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| February 24, 2026 |
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| (Boonchai Wedmakawand/Getty Images) |
Frustration sparks engagement in students and helps them learn, and researchers at Cornell University's Future of Learning Lab say that should be the starting point for the use of AI tools, the way courses are designed and the methods for improving teaching. Professor Rene Kizilcec, the lab's founder, says this concept runs counter to that of most developers, who aim to provide consumers quickly with what they want. Kizilcec says human teachers are vital because "teaching is really, really complex," and while AI can supplement, "it is useful to start from the core principles [productive struggle and feedback works] and then think about how these tools enhance them -- and where they create risk."
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SmartTake: Kizilcec's work focuses on college learning, but the observations should help inform K-12 developers too. Kizilcec points to HiTA.ai, an education-focused platform that guides students with hints rather than direct answers, and ChitterChatter, which gives language learners an AI conversation partner for practice. The professor notes that developers often try to break down teaching "to something simple" and advises that we figure out "what does good teaching actually look like, and how do we build technology around that rather than the other way around?"
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What is the decoding threshold and why does it matter? Learn how to identify students below or above this critical milestone, understand its impact on fluency and comprehension, and tailor instruction with practical strategies that drive real reading growth. |
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Experts at the recent online conference of the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning talked extensively about AI's effect on social-emotional learning and agreed that much is still unknown. An AI tool used for SEL supports should be "purpose-built and ethically deployed," said therapist Clarke Heyes, the development manager for the Alongside wellness app. AI should not replace educators or mental health professionals in teaching empathy and building relationships, but it can aid students in practicing interpersonal skills, Urban Assembly CEO David Adams said.
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The FBI has issued a warning about using outdated Wi-Fi routers, particularly those from the late 2000s and early 2010s, as they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. The agency highlights several Linksys models, including the E1200, E2500 and E4200, as especially at risk. These routers, no longer receiving security updates, are being targeted by cybercriminals to install malware and create botnets. The FBI advises replacing any router that no longer receives updates to enhance cybersecurity.
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An AI-ready college classroom uses AI as a supportive co-teacher and ensures video and audio materials truly enhance the lecture and are easy to see or hear, Samsung Education Director Micah Shippee writes, offering an example. He also recommends prioritizing products that integrate AI into existing tools to maximize budgets and complement, rather than detract from, lessons.
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AI technologies are enabling more personalized learning in special education by quickly analyzing individual student performance and identifying specific strengths and areas needing improvement. These tools allow teachers to design and adjust individualized learning plans efficiently, targeting instruction where it's needed most. By streamlining assessment and lesson planning, AI helps educators spend more time supporting students directly, ensuring that learning objectives are tailored and adapted to each student's unique needs.
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Consistent communication is a cornerstone of Teach From DeHart Academy's approach, where teachers provide weekly updates on student progress and challenges using tools like the House Application to track engagement in real time. This transparent sharing and open conversations ensure that parents are informed "early and often" -- and treated as collaborators with teachers -- reducing surprises and building trust, founder Matt DeHart says.
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Real-time AI translation is changing classroom dynamics by enabling immediate, two-way communication between teachers and students, regardless of language. Students can use personal devices to access live captions or spoken translations in over 200 languages, and teachers can receive instant translations of a student's native language -- making lessons accessible to all students simultaneously. The impact of AI translation extends beyond classroom instruction, supporting functions like student registration and board meetings, Ted Bartnik of CDW writes.
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Indiana's Franklin Township school district has positioned AI as a learning companion by first spending a year on professional development to help teachers understand AI. Next, Director of Technology Integration Nadine Gilkison piloted School AI only with English language learners and special education students, yielding positive results, and is continuing by viewing "AI safety as a design challenge rather than a compliance issue," Gilkison says.
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| (Getty Images) |
By prioritizing accessible design from the outset, educators can support students with disabilities, multilingual learners and all users who benefit from clear, usable materials. Incorporating captions, clear structure and strong color contrast, for example, removes barriers as well as reinforces that every learner belongs. Former superintendent and technology director Steve Baule references the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines as he provides several other examples accessible digital content.
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Despite the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds, states are increasingly integrating high-impact tutoring into schools, with many requiring it for students below grade level and providing funding through grants and finance formulas. The Department of Education has also awarded $256 million in literacy grants, emphasizing the importance of tutoring, and recent research highlights the effectiveness of in-school tutoring and minimizing disruptions.
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Top stories from last week's newsletter
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When you're browsing the EdTech Index and see a product with multiple validation badges, you might wonder: What's the difference between all these certifications? Dive deeper into one specific type of validation that often gets overlooked but provides crucial information: design badges. |
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| About ISTE Solutions Network |
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| The Solutions Network a member-based community that aims to 1) connect innovative solution providers to one another to learn, explore, and share best practices, 2) engage with the ISTE/ASCD member community to gather feedback and increase the impact of high-quality learning solutions, 3) engage in thought leadership conversations and 4) provide benefits for the annual ASCD + ISTE conference, where approximately 16,000 educators, decision-makers, and vendors convene. This community is made up of edtech companies of various sizes that are interested in engaging with each other and with ISTE to discuss Edtech’s role in teaching and learning, industry trends, and solve common challenges. Members of this network can benefit from connecting with industry experts and thought leaders, as well as from gaining key buyer information and insights.
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| Product announcements appearing in SmartBrief are paid advertisements and do not reflect actual ASCD + ISTE endorsements. The news reported in SmartBrief does not necessarily reflect the official position of ASCD + ISTE.
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| The past contains regrets. The future remains unknown. So you have to live now. The present is all you have. |
Eric Dane,
actor
1972-2026 |
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