Fall into Smarter Classrooms
2024’s EdTech scene is all about AI running the show, hybrid learning 2.0, and data-driven teaching. Schools are using AI to personalize learning and make things run smoother. Hybrid learning? It's getting a glow-up, with more interactive and flexible experiences. Plus, data is now the secret sauce for tracking student success and boosting teaching.
Long story short: The classroom of the future is smarter, more adaptable, and all about tech.
Policy Corner: ?Election Buzz, Cellphone Bans, and Internet Safety ?????
As 2024 heats up, K-12 issues may not be center-stage, but candidates have been clashing over K-12 issues like school choice, funding, and teacher salaries. Some are pushing for charter school expansions, while others want more cash for public schools.
On the ground, schools are debating cellphone bans and exploring assistive tech for special ed. Meanwhile, tighter budgets could put tech upgrades on hold. The good news? There’s a big push to ensure equitable access to digital tools so no student gets left behind.?
And with access come safety concerns. Schools work to ensure student safety through vetting processes, alerts that actually go to the right people, and content filtering (and making sure this filter is compatible with that filter which is compatible with that device and that app.)
AI in Education: Empowering Creativity, Cautioning Against Bias ????
AI is reshaping classrooms, offering new ways to spark creativity and deepen learning. Tools like generative AI foster creative thinking by encouraging students to explore ideas in fresh ways. But there’s a catch: AI chatbots can reflect cultural biases, which means educators need to approach them thoughtfully.?
Some states are rolling out AI guidelines, but more work is needed to address the biggest risk—doing nothing . As teachers integrate AI for tasks like lesson planning, it’s crucial to stay cautious about AI "hallucinations" and keep the focus on teaching, not just the tech.
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Cybersecurity: Threats Are Up, Funds Are Down ??
Schools are getting hit hard by cyberattacks , with 190 ransomware incidents affecting 1,000 schools in 2023 alone. The problem? Funding isn’t keeping up. While some districts are upgrading defenses like multi-factor authentication, most are stuck scrambling with limited resources. Even with new federal initiatives, the rise in attacks (and ransom demands) is outpacing efforts. Bottom line: Schools need to level up their cybersecurity fast or risk being left vulnerable in the digital classroom.
CoSN Corner: AI + Accessibility = Smarter Classrooms ????
CoSN’s latest report breaks down how AI is leveling up accessibility in schools, with tools like text-to-speech and speech recognition giving students with disabilities a more tailored learning experience. The challenge? Tackling data privacy and algorithmic bias. CoSN suggests focusing on strong policy frameworks, teacher training, and collaboration with policymakers to ensure AI is used ethically and effectively.
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Conference Circuit: A Harvest of Knowledge ??????
As autumn unfolds, so do opportunities for learning and networking in EdTech. This season's conferences are packed with cutting-edge insights and peer interactions, designed to enrich and inspire. Dive into the latest in educational technology, meet industry leaders, and return with new strategies to invigorate your classrooms.?
Ed-Fi Alliance Summit 2024 - Sep 31-Oct 2, 2024 Focus on Teaching & Technology Conference - Oct 3-4, 2024 ? Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Summit - Oct 3-4, 2024
Want a searchable list of events across the country? Visit our website to find our conference resource. Finding an EdTech event has never been so easy!
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Hats off to you #LifeLongLearners,
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Your K-12 Tech Bytes Team
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