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| June 16, 2026 |
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The debate over technology in schools is intensifying, with parents, administrators, and teachers expressing conflicting views. Some demand a ban on devices, while others say technology bridges equity gaps. Catherine Truitt and Sydnee Dickson, former state superintendents, argue that the focus should be on the quality of technology use. Purposeful technology supports learning, reduces administrative burdens for teachers and enhances student outcomes, they write.
"That’s the distinction our policies keep missing -- the difference between technology that opens doors and technology that wastes time. The real question isn’t how much technology belongs in the classroom. It’s whether what’s on the screen is making the classroom better or replacing it," write Truitt and Dickson. |
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SmartTake: Resolving the edtech debate isn't easy, but it is simple.
Be intentional. That's what Truitt and Dickson are asserting -- purposeful works. Passive destroys. Efforts like device bans and blanket restrictions put folks in cruise control mode. Technology goes from being something that could help to being something they have to police.
So how does this apply to the work of edtech vendors? You have to be intentional, too. Are your sales teams doing their homework on their customers? Are they having good conversations and getting information that will help them truly understand schools' needs? Are they putting in the time to build relationships not just with decision-makers but also with the users to identify potential gaps?
In two weeks, we will all be coming together in Orlando for ISTELive and ASCD Annual. Let's decide now to be intentional about the conversations we want to have there -- to make them informative and productive so we leave the shows more knowledgeable about the schools we serve. See you there! -- Kanoe
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SmartBrief Education has announced the winners of the 2026 EdTech Readers' Choice Awards, recognizing top education technology solutions based on educator feedback. Winners include K12's Promising Practices Conference for professional development; Pathful's JobreadyCTE and iCEV's Comprehensive Solution for STEM and CTE; IXL Learning's IXL Math and IXL Language Arts; and Securly's AI Transparency Solution for student wellness. Other notable winners are Edmentum for assessment and data analytics; ClassLink for safety and security; Outschool for special education; and additional companies in other categories.
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Seventy educators gathered recently at Google's California headquarters for a two-day training on using and evangelizing AI tools in their schools. Presenters showed different ways the tools can address pain points, improve workflow and support teachers' instruction. Educators said they appreciated the opportunity to learn about the tools rather than having to train themselves. They acknowledged peers' concerns about AI but said it's important to teach responsible use. "If a student's running in the hallway, you don't take away the hallway -- you teach them the proper behavior for the hallway. And I think this mimics that in the same way," said Karen Compton, a middle-school English teacher from Ewa Beach, Hawaii.
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Equitable co-design helps educators, learners, researchers, and product teams shape tools that reflect real classroom needs. See how ENCORE, a subnetwork of the AIMS Collaboratory, turns collaboration into evidence-based EdTech R&D. |
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| (AnnaStills/Getty Images) |
A North Carolina STEM teacher is using 3D printing to design custom prosthetic arms for children with limb differences while helping students apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges. Through the project, students explore engineering, problem-solving and human body systems as they develop devices to improve everyday tasks for children. The initiative highlights how hands-on STEM learning can inspire innovation, build empathy and create solutions beyond the classroom.
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K-12 schools are increasingly using AI, but state lawmakers and school districts are struggling to establish policies. Maryland, for example, has inconsistent AI policies across districts, prompting the passage of a law requiring AI coordinators and literacy programs. States such as Ohio, Idaho and Oklahoma have also implemented AI guidelines focusing on privacy, ethical use and teacher training.
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Kinderland International Education has entered the Philippine market through a partnership with Gingerbread House of Learning, rebranding it as Kinderland Preschool. The Singapore-based provider integrates technology and music into its curriculum, preparing children for a global economy.
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Top stories from last week's newsletter
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| (ISTE+ASCD) |
Congratulations to the newest ISTE Seal holders, Activate Learning, Hackersjack, and Edia! The ISTE Seal provides third-party validation of an edtech product's alignment with digital pedagogy, technological usability, and the ISTE Standards. Learn more about the Seal and how these tools support student learning and educator development. |
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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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| Here's all you have to do -- leave your logic in the lobby. |
Gene Shalit,
journalist, television personality, film and book critic
1926-2026 |
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