-term, and that begins with building a robust pipeline of teachers. TAP will be the single largest source of new teachers in Miami-Dade County this school year, and we’re eager to scale up our program in Florida and beyond,” said Leslie Miller Saiontz, Founder of Achieve Miami.

    TAP is addressing a teacher shortage that is impacting communities in Florida and beyond. On the first day of school for the 2023-24 school year, there were more than 5,000 vacant teaching positions in Florida, and hundreds of thousands across the U.S. according to Florida Education Association’s (FEA) count of vacancies.

    Becoming a teacher through TAP is achievable in four attainable steps: participants take TAP’s one-semester course, followed by a six-week paid summer internship, earn their teaching certification, and are then hired by a Miami-Dade County public, private or charter school and placed in a classroom. This approach ensures that new teachers are well-prepared to make an immediate impact in the classroom. The streamlined process offers a clear path to becoming a teacher, opening the eyes of many to the benefits of a career in education.

    “South Florida is full of talent, both at our local colleges and across the workforce, and we find that many qualified individuals are excited about a flexible and fulfilling career in education,” said Jasmine Calin-Micek, Senior Director of the Teacher Accelerator Program. “TAP’s success in Miami is proving that when you offer an onramp to teaching, there’s no shortage of demand.”

    TAP is the first initiative of its kind in Florida, and Achieve Miami is currently in discussions with other universities interested in expanding the program nationally. The launch of TAP is entirely privately funded through funds raised by Achieve Miami, including a portion of the more than $2.6 million contributed by nearly 500 donors during the Miami Foundation’s 2023 Give Miami Day.

    To learn more about the Teacher Accelerator Program, or to take the first step towards a fulfilling career in education, visit www.teacheraccelerator.org.

    ABOUT THE TEACHER ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

    Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP) is a non-profit organization creating a pipeline of talent for the teaching profession through recruiting, preparing, and mentoring aspiring educators. TAP’s comprehensive and streamlined program equips college students and career changers with the skills, knowledge, and certification necessary to excel in the classroom. TAP addresses the nationwide teacher shortage crisis by providing a built-in path to teaching, inspiring a new generation of educators.

    TAP participants take a one-semester course, followed by a six-week paid summer internship, earn a certificate to teach, and begin instructing in a Miami-Dade County public, private, or charter school classroom. TAP is an initiative of Achieve Miami, supported by Teach for America Miami-Dade, and is offered by the University of Miami, Florida International University and Miami-Dade College. Learn more at www.teacheraccelerator.org.

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  • 5 ways to use technology for classroom creativity

    5 ways to use technology for classroom creativity

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    Key points:

    Technology has enhanced the opportunities for students to be creative and engage in school work that is meaningful and unique.

    Why creativity?

    Creativity is an essential skill for all students to have. Creative projects help students connect new information to prior knowledge through critical thinking and problem solving. Assignments that engage students in creative practices motivate hard-to reach students and provide an opportunity for all students to be successful.

    Classrooms that include creative activities are those with students who are resilient and confident. Creativity pushes students to overcome challenges through productive struggle. This builds emotional development and lifelong skills that will help them in any future career they may have. Technology has made creative opportunities more accessible for teachers and students. With the use of technology, students are better able to apply their knowledge in different ways and be creative in their learning.

    These are 5 ways you can use technology to promote creativity in your classroom:

    1. Engagement with AI: There are several AI tools like School AI and Magic School that students can use that will promote their creativity. These tools have spaces where students can ask questions to historical figures, participate in problem-solving simulations, and learn through hands-on exploring. Using the AI spaces provides students with an immersive experience that is powerful and engaging. These spaces create a virtual experience that results in a deeper understanding of the content through applied creativity.
    2. Collaboration on Google platforms: Using Google Sites like Google Classroom, Google Slides, Google Docs or Google Earth makes for easy sharing and collaboration on class projects. These sites can be used for all subjects and grade levels and are limitless in opportunities. Google tools can be used for
      collaborative writing, assignment presentations, and implementing collaboration into assignments and daily routines helps build a sense of community in which students can work closely with one another, share ideas, and be creative in how they learn. All of the Google Workspaces have a wide variety of tools and resources for students to try out and implement into their work. Collaborating with Google will introduce them to new settings and content while being motivated and excited about their work. Working closely with peers allows them to think creatively.
    3. Experimentation and risk taking through coding: Coding has a lot of real world applications and is very engaging for students. There are several sites that students can use like Code.org and Scratch. Coding can be used in a variety of ways. Students can make a creative writing piece come to life, students can code a math learning game, or even share what they have learned about a science or social studies topic like an animal’s environment. When slowly introduced, coding is a challenging and exciting way to create projects for any subject. There are hundreds of tools and settings that students can get creative with and explore independently that lead students through a trial and error process causing them to think creatively.
    4. Interactive lessons: There are several web tools like Nearpod and Peardeck that help bring your daily lessons to life. Implementing interactive lessons provides students with the opportunity to participate in open-ended questions, collaborate with their peers, and think creatively about the content they are learning. Moving away from the traditional classroom setting and allowing students to be creative in how they learn will be beneficial to them.
    5. Open-ended assessments using online applications: Technology has given us an unlimited amount of resources for enhancing teaching and learning. Students are now able to show their learning in more ways than they have ever
      been able to before. There are many assessment platforms that encourage creative thinking from students in a way that works best for them. Students who are writers can publish on Book Creator or Storybird. For those who enjoy speaking can create a podcast using the Podcasts app. For students who love collaborating and creating presentations, resources including Canva and Padlet are great options. All of these modes for assessing allow students to be creative and apply their knowledge in different ways compared to a traditional assessment.
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    Macy Quinton, Elementary School Teacher

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  • Texas’ Pine Tree Independent School District Expands Partnership with Global Edtech Leader to Support Innovative Science Instruction

    Texas’ Pine Tree Independent School District Expands Partnership with Global Edtech Leader to Support Innovative Science Instruction

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    Charlotte, NC—Texas’  Pine Tree Independent School District (PTISD) today announced an extension of its multi-year collaboration with global edtech leader  Discovery Education. In this new phase of partnership, students in grades K-8 will this year return to classrooms that feature innovative science lessons powered by  Science Techbook for Texas by Discovery Education. A dynamic core instructional curriculum, Science Techbook for Texas was created from the ground up expressly for Texas educators and learners. 

    PTISD’s talented team serves a diverse student body of more than 4,500 learners in the western portion of Longview and part of the neighboring city of White Oak. PTISD is a Texas District of Innovation, and as such, has created a thoughtful strategic plan with three goals: all students will reach their full potential; all students will thrive in a global society; and all students will discover and pursue their unique passions. 

    To support progress toward these goals, PTISD’s leadership team sought an innovative, updateable, digital-print-kit blended science curriculum that would easily integrate into instruction to create unique, student-centered learning experiences. Following a thorough review process, the district selected Science Techbook for Texas by Discovery Education for teachers and students in grades K-8. 

    Science Techbook for Texas includes everything educators need to create modern science lessons, including engaging digital resources, print student and teacher editions, hands-on activity kits, and virtual investigations. In addition, an embedded professional learning component within Science Techbook for Texas helps teachers quickly and easily integrate this resource into classroom instruction, ensuring school leaders see maximum return on their technology investment. Science Techbook for Texas was rated as 100% aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and the English Language Proficiency Standards at every grade level by the relevant state review panels and earned a 100% score from the Texas Resource Review for its K-5 and Biology editions. 

    The Science Techbook for Texas’ curriculum includes ready-to-use, phenomena-driven lessons that motivate students with powerful technology tools—such as toggle-on authentic Spanish translation—that personalize the student experience, and time-saving teacher tools that streamline preparation and grading. Available in both print and digital formats, Science Techbook for Texas provides a seamless classroom experience complete with immersive, interactive ways to explore scientific phenomena, including hands-on engineering activities, labs, and STEM connections. In PTISD, Science Techbook for Texas will be used alongside  Discovery Education Experience, an award-winning K-12, cross-curricular, supplemental digital learning resource already used districtwide. 

    “Pine Tree Independent School District has a long history of providing students with captivating educational experiences that prepare them for future success in our increasingly global environment,” said Dr. Lisa Mullins, PTISD’s Executive Director of Quality Education. “The adoption of these powerful core instructional resources helps us continue our tradition of excellence and prepares our students to thrive beyond graduation.” 

    Through its digital, print, and blended options, Science Techbook for Texas delivers a wide range of high-quality resources that support students as they discover how science is practiced in the real world, while focusing on deeper understanding and the application of grade-appropriate science content. Recently,  Discovery Education’s Science Techbook was certified as meeting the rigorous, evidence-based ESSA Tier III standards as set forth in Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  

    Multiple studies show that regular use of Discovery Education Science Techbook in the classroom has many positive academic results for educators and students across a variety of districts and populations in the United States. For example, in an independent study with Arizona’s Sahuarita Unified School District, a third party evaluated Discovery Education’s impact and found that use of Science Techbook resulted in increased science, math, and reading proficiency in grades 3-8. In the second study, a correlation was found between frequency and depth of use of Science Techbook and student achievement in science in grades 6 and 7. This research and more can be found  here. 

    All educators using Discovery Education’s digital resources have access to the  Discovery Educator Network. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Educator Network connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration. 

    “Discovery Education is proud to support Pine Tree Independent School District’s efforts to create innovative science instruction,” said Discovery Education’s Manager of Education Partnerships Jason Fennell. “Dr. Lisa Mullins, Superintendent Steve Clugston, and the rest of the district’s talented team of teachers and administrators have charted an exciting new course in science education that helps all students pursue their curiosity as they prepare for a bright future, and we are excited to be chosen to support their work.” 

    For more information about Discovery Education’s  award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit  www.discoveryeducation.com and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through  X (formerly Twitter),  LinkedIn,  Instagram,  TikTok, and  Facebook.  

    About Discovery Education 
    Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at  www.discoveryeducation.com. 

    eSchool News Staff
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  • Edtech Top 40 reveals increase in unique digital tool use

    Edtech Top 40 reveals increase in unique digital tool use

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    Key points:

    On average, K-12 school districts access 2,739 edtech tools over the entire school year, according to Edtech Top 40, a report on the usage of digital solutions, tools, and resources in K-12 districts, schools and classrooms during the 2023-24 school year.

    K-12 institutions are accessing 8 percent more tools aggregated annually from the prior academic year, with an increase in unique edtech tools accessed individually by both students and teachers.

    The report, highlighting the top 40 education technology products, is published by LearnPlatform by Instructure and provides insights on trends, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)-aligned evidence, and categorical rankings relevant to K-12 decision-makers as well as edtech product leaders. 

    “The evidence is clear: tech-enabled learning is here to stay,” said Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer at Instructure. “As districts continue to explore different tools to enhance learning, the obstacles they now face aren’t just about picking the best tool, but picking safe, effective and interoperable tools that work together to build a highly effective learning ecosystem. Districts need trusted guidance and transparent information to empower them to make efficient and effective decisions that will improve teaching and learning.”

    “The increase in tools used isn’t a surprise,” said Shiren Vijiasingam, Chief Product Officer at Instructure. “On the one hand, we know districts are actively looking for opportunities to consolidate their edtech, but with the explosion of new AI-enabled tools, there has been a lot of experimentation. We expect scrutiny on how these tools are helping the teaching and learning process.” 

    The report also offers action items for K-12 leaders and edtech leaders.

    For K-12 leaders: Understand which of your most used tools integrate with your LMS to architect a more centralized ecosystem; consider the best user experience for your teachers’ and learners’ unique needs; and prioritize LMS integration when making edtech purchasing and implementation decisions.

    For edtech leaders: Identify where your users are and prioritize LMS integrations that will enhance their edtech ecosystems and help to expand your customer base; prioritize and invest in outstanding user experiences when developing LMS integrations; and ensure the highest standards of data privacy and security for your users by upgrading existing LTi integrations.

    As with previous years, the top 40 tools continue to remain consistent, with only a handful of new products joining the list. The five new entrants to the EdTech Top 40 this academic year include PBS, Panorama Education, Scratch, Adobe, and Grammarly; the latter three indicating the quickly increasing prevalence of AI in schools and drawing attention to the need for best practices to guide its use.

    Educators are using technology to boost student engagement, personalize learning, and save time, but how do they know what’s making a difference? The report found that 32 percent of the tools on the 2024 Edtech Top 40 have published research that meets one of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) four tiers of evidence. The ESSA framework offers an accessible model for educators to identify research-backed edtech, ranging from innovative new solutions to established tools with empirical validation. School districts are increasingly seeking ESSA-aligned research as part of their vetting processes to make evidence-based decisions.

    “Year after year, the EdTech Top 40 has provided comprehensive data of K-12 education technology engagement across our nation’s districts,” Loble concludes. “Data-driven decision-making is more important than ever when assessing the role of technology in our schools. This is why the EdTech Top 40 remains more relevant than ever.”

    Consistent with previous years, this report analyzed products performing specific functions to provide a deeper look at the top education technology tools within key categories. This year’s categories include Learning Management Systems (LMS), Supplemental Platforms, Courseware Platforms, Study Tools, Classroom Response & Assessment Tools, and Sites and Resources.

    Laura Ascione
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  • How to balance summer break with summer learning loss

    How to balance summer break with summer learning loss

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    Key points:

    As classrooms close until next fall, talk of the dreaded summer slide increases, particularly as students are still struggling to gain ground lost during the pandemic.

    Students’ academic achievement and test scores remain flat or tend to drop during summer break, with greater losses in math than in reading, according to research by Meghan Kuhfeld, PhD, a research scientist for the Collaborative for Student Growth at NWEA and Andrew McEachin, PhD, director of the Collaborative for Student Growth at NWEA.

    Their analysis highlights the ongoing debate around just how deeply summer learning loss is felt, if different student groups experience more learning loss than others, and what districts and caregivers can to do keep students’ brains active and learning in fun ways during long school breaks.

    Only in the past couple decades have educators and researchers had the tools to measure performance in the spring and fall, leading to the ability to isolate summer in particular.

    “The research is a bit mixed, but the consensus is that students stay the same or lose ground in the summer. Different studies have shown different amounts of learning loss–some say it’s a sizable percentage and some say it’s more of a pause in learning versus a real drop,” she added.

    The other major aspect of learning loss concerns who is affected—do students from low socioeconomic backgrounds experience more severe summer learning loss? More recent research hasn’t shown losses to a severe degree, Kuhfeld said, but the research is still mixed.

    Concerns about summer learning loss can be addressed in two main areas, Kuhfeld said.

    Parents and caregivers: Make sure children receive learning opportunities during the summer, such as reading books or visiting museums. Incorporating math into summertime can be a bit more challenging, but can be accomplished if children help with activities such as measuring ingredients during cooking or calculating how far they walk or ride bikes. Weaving learning opportunities into grade-appropriate topics makes learning more fun and engaging.

    District level: Many districts offer summer programs, which range in intensity from mandatory summer school to more voluntary programs intended to boost learning for students who fell further behind during the academic year. But districts can’t provide all the summer learning opportunities on their own, and this is why school-community partnerships for camps, internships, and other programs are critical–especially in communities where students lack access to summer enrichment and learning opportunities.

    One often-overlooked piece of what schools provide kids is free meals, Kuhfeld added. Pairing summer learning programs with free meals is another way students can keep their brains in shape over the school break, such as free lunches combined with story time and activities at local libraries.  

    And while summer learning loss is a valid concern, summer does help students build essential skills–durable skills students need for success beyond school, such as creativity, collaboration, and empathy.

    “Summer is an opportunity for growth in areas that aren’t academic,” Kuhfeld said. “There’s value in talking about how kids can continue reading and math during the summer, but it’s also a time for building independence and other life skills. Summer shouldn’t look just like school.”

    Laura Ascione
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  • Optoma Unveils 3rd Generation Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Displays With EDLA Certification

    Optoma Unveils 3rd Generation Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Displays With EDLA Certification

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    LAS VEGAS, NV – Optoma, the No. 1 4K UHD projection and DLP® Laser brand in the Americas,* announced at InfoComm 2024 its advanced Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Displays. With new tools and added functionality, educators and professionals can create and connect their way to enhanced learning and remote collaboration in classrooms, lecture halls, boardrooms, and other professional environments. 

    With Google Enterprise Device Licensing Agreement (EDLA) certification, users can experience the full Google Suite, offering real-time collaboration from locations worldwide. Without compatibility issues or the hassle of connecting to an external PC, users can easily access the entire suite of Google-based applications they are accustomed to – including Google Drive, Google Docs, YouTube, and more – from their Chromebooks, computers, and other devices.  

    The education market has experienced a shift back to in-person learning with a need for innovative solutions that allow students and educators to work together seamlessly, regardless of location. Offering versatility for virtual learning, Optoma’s Interactive Displays were designed to support educators in classroom environments and are equipped with two subwoofers, eight built-in microphones, WiFi 6e, and a built-in Android system compatible with popular operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Chrome for improved multitasking and compatibility​. The Interactive Displays offer an optional sensor box that measures air temperature, humidity levels, and harmful particles like mold and fungi in a room. The box also includes PIR sensors to detect motion and an NFC reader for secure login using a designated pass. 

    Optoma Solution Suite (OSS) 

    The OSS platform offers innovative software solutions to enhance the user experience. 

    Whiteboard: Unleash creativity through a digital whiteboard packed with annotation tools that make learning and sharing ideas engaging – facilitating collaboration in real time from anywhere.  

    • Floating Toolbar: Offers seamless switching between tools to suit your task.  
    • Infinity Canvas Feature: Use a virtually limitless writing space. 
    • Innovative Annotation & Highlighter Tools: Make your mark with ease. Whether underlining key points or annotating complex diagrams, these tools make it a breeze.  
    • Pressure Sensitivity: Experience the natural feel of writing and drawing, with a high level of fluidity and precision.  
    • Handwriting Recognition: Convert handwritten notes to text with just a few taps, perfect for keeping your ideas organized and readable.  
    • Smart Sketch for Shape Recognition: The Smart Sketch tool recognizes shapes and drawings and converts them into a clipart image, making it perfect for drawing diagrams or creating structured layouts. 

    File Manager: Easily save files, organize, or move them from local storage to networkable storage or to popular cloud services in seconds. 

    Display Share: Connect any device to wirelessly broadcast, share, or stream your content to the big screen. Bringing your own device has never been easier. 

    Customization is front and center with the new 5-Series Interactive Displays featuring several intuitive tools that allow users to modify the display and tailor to their specific needs. The quick launch pen features a dual-tip and dual color enabling teachers to switch between note taking and highlighting in nearly any color, ensuring lessons flow with ease. Simply take the pen from the holder and the Whiteboard app or annotation mode will launch automatically. 

    Optoma and Mozaik joined forces to bring users the best in education content. With every purchase of an Optoma Interactive Display, education institutions receive a complimentary 1-year mozaBook subscription upon registration.** This powerful education platform provides a wealth of interactive resources, including whiteboard tools, quizzes, 3D content, and multimedia materials, such as 3D animations or laboratory tools to elevate your learning experience; www.optomausa.com/products/interactive-flat-panel-displays/mozabook 

    “The education and corporate markets are constantly changing, so to meet the dynamic needs of these sectors, we are introducing our newest Interactive Displays that are the ideal solution for in-person, hybrid, or remote scenarios,” said Brian Soto, Director of Product Management at Optoma. “The next generation of Creative Touch 5-Series IFPDs offers educators and business professionals increased customization options and advanced remote tools, fostering collaborative learning environments where lessons and ideas flourish.” 

    A value-added solution, Optoma Management Suite (OMS)® Cloud is available on the 5-Series Interactive Displays, offering IT administrators and technicians a real time remote platform to monitor, manage, and diagnose multiple displays simultaneously that are either on the same network or connected through the cloud. OMS enables technicians to check the status and make configurations to optimize performance and broadcast emergency messages, alerts, or announcements across displays worldwide. 

    The Optoma 5653RK, 5753RK, and 5863RK Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Displays are available for an estimated street price of $2,599, $3,799, and $4,999, respectively.   

    To learn more, please visit: www.optomausa.com/products/interactive-flat-panel-displays. 

    OMS is a registered trademark of Optoma Corporation. 

    DLP is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments 

    *No.1 DLP Laser Brand in Americas 

    Data source: PMA Research: Worldwide Projector Census, 2023 

    *No.1 4K UHD Brand in Americas 

    Data source: PMA Research: Worldwide Projector Census, 2023 

    **The 1 year free license offer is available exclusively to educational institutions with every purchase of an Optoma 5-Series and 3-Series interactive display. Each license grants access to one device and permits unlimited usage by users on that device. 

    About Optoma Technology, Inc.   

    Optoma combines cutting-edge technology and innovation to deliver remarkable visual display products designed to connect audiences with engaging video experiences. From the company’s ProScene projectors to its Creative Touch interactive flat panel displays, Optoma’s suite of products can meet the demands of nearly any professional environment, including conference rooms and classrooms, digital signage, corporate, houses of worship, retail, simulation environments and control rooms. Optoma Technology is the U.S. headquarters for The Optoma Group, with continental headquarters also in Europe and Asia. For more information, visit optomausa.com.    

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  • The evolving requirements of a K-12 school network

    The evolving requirements of a K-12 school network

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    Key points:

    Every time a parent sends their child to school, there’s a list of things they expect their child to remain safe from. That list probably includes protection from bullies, injuries during gym class, and probably rotten cafeteria food. In 2023, the internet is likely near the top of those concerns.

    As the school year began this year, the White House announced several initiatives to curb cyberattacks on K-12 schools. This was in response to a 2022-2023 school year that saw eight major cyberattacks in American K-12 schools, four of which caused classes to halt or caused the school to shut down for good. 

    In response to this news, K-12 IT managers in the U.S. have taken a holistic approach to cybersecurity. This is especially true as more schools take advantage of WAN, or wide-area network, tools to support the expanding nature of classroom (or outside of the classroom) instruction. If school IT staff want their security plans to be successful and at the right scale, they’ll need security tools that account for a host of possibilities and, therefore, are based on zero-trust standards.

    A more popular target

    The rise in cyberattacks on schools came on the back of the pandemic as remote learning forced many school districts to “expand” the classroom, thereby (unintentionally) expanding the attack surface for bad actors. Now that many schools are back in the classroom, students may no longer be remotely logging onto computers for class instruction. However, they may still need to remotely access school websites or learning modules for homework, group assignments, or to check their grades.

    A wider attack surface puts sensitive information such as student health information, parents’ personal information, student addresses, and faculty and staff information at risk. Also, even if students are accessing the internet at school, one wrong move could endanger sensitive information and cost the district a lot of money. The federal government reported that successful cyberattacks in 2022 ranged from $50,000 to $1 million in damages. With many districts across the country strapped for resources, a loss in this range could have significant consequences. 

    Types of attacks

    To avoid the consequences of a cyberattack, it may help school administrators to know how cyberattacks usually originate. The U.S. Government Accountability Office notes four popular methods that bad actors use for cyberattacks:

    Phishing: An attempt to access data or resources through a fraudulent solicitation in an email or on a website.

    Ransomware: The use of malicious software to block access to computer or data systems. Usually, during these attacks the attacker requests a fee to release access back to the target of the attack.

    Distributed denial-of-service attacks: The use of multiple machines operating together to overwhelm a target, thereby preventing or impairing the authorized use of networks, systems or applications. 

    Video conferencing disruptions: Attacks that disrupt teleconferences or online classrooms with malicious content. This usually includes pornographic images, hate images or speech, and threatening language. 

    Protecting a school from these attacks, or at the very least minimizing the damage, requires an in-depth network strategy with a zero-trust approach to cybersecurity at a K-12 school.

    A wireless WAN and zero-trust approach  

    As the classroom expands for many schools–with more students accessing virtual classrooms at home, doing work on school-provided laptops, and even using school bus Wi-Fi to do work–it’s become more pertinent for IT administrators to prioritize network security as much as possible. 

    A growing number of schools are realizing that wireless WAN (WWAN), or the use of public or private cellular routers or adapters as a key component of their WAN infrastructure, is a great way to enhance connectivity at the network edge and make sure there is as little interruption as possible to the many ways in which classroom instruction has evolved. Even with greater connectivity opportunities with a WWAN, there still exist the security concerns plaguing many schools. This is why a zero-trust approach to WWAN is so important for students, teachers, and the IT personnel that manage school networks. 

    By default, zero-trust cybersecurity solutions give IT managers the power to decide who gains access to school networks. Also, even if a member of the school is authorized, the right network solution will allow IT managers to decide where each user can go in the network. Compare this to more traditional virtual private network (VPN) solutions, which require complex configurations and, by default, give everyone access to the entire network.

    There are also specific security features that school IT managers should look for in their WWAN approach. For example, role-based internet filtering allows the IT manager to dictate where a student can go whilst on the school network and, thereby, filter the content to which they are exposed. Also, the right solution will isolate virtual meetings in the cloud, which prevents hackers from gaining sensitive information through a virtual meeting, even if they somehow obtain credentials to get into a meeting.

    Speaking of isolation, security features such as remote browser isolation airgaps user devices from the internet. This means even if a student or faculty member falls for a phishing attempt, that attack will not result in access to the school network.  

    It’s also important that IT managers look for WWAN solutions that aren’t complicated to deploy or manage. In many cases, K-12 schools don’t have massive IT teams with multiple experts to manage the various IT concerns that can happen throughout the day. A WWAN solution that is comprehensive but not complicated to manage allows IT managers to prioritize the online safety of the school without having anything fall through the cracks. 

    A secure learning experience  

    Many schools have implemented security measures to make sure unwanted guests don’t enter their school. They in turn dictate who can enter the building once class has started and who can’t. In fact, even students need permission to be in certain places once class has started. While the use of WAN tools can enhance school networks, IT personnel should approach cybersecurity with the level of fervor that administrators approach students’ and faculty’s physical security.

    With a zero-trust solution, K-12 IT managers can have more control over who enters the figurative doors of their network. This helps promote a scalable network and a safe online environment, no matter where learning occurs. 

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  • Spring ISD Selects BenQ Boards for Classrooms

    Spring ISD Selects BenQ Boards for Classrooms

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    COSTA MESA, Calif. — BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display and collaboration solutions, today announced the Spring Independent School District (ISD) in Houston has selected and installed almost 1,800 BenQ Boards in K-12 classrooms across the 45 schools in the district. Purchased as part of Spring ISD’s most recent school bond, the BenQ Boards were chosen over other smart board vendors because of the rich and forward-thinking feature set the BenQ Boards offer, including ease of use and flexibility for teachers, advanced learning tools for students, and free built-in remote management solutions for IT.

    “When we invited the entire district to come in and test drive different smart boards, everyone voted nearly unanimously for the BenQ Board,” said Joe Holecek, Spring ISD’s manager of campus technology support. “They hit all our needs, from those of our teachers and students to our technology department. We’ve deployed half the BenQ Boards in our classrooms so far, and it’s been so positive that the other half can’t wait because they know how much the boards offer.”

    Spring ISD Teachers Benefit From BenQ Board’s Tap ‘N Teach Technology
    While preparing students for the future, the BenQ Boards are also designed to eliminate the steep learning curve and complicated tasks that typical smart boards can overburden teachers with. The teacher-friendly experience starts immediately at sign-in. The industry’s only germ-resistant BenQ Boards boast BenQ’s Tap ‘N Teach technology, which features one-tap NFC log-in to load lesson materials and interactive teaching apps, cloud storage, settings, and tools instantly and securely.

    Teachers can use their BenQ Board as a whiteboard, display, computer, and wireless screen-sharing system thanks to BenQ’s license-free EZWrite 6 software. It’s packed with classroom tools for all subjects, including timers, rulers, protractors, compasses, and more. EZWrite 6 also lets educators save whiteboard sessions in the cloud, allowing them to continue giving lessons at a later date or allowing students to access lessons on any device and refer to them later. They can also open documents and image files directly on the whiteboard to facilitate discussions. To complement the experience, the split-screen windows function enables multiple applications to be opened side by side with no need to tap between content, making it even easier to conduct lessons and further comprehension. With the InstaShare wireless screen sharing capability, teachers can share their own laptop screens wirelessly as they move around the room or allow multiple students to share their device screens simultaneously. These built-in features provide teachers with much-needed flexibility to teach their own way.

    Spring ISD Students Benefit From BenQ’s EZWrite 6 and InstaShare
    In addition to tools that make teachers’ lives easier, the BenQ Boards feature tools that empower all students. EZWrite is packed with whiteboard features that boost participation. This includes a scalable whiteboard that can grow to any size project, split screen capabilities, text scanning, AI-powered text-to-speech and multilanguage support, and more. With InstaShare 2, students can share their thoughts to the screen no matter what device they’re using, with up to nine users able to share simultaneously. Together, EZWrite and InstaShare provide students with the necessary skills for the future of learning and the workforce; encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking; and build student agency.

    Spring ISD IT Staff Benefit From License-Free Software for Central Management
    BenQ has long understood that IT and technology staff are instrumental in the maintenance and management of new EdTech. They need resources and tools that will help them maintain school technology and integrate with their chosen platforms without yearly fees. BenQ helps to streamline setup, maintenance, and monitoring with its subscription-free Device Management Solution (DMS), Account Management System (AMS), and Identity and Access Management (IAM). BenQ Boards also benefit from BenQ’s X-Sign Broadcast software, which turns any BenQ smart board in the school into broadcast signage and allows schools to keep everyone informed and up to date on events, safety protocols, and emergencies. As a result of these capabilities, schools can significantly reduce the time and effort it takes to register, set up, and maintain BenQ Boards across a district and use them much more flexibly and securely.

    “Spring ISD’s selection of BenQ Boards underscores the robustness of our classroom solutions,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ Education. “With features like Tap ‘N Teach, EZWrite 6, InstaShare, and our IT solutions, educators and staff gain unparalleled flexibility, while students are empowered with tools for future success.”

    More information on BenQ is available at www.BenQ.com/en-us/education.html.

    About BenQ Education
    BenQ Education is helping teachers shape the future of learning with interactive display solutions that maximize engagement in and out of the classroom while improving student performance. For over 10 years, BenQ has been the No. 1-selling TI DLP projector brand worldwide, according to Futuresource, and is one of the leading interactive display vendors in North America. The award-winning BenQ Board is the first and only interactive display to feature TÜV- and SIAA-certified germ-resistant screens, interfaces, and pens as part of its purpose-built ClassroomCare technologies designed for healthier classrooms. The BenQ Board RP03 Series has been recognized as the first smart board to achieve Eyesafe® Certification, the advanced blue light mitigation technology developed in concert with optometrists and ophthalmologists. Industry-recognized, BenQ’s Tap ‘N Teach technology for fast sign-on, EZWrite license-free annotation and whiteboard software, InstaShare wireless screen presentation system, and IT-friendly monitoring and management tools create exciting and intuitive active learning experiences. EZWrite 6 is also AWS Qualified, having passed Amazon Web Services (AWS) Foundational Technical Review (FTR), providing schools with assurance in security, reliability, and operational excellence. Educators can focus on giving lessons that leave an impact and give the leaders of tomorrow the tools they need to reach their maximum potential. The company’s products are available across North America through leading value-added distributors, resellers, and retailers. More information is available at www.BenQBoard.com.

    All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

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  • Appealing New Charging Cart Offers Enhanced Value in Classrooms

    Appealing New Charging Cart Offers Enhanced Value in Classrooms

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    Lakewood Ranch, FL – JAR Systems premiered its newest solution, the Elevate USB-C Charging Cart EDU 32, at the Future of Education Technology Conference. The illuminated cart caught the eye of many educators and technology leaders as they learned of the new advantages it provides.

    The cart maintains a critical feature—AC adapterless charging. This eliminates the long-dreaded activities of wiring carts and maintaining expensive charging cables. Powered by the company’s latest charging technology, the Quick-Sense USB-C PD Education Line, the cart is newly fine-tuned to the requirements of educational devices.

    “Over our 20 years as a company, it has always been our goal for our developments to be forward-thinking to what our customers will need next. The Elevate USB-C Charging Cart EDU 32 is a shining example, making state-of-the-art USB-C PD charging technology more affordable in education”, said Axel Zimmermann, JAR Systems’ CEO.

    The Elevate USB-C Charging Cart EDU’s affordability comes in addition to benefits tailored to school environments. Teachers will know the charging status of each device with LED lights visible through the cart door. Devices charge simultaneously in the cart at a steady rate that lends to battery life extension, helping device fleets stay usable for longer.

    The new carts will begin shipping in April 2024. Interested parties may place pre-orders by contacting their IT solutions providers or by calling JAR Systems at 866.393.4202. Additional information can be found on the company’s website: JAR-Systems.com/NewElevateEDU.

    About the Company: JAR Systems provides more versatile ways to charge and secure ever-evolving technologies. The company works closely with its clients to develop products that support and streamline how mobile technology is used for learning and working in real-world environments. JAR Systems’ focus is on being a leading manufacturer of innovative charging solutions and designing efficient products that will work dependably for many years.

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  • 3 strategies to support inclusive learning

    3 strategies to support inclusive learning

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    Key points:

    The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), passed in 1975, ensures that eligible children with disabilities receive free public education along with the services they need to succeed. The IDEA act also guarantees that students with disabilities have the right to engage in the Least Restrictive Learning Environment (LRE) that best meets their individual needs.

    The LRE ensures that students under IDEA are offered equitable access to education alongside their non-disabled peers. Under these requirements, special education students should be in the same classrooms as their peers to the maximum appropriate extent. The goal isn’t to make sure that special education students are in the mainstream classroom as much as possible, but to allow students to engage in a classroom setting that is the most beneficial to their academic success and development and to have equal opportunities to their peers. This requires some training for educators on how to create more inclusive classrooms.

    Strategies for educators to support inclusive learning

    Inclusive classrooms are classrooms where students with diverse abilities and backgrounds learn together in a mainstream classroom setting. To maintain an inclusive learning environment, it is critical that educators have effective strategies to ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, are given the opportunity to thrive academically.

    Here are three strategies for educators to support inclusive learning:

    1. Foster a collaborative classroom culture

    A collaborative classroom culture encourages students to work together and appreciate the unique perspectives that their peers bring to the table. Educators can create this culture through tactics such as group projects or peer tutoring programs. Other activities like circle time, where students have the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences, can also help foster mutual understanding and respect. Collaboration not only helps to create a sense of community and belonging inside the classroom, it also prepares students for the real world that values teamwork.

    2. Professional development

    To enhance educators’ capacity to support diverse learners and inclusive classrooms, they need ongoing training and professional development opportunities. Having regular professional development training helps educators to learn more ways to best serve their students.

    3. Differentiated instruction

    Offering tailored teaching methods, materials and assessment strategies can help students to better understand the curriculum. Students learn in various ways, and offering materials at different difficulty levels, providing visuals or offering kinesthetic activities ensures that all students can engage in the classroom.

    Why special educators are essential

    Expertise

    Special educators play an important role in ensuring the effectiveness of inclusive classrooms. They have the expertise, training, and resources to address the diverse needs of students, especially those with special needs.

    Teaching methods and materials

    In an inclusive classroom, special educators can tailor their teaching methods and materials to meet the abilities and preferred learning styles of students. This ensures that every student has access to individualized support that suits their unique needs.

    IEP familiarity

    Special educators are also trained to create Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students who have special needs. IEPs describe how a student learns, how they demonstrate what they are learning, and what educators can do to help a student learn more effectively. They are tailored using input from general and special education teachers, parents, school administrators, and the students themselves. Having an IEP can also help to determine if a fully inclusive classroom environment is the right fit for a specific student.

    Behavior management

    Behavioral difficulties are often a challenge in inclusive classrooms. Special educators have the necessary training to manage students with behavioral issues and can help maintain a productive learning environment in the classroom.

    While special educators are important in driving the success of inclusive classrooms, they also face challenges such as being responsible for too many students.

    Pros and cons of inclusive classrooms

    The pros and cons of inclusive classrooms have been heavily debated and can vary with each individual circumstance or classroom.

    Inclusive education has benefits for both students with disabilities and for their peers as it promotes social integration, cultivates empathy, and exposes students to those with diverse abilities. Studies have shown that inclusive education can lead to improved academic outcomes for both students with disabilities and their peers.

    While inclusive classrooms have many benefits, there are also drawbacks that often dissuade schools and classrooms from adopting an inclusive classroom environment. Meeting the needs of students with varying abilities and offering individualized support can be challenging for teachers, especially in larger class sizes. Resource allocation can also be a concern because special education students often need support staff, specialized teaching materials or technology.

    Inclusive classrooms are not a one-size-fits-all environment. By working with special education students alongside their peers, with an appropriate IEP in place, educators can tailor their teaching to better serve each student. While an inclusive classroom might not be the best fit for every student, every student should have the opportunity to participate in the learning environment that allows them to gain the most from their education.

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  • BenQ Education Announces “Teach Your Way” Projector Program

    BenQ Education Announces “Teach Your Way” Projector Program

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    COSTA MESA, Calif. — BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display and collaboration solutions, today announced its new “Teach Your Way” Projector Program. Committed to partnering with schools to enable greater positive outcomes for all students by transforming classrooms, BenQ’s program offers planning, pricing, and customer support benefits for BenQ’s latest lineup of maintenance-free LED and laser projectors and InstaShow Wireless Presentation System (WPS).

    “Schools have had to purchase outdated, low-resolution projectors in order to save money, but these fail to meet the standards for the future of learning and provide all students with access to state-of-the-art technology,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ Education. “The BenQ Education ‘Teach Your Way’ Projector Program offers an easy and affordable pathway to projector upgrades. Plus, our latest solutions offer exclusive features and benefits that align with modern teaching pedagogies and IT standards while adding immense value and reducing TCO.”

    The BenQ Education “Teach Your Way” Projector Program is available exclusively to educational institutions. It offers schools special discounted pricing on BenQ projectors — aligning with the company’s pledge to provide top-tier service and product accessibility to today’s evolving education community. As a result, education partners can create richer classroom settings enabled by the sector’s most advanced AV projection solutions.

    BenQ Education’s portfolio of classroom solutions is designed to provide not only intuitive use but also greater collaboration and engagement opportunities. BenQ’s lineup of projectors include solutions with 100% solid state and maintenance-free technology, high resolution and brightness, and lower power usage and greater energy quality with unmatched affordability for a substantially lower TCO. This includes the new BenQ LH650 4,000-lumen 1080p laser projector perfectly suited for today’s classrooms. This maintenance-free projector sets a new course in the classroom projector category, delivering twice the pixel density (PPI2) of an average WXGA classroom projector and over 2 million total pixels on a 100” screen. With 90% Rec. 709 coverage for color accuracy, HDR10 for video, lower power consumption, centralized software management, a three-year unrestricted warranty, and special education-only pricing of just $977, the LH650 is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring recycled plastic, a small form factor, and less e-waste.

    The new InstaShow VS20 wireless hybrid classroom presentation solution is also available under the “Teach Your Way” Projector Program. The latest in the WPS Series, the InstaShow VS20 facilitates seamless collaboration with up to four devices displayed simultaneously. It integrates wireless presentation, conferencing, and advanced microphone technology into an intuitive, all-in-one button system. Perfect for hybrid classrooms, it connects within six seconds to various devices, supporting USB-C or HDMI connections, and ensures crisp, secure content delivery with 4K UHD presentation. The system enhances audio with an omnidirectional wireless microphone and prioritizes data and network security with robust cybersecurity measures.

    Schools can learn more about the BenQ “Teach Your Way” Projector Program at campaigns.benq.com/en/teach-your-way-projectors. More information on BenQ is available at www.BenQBoard.com.

    About BenQ Education
    BenQ Education is helping teachers shape the future of learning with interactive display solutions that maximize engagement in and out of the classroom while improving student performance. For over 10 years, BenQ has been the No. 1-selling TI DLP projector brand worldwide, according to Futuresource, and is one of the leading interactive display vendors in North America. The award-winning BenQ Board is the first and only interactive display to feature TÜV- and SIAA-certified germ-resistant screens, interfaces, and pens as part of its purpose-built ClassroomCare technologies designed for healthier classrooms. The BenQ Board RP03 Series has been recognized as the first smart board to achieve Eyesafe® Certification, the advanced blue light mitigation technology developed in concert with optometrists and ophthalmologists. Industry-recognized, BenQ’s Tap ‘N Teach technology for fast sign-on, EZWrite license-free annotation and whiteboard software, InstaShare wireless screen presentation system, and IT-friendly monitoring and management tools create exciting and intuitive active learning experiences. EZWrite 6 is also AWS Qualified, having passed Amazon Web Services (AWS) Foundational Technical Review (FTR), providing schools with assurance in security, reliability, and operational excellence. Educators can focus on giving lessons that leave an impact and give the leaders of tomorrow the tools they need to reach their maximum potential. The company’s products are available across North America through leading value-added distributors, resellers, and retailers. More information is available at www.BenQBoard.com.

    All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

    eSchool News Staff
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  • Friday 5: The many faces of classroom learning

    Friday 5: The many faces of classroom learning

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    Key points:

    There’s no denying it: Classroom learning is changing. Classrooms today could be in person, online, or hybrid. Classrooms may be student-driven, might focus on project-based learning, or may offer learning through a specialized topic such as STEM.

    And while today’s classrooms look different, students and teachers remain at the heart of classroom learning.

    Let’s take a look at a few trends in classroom learning and how these trends are impacting the future of education.

    What is a learning activity in a classroom?

    Project-based learning is one of the most sensible solutions to the variety of needs teachers must try to meet for each student because it allows student autonomy and targets specific areas. The concept hinges on the idea that students complete a project on a single topic–ideally, they choose their own topics to promote interest and motivation–and, in doing so, dive deeply into that topic, ultimately becoming an expert on it. Projects can be individually completed or a collaborative effort, promoting group work and social skills. Because students control their learning in the PBL approach, differentiation is simple, if needed at all, as students conduct their own learning at their own pace and present their learning in a mode that makes sense to them. One of the most significant benefits of PBL is that it addresses students’ questions as they learn, fostering curiosity and perseverance in
    learning as opposed to having to stick to a specific curriculum. Here’s how one educator is advocating for more PBL in classrooms through effective teaching strategies.

    What is an example of learning by doing in the classroom?

    Classroom learning is much more successful when students are engaged in that learning via interactive classroom activities. Whether students take the bus to school or run downstairs to the computer room, keeping them engaged in their classwork throughout the day is the best way for them to master content and progress to the next level of their education. But not all students do this, or at least, do it well. So how can teachers and principals up their game to keep students engaged and make sure each child stays focused and ready to learn? A teacher with more than 20 years of experience offers 6 tips to help keep students engaged throughout the day, whether they are in a traditional or a virtual classroom.  

    What class activities help you learn the most?

    Edtech tools are invaluable when implemented correctly by trained educators–and they can help reluctant students come out of their shell. Engaging shy students in K-12 classrooms can be a rewarding challenge, and edtech is a valuable tool in creating inclusive and interactive learning environments. Many educators are merging one with the other, discovering strategies to use edtech to engage shy students. By leveraging edtech tools and educational activities for students, teachers can foster participation, build confidence, and provide tailored learning experiences for excellent classroom learning. Explore these five strategies to use edtech to engage shy students.

    What is an advantage of classroom learning?

    Classroom learning doesn’t have to happen indoors. COVID was a national window-walled classroom moment. In fall 2020, many districts, schools, and individual educators across the country took to learning outdoors out of necessity–and their learning activities and strategies blossomed. Green Schoolyards America led a beautiful collective effort to document outdoor learning practices in a National Outdoor Learning Library. Learn how one teacher is dedicated to using the outdoors as the perfect classroom learning environment.

    What is the learning process in class?

    Classroom learning is most impactful when students feel safe and can be their true selves in their classrooms. Every educator knows that weirdness is what makes our students grow. After all, curiosity, creativity, and critical thought don’t bloom in a stagnant mind. So instead of wringing our hands over the social ecosystem, let’s encourage our students to think weirder through fun activities for students in the classroom. Here are just three benefits to letting students embrace their inner weirdness.

    Laura Ascione
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  • Teachers stan AI in education–but need more support

    Teachers stan AI in education–but need more support

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    Key points:

    The majority of teachers are enthusiastic and eager about the potential of AI in education and incorporating AI in the classroom, but remain unsure of where to start, according to a new study from Canva.

    What is the importance of AI in education?

    Teachers recognize the transformative potential of AI tools for education, but still need support and professional development to effectively incorporate it into their teaching practices.

    “These findings underscore teachers’ genuine excitement about the promise of artificial intelligence and the huge potential this technology has in the classroom. Teachers are looking to supercharge their lessons, foster creativity, and cut down on manual administrative tasks. It’s no surprise artificial intelligence is top of mind for educators across the globe,” said Jason Wilmot, Canva’s Head of Education Products.

    What are the advantages of AI in education?

    Canva’s study found 78 percent of teachers are interested in using AI education tools, but their experience with the technology remains limited, with 93 percent indicating they know “a little” or “nothing” about it – though this lack of experience hasn’t stopped teachers quickly discovering and considering its benefits:

    • 60 percent of teachers agree it has given them ideas to boost student productivity
    • 59 percent of teachers agree it has cultivated more ways for their students to be creative
    • 56 percent of teachers agree it has made their lives easier

    Teachers are particularly optimistic about the positive impact of artificial intelligence on students with different learning needs with 72 percent percent of respondents agreeing the technology could help with language learning, and 67 percent agreeing it could support universal accessibility.

    “This technology has the potential to have a profound impact on the way teachers are able to personalize content to meet the needs of individual students, no matter where they are in their learning journey,” Wilmot added.

    How is artificial intelligence used in education?

    The study affirmed the increasingly important role of technology in the classroom and the future of AI in education, with 92 percent of teachers using apps or services in their teaching, and 78 percent using those apps at least weekly. When looking at the ways teachers are already using generative artificial intelligence, the most common uses were:

    • Creating teaching materials (43 percent)
    • Collaborative creativity/co-creation (39 percent)
    • Translating text (36 percent)
    • Brainstorming and generating ideas (35 percent)

    “AI is something I’m learning alongside of my students. I know my students need to learn it and we need to tie the tools to pedagogy for it to be useful in the classroom,” said George Lee, a high school teacher in San Francisco, California. “It serves as the spark to ignite my students’ curiosity and creativity to further ideate. This is especially true for students who lack resources and experiences. I see AI as a tool that levels the playing field for all my students.”

    What will be the future of AI in education?

    As this technology continues to develop, educators remain optimistic about its various applications in the classroom and finding the best AI tools for teachers. Canva’s study found teachers are most interested in using artificial intelligence for:

    • Simplifying language (67 percent of teachers interested)
    • Summarizing information (62 percent of teachers interested)
    • Generative art (63 percent of teachers interested)
    • Data visualization (66 percent of teachers interested)
    • Image and video manipulation (63 percent of teachers interested)

    “AI is transforming education, and teachers clearly see its value,” said Carly Daff, Canva’s Head of Teams and Education. “We are thrilled to meet this need by bringing AI features to Canva and training teachers to use it, all while modeling safe, responsible, and thoughtful AI implementation.”

    In response to this demand, Canva announced its biggest-ever education launch, which includes Classroom Magic, a suite of free AI-powered tools designed with teachers and students in mind. With more than 60 million teachers and students using Canva around the world, this was a sea-change event for AI in education. Unlike other AI tools for schools, Canva’s support educators with their day-to-day duties—everything from administrative tasks to writing lesson plans, designing presentations, and creating high-quality animations with the help of AI.

    This poll was conducted by Morning Consult from Aug. 6-11, 2023, among a sample of 1,004 educators in the U.S. The interviews were conducted online, and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of educators based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

    This press release originally appeared online.

    Laura Ascione
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  • Advancing educational equity with UDL and generative AI

    Advancing educational equity with UDL and generative AI

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    Key points:

    As we all struggle down the path toward true educational inclusion, we are confronted with four pillars of equity as described by Rochelle Guiterize: Access, Success, Power and Identity.

    Educators with a mind towards equity typically excel at access. Opening doors to all students is an obvious move. However, we must continually push systems so that all students are able to be successful in spaces where they have ownership and feel a sense of belonging (identity). Otherwise, equity and inclusion are still just a dream.

    While we recognize that some of these elements require large systems change, we also want to challenge all computer science educators to be the example.Taking computer science, with its long history of exclusion, towards an inclusive future will cause ripple effects across all content areas. Utilizing the AiiCE tenets, which recommend taking approaches that are responsive to student identities (Alliance for Identity-Inclusive Computing Education, 2023) we will suggest steps towards inclusive education pedagogy with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and generative AI thought partners. 

    A first step towards inclusive education can be done through the adoption of UDL. According to the CSTA: Inclusive Teaching Pedagogies, “UDL is an instructional planning approach designed to give all students an equal opportunity to learn by removing barriers that prevent students from fully engaging in their classroom communities” (White, 2023). However, this is a time-consuming (though worthwhile) task for already taxed teachers. 

    In the frame of working smarter, not harder, we will describe a way to start integrating UDL principles into lessons, moving toward greater equity and inclusion through the use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools. The generative model being used is ChatGPT 3.5 (for optimum use we recommend ChatGPT 4). 

    Teaching to the average student has never been effective. Our students possess a wide range of different brains, with different sensory and processing abilities. Good teachers are finding ways to meet the learning needs of all of these diverse brains within the same classroom.

    UDL uses fundamentals from neuroscience to give educators a framework to empower all learners (CAST, 2018). UDL is a process, not a product, and requires that teachers rethink their planning and delivery of instruction. Though this is not necessarily asking for teachers to do more, it is absolutely asking them to do something different. As teachers wrestle with transforming their teaching practice, generative AI offers robust opportunities. When we pair a tested, research-based framework like UDL with AI, it brings us a step closer to the goal of true inclusion of all learners in CS classes.

    Implementation of UDL requires rethinking the development and planning of lessons. Ralabate (2016) gives us five fundamental questions that allow teachers to begin to transform their practice. As teachers embrace this transformation, generative AI can be a thought partner in utilizing the five fundamental questions efficiently. These questions are around the accessibility, flexibility, lack of bias, validity, and reliability of our learning activities.

    We address the first four of these questions below, along with generative AI prompts that can be used to increase the velocity of implementing each of these questions.

    Question Description Generative AI Prompt
    Accessible Who can participate in the lesson and who can not? Please examine this lesson plan and tell me what type of student would be unable to fully participate in this lesson. 
    Flexible Student choice in how they learn and how they demonstrate learning.  Please provide multiple methods for students to demonstrate [learning target/objective].
    Free of Bias What in my learning activity is inadvertently disadvantageous to students? What components of this lesson assume similar prior knowledge to me, the instructor, or what components are…..
    Valid Does my assessment evaluate the specific learning objective I am attempting to assess? Please change the reading level of this question to a 7th grade level (choose a level that is accessible to all students)

    The final question is around reliability. Reliability measures the ability for a learning activity to meet its goals. Is the variability in my student’s performance due entirely to their performance, or is there variance that is due to the design of the activity (Ralabate, 2016). It is impossible to truly eliminate variance due to design, but it will be minimized if the first four questions are carefully considered and implemented into the design process. As a final check for reliability, GenAI can be used for triangulating grading – ask it to evaluate student data against a rubric. By comparing multiple GenAI responses with results from the teacher, we can minimize implicit bias, and ensure that the grades we are giving are authentic measures of student learning.

    Systems produce what they are designed to produce. Our education system was constructed to produce inequitable outcomes, and that is what it produces. We believe that computer science educators can rise to the challenge of the day and remake their instruction in a way that effectively educates every brain–brains that come with extremely diverse needs. We know the why (equity), we know the how (UDL), and with generative AI, we now have the means to accomplish what is demanded of the moment.

    References

    Alliance for Identity-Inclusive Computing Education (2023). AIICE IIC Tenets. https://identityincs.org/resources/aiice-iic-tenets/

    CAST (2018). UDL and the learning brain. Wakefield, MA. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/products-services/resources/2018/udl-learning-brain-neuroscience

    Gutiérrez, R. (2011). Context matters: How Should We Conceptualize Equity in Mathematics Education?. In Equity in Discourse for Mathematics Education: Theories, Practices, and Policies (pp. 17-33). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.

    Ralabate P. (2016). Your UDL Lesson Planner: the Step-By-Step Guide for Teaching All Learners. Brookes Publishing.

    White, S. V., et al. (2023, June 5). Inclusive Teaching Pedagogies. Computer Science Teachers Association. https://csteachers.org/inclusive-teaching-pedagogies/ 

    Bios:

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    Rowen Elsmore, Digital Learning Specialist, Jefferson High School & Dr. Alexandra Holter, Computer Science Coordinator for K-12, Bloomington Public Schools

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  • Friday 5: Teaching strategies for classroom success

    Friday 5: Teaching strategies for classroom success

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    Key points:

    All classrooms are different and require different teaching strategies to address various concerns, goals, and learning trends. Plus, it takes a dedicated teacher to employ the right teaching strategies for desired outcomes.

    What teaching strategy is the best?

    Various types of learning strategies are needed to boost student engagement and bring it to its highest levels.

    According to the Van Andel Institute for Education, every teacher hopes to ignite, empower, and engage the students who walk through their classroom door. Ample research has shown that student engagement is crucial to overall learning and long-term success. However, implementing this is easier said than done. To better ignite student curiosity and interest, teachers should consider trying at least one of these five strategies that help make student engagement second nature.

    What is the most effective method of teaching?

    Effective teaching strategies for gamification are possible–when implemented correctly and when learning goals are prioritized.

    Students don’t have to be video game fanatics to appreciate a gamified classroom lesson. When teachers turn a lesson or tough-to-teach concept into a motivational gamed or use a fun competition to teach new concepts, students become immersed in their learning and are often more engaged–meaning they’re more likely to retain information. Still, there’s an art to gamifying a lesson and ensuring that students are actually learning instead of just playing a game for points.

    Here’s how educators across the country are using tools–from Minecraft: Education Edition to Roblox and easy-to-access online resources–to gamify their lessons and help students engage with learning.

    What is an example of a good classroom strategy?

    A deeper look into teaching methods and strategies driving high academic growth has revealed 10 instructional strategies that use small changes to teaching practices leading toward growth outcomes for students.

    The findings come from a new study from K-12 assessment and research organization NWEA. The strategies fall into three main categories: optimizing instructional time, exposing students to more content, and empowering students.

    What is the most effective strategy for teaching?

    A one-size-fits-all approach to instruction doesn’t work when you want to empower everyone to succeed in the classroom, according to Samsung education industry experts. Many educators were forced to rethink how to keep students engaged, and pandemic-era learning has only further highlighted the importance of differentiated instruction.

    The forced disruption was also the catalyst for students and teachers to quickly acquire digital skills that are ripe to be amplified, taking them from consuming skills to creating skills. As teachers integrate technology into their lesson plans, they’re discovering various teaching methods and classroom tools effective in reaching and enriching the minds of all types of students—from visual and auditory to kinesthetic learners.

    Which teaching strategy would be most helpful?

    When it comes to special education classrooms, effective teaching methods can make all the difference. Two-thirds of schools with staffing shortages said special education is the hardest area to staff, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The demands on special education teachers are unlike any other position in schools, and because of shortages, you may be asked to tackle a bigger role than expected when you start.

    Still, there are five strategies that can help first-year special education teachers achieve success.

    Laura Ascione
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