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| July 21, 2026 |
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| Edtech news for those building the future of edtech
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Reduced federal funding, rising fixed costs and declining enrollment are putting a dent in the edtech market, with districts looking to consolidate tools or turn to multifunctional programs. Joshua Prieur, Ed.D., of Minga writes that safety and operational systems -- attendance, behavior management, etc. -- which typically use different budgets that instructional programs, seem to be safest, while programs more likely to have to fight for their place involve summer learning, professional development and mental health, as well as devices themselves.
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Get a step-by-step roadmap for building or refining your Portrait of a Graduate. This 29-page guide includes planning tools, workbook activities, and strategies for putting a lasting Portrait into practice across your district.
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| (Vittaya Pinpan/Getty Images) |
The most effective AI-driven edtech tools integrate authentic learning experiences, are evaluated for effectiveness and are crafted to improve outcomes for underserved learners and teachers, according to a new report from Renaissance Philanthropy and The Learning Agency, which analyzed all submissions to the philanthropy's Tools Competition, which started in 2021. Initially, AI was an add-on, but by 2026, nearly half of edtech programs that won the competition made AI part of the programs' context, using voice, speech recognition or animated avatars to create more adaptive, accessible and user-centered tools. "The strongest competitors are not using AI simply because it is available. They are using it where it solves a clear learning problem, addresses a specific user need, and fits within a realistic implementation context," Ulrich Boser writes, noting that edtech must continue to evolve and become "more capable, more explainable and more responsible. |
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School leaders are debating the effectiveness of outright bans on technology use in classrooms as concerns about screen time grow. Alana Winnick, educational technology director at Pocantico Hills Community School District in New York, argues that such bans don't teach students how to regulate their device use, a critical skill for the future workforce. Instead, she advocates for digital wellness education and for adults to model good behavior.
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The iLab Summer Experience, a technology summer camp created through a partnership between Reality Link Arena and Hampton City Schools, introduces students to robotics, AI and augmented reality. The camp serves as an extension of the district's career and technical education curriculum, providing diverse students with opportunities to see real-world applications of technology. Campers learn how tech skills can be relevant to any career path, fostering both curiosity and practical knowledge in a supportive, interactive environment.
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Oregon school districts have reported improved mental health and student engagement since implementing an all-day cellphone ban under an executive order from Gov. Tina Kotek. The ban remains difficult to enforce, especially outside of class, but students have shown a desire for more human interaction and less screen time, say Brookings-Harbor School District Superintendent Helena Chirinian and Central Point School District Superintendent Walt Davenport.
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The EdTech Quality Collaborative has released the EdTech Quality Indicators Guide to help school districts improve procurement processes by focusing on safety, evidence, inclusivity, usability and interoperability. The guide aims to reduce administrative burdens by recommending the use of third-party certifications and emphasizes the importance of accessibility.
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| (TeacherServer) |
TeacherServer, a free AI platform created by educators, offers more than 1,100 tools for teachers, ranging from lessons plan and quiz generators to data analysis and grammar checkers. The platform prioritizes data privacy, complies with US Education Department guidelines and allows users to tailor outputs by grade level. While some users find it less effective for tasks such as slide generation, its accessibility and education-focused tools make it a valuable resource, reviewer Erik Ofgang writes.
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Researchers for the Common Sense Media Youth AI Safety Institute's 2026 report found that Google's AI Overview and AI Mode for minors failed to reliably detect or respond appropriately to crisis situations, including suicide, self-harm and psychosis. The report recommends that these features be disabled by default for youths and highlights that their continued availability burdens parents and educators to manage safety risks. Google disputes the findings, arguing they are based on unrealistic queries. |
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Top stories from last week's newsletter
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Congratulations to the newest ISTE Seal holders, Ztudia, innovatiQ, and iSchool! The ISTE Seal provides third-party validation of an edtech product's alignment with digital pedagogy, technological usability, and the ISTE Standards. To learn more about the Seal and how these tools support student learning and educator development, visit the ISTE Seal webpage. |
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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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| Nothing is a waste that makes a memory. |
Ned Rorem,
composer, diarist, Pulitzer Prize winner |
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