| |
| May 19, 2026 |
| CONNECT WITH ISTE |
| CONNECT WITH ISTE |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| |
| Edtech news for those building the future of edtech
| SIGN UP ⋅ SHARE |
|
|
|
|
 |
 
| |
 |
| (Ninitta/Getty Images) |
The rapid and often reactive regulation of AI in US schools risks leaving students unprepared, shifting the focus toward "defensive compliance" rather than innovation. In the featured article in the recent Disruption: AI ebook, experts such as Jessica Garner of ISTE+ASCD urge all stakeholders -- edtech developers, educators, legislators and others -- to embrace the "messy middle," collaborating on the hard work of creating a human-centered framework that protects a student's independent thinking while strengthening the essential teacher-student bond.
|
|
|
SmartTake: Also in the article, TNTP's Mahnaz Charania warns against using technology to merely accelerate a flawed education system, citing a fear of using AI "to make a system that was already broken more efficient and [calling] that progress."
Julia Fallon of SETDA stresses the importance of not letting technology overshadow the teacher's inherent value, asking, "How do we help [teachers] really be more human?"
Rob Wessman of SchoolAI highlights the danger of letting AI eliminate the mental heavy lifting required for learning, asserting that "human brains need friction to grow" and "when friction goes away, learning stops."
|
|
|
|
|
Cyber threats are rising and strong cyber leaders are needed. At USD, our 100% online MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership helps you elevate your skills while offering the flexibility to fit your schedule. Apply by 7/6 for an application fee waiver. |
|
|
|
| ADVERTISEMENT |  |
|
The recent data hack of Instructure's Canvas learning management system, which followed a string of cyberattacks on K-12 schools and vendors, has intensified school districts' concerns about cybersecurity. Schools are expected to demand quicker breach notifications, independent verification of data deletion and greater vendor liability. EdWeek Market Brief Managing Editor Scott Elliott advises vendors to:
- Implement comprehensive response plans for hacking incidents, including clear communication strategies and operational backups.
- Scrutinize the security of free account tiers.
- Limit unnecessary data collection.
- Establish clear ransom payment policies.
|
|
|
The Computer Science Teachers Association is launching a two-year, $11 million initiative this summer to train K-12 educators in foundational computer science and AI skills. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the AI PD Weeks will start in six states and expand to four more next year. Teachers will participate in hands-on learning and ongoing professional development.
|
|
|
|
|
Our free summer learning kit makes it easy to support reading during break. Download these printable activities rooted in the Science of Reading to keep students engaged and practicing literacy skills all summer. Download now |
|
|
|
| ADVERTISEMENT |  |
|
|
K-12 schools are undergoing a significant rebalancing in their approach to technology, shifting from simply providing devices to ensuring purposeful adoption that aligns with instructional goals and developmental needs. With aging devices, expired federal funding and mounting concerns about screen time, the edtech landscape is starting to lean toward shared classroom devices, longer replacement cycles and stricter software scrutiny.
|
|
|
The debate over technology in K-12 classrooms has expanded from cellphones to laptops, with figures such as Jonathan Haidt and Jean Twenge calling for significant restrictions on device use. However, many teachers advocate a balanced approach, emphasizing the benefits of purposeful technology use for activities such as real-time feedback and differentiated instruction.
|
|
|
Augmented reality smart glasses can significantly enhance engagement and learning outcomes among primary school students, according to a study from Flinders University, Australian Catholic University and Zhejiang Normal University. Researchers found that AR glasses synchronized with iPads and Apple TVs facilitate collaboration and social engagement, resulting in improved academic performance.
|
|
|
|
|
Education is entering a transformative era with AI. Shifting beyond responses, it's redesigning pedagogy and reshaping evaluation. Join the movement challenging conventions by accessing insights. Download the Ebook Now |
|
|
|
| ADVERTISEMENT |  |
|
|
Sweden, once seen as a European leader in digital education, has reversed its course on classroom technology with a research-backed "screen to binder" initiative. Following disappointing results in international assessments and concerns about cognitive development, Sweden's government mandated a shift back to analogue learning, emphasizing books, handwriting and foundational literacy and numeracy. Sweden's experience has prompted other Nordic countries to reconsider their own edtech approaches and is influencing the broader European debate on digital learning.
|
|
|
The Federal Communications Commission is set to launch a centralized bidding portal for E-rate funds in July 2027 to enhance transparency and prevent fraud, but the move faces strong opposition from a coalition of schools, libraries and state coordinators, who say the portal would add a layer of compliance that could conflict with local procurement rules, increase administrative burden and discourage participation, particularly from smaller and rural applicants.
|
|
|
|
|
Educators get frustrated when a PLC struggles with weak goals, incomplete data, irregular monitoring and group disparity. A high-efficiency PLC that uses reliable data can create meaningful improvement. Read this SmartFocus to create a productive PLC. |
|
|
|
| ADVERTISEMENT |  |
|
|
Several Minnesota edtech startups are coming up with innovative solutions for everyday challenges ranging from classroom management to professional growth. The Commons has developed an app to manage student phone usage responsibly, Gwoop offers mini-games to enhance student cognitive skills and mental health, Impacks simplifies school supply shopping with a tech-driven approach, and Proserva streamlines professional development tracking for educators.
|
|
|
|
Top stories from last week's newsletter
|
|
Congratulations to Edmentum EdOptions Academy, AVID Professional Learning, and Teaching Channel's Graduate-Level Continuing Education Courses, who have officially renewed their ISTE Seal, proving their ongoing commitment to high-quality, research-backed edtech. To learn more about the Seal and how these tools support student learning and educator development, visit the ISTE Seal webpage. |
|
|
| About ISTE Solutions Network |
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
|
| Got this from a friend? Subscribe now and stay in the loop! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Copyright © 2026 SmartBrief. All Rights Reserved. A division of Future US LLC. |
| Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036. |
|
|
|
