The Best of ISTELive 24

Check-out our coverage of the topics, speakers, and technologies showcased at this year’s ISTELive 24

Welcome to the eSchool News LIVE@ISTE 2024 page! We're glad you're here with us to experience the biggest edtech trade show in the US. The booths are getting crowded and the sessions are underway. We'll be covering some of those along with the latest and greatest technologies that are being released on the show floor. Bookmark this page to catch all the action and highlights from ISTELive 24!



ISTE 2024 Coverage:

Best of ISTE: The Next Stage of AI and Ed

Always a pleasure to glean the insights of Paige Johnson, Vice President at Microsoft Education, as she reflects on this year’s ISTE and shares her company’s initiatives. She highlights the significant shift towards embracing generative AI, emphasizing its potential to transform teaching, learning, and school operations. More specifically, Paige details Microsoft’s focus on integrating AI to enhance educational experiences, support educators, and prepare students for future careers. She also touches on the importance of professional development for educators and IT leaders, and the need to optimize existing technology investments. Have a listen: 

Takeaways:

  • AI Integration: ISTE vibes highlighted a growing acceptance and strategic use of generative AI in education, moving from initial skepticism to practical application.
  • Microsoft’s Focus: Microsoft aims to enhance teaching and learning through AI, supporting both educators and students by personalizing education and improving operational efficiencies.
  • Professional Development: Effective adoption of AI and technology requires ongoing professional development for educators and school leaders, emphasizing the importance of both top-down and bottom-up strategies.
  • Technology Utilization: Schools are encouraged to maximize the use of existing technology and resources, including free tools and learning accelerators available through Microsoft products.
  • Future Outlook: There is optimism about AI’s potential to address educational challenges and improve student outcomes, with a call for continued support and engagement from educational technologists and leaders.
  • Digital Citizenship: Responsible use of AI and device management in classrooms remains a critical area of focus, with resources available to guide educators and IT departments.

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Best of ISTE—PowerSchool Drops Data in Its Annual Education Focus Report

PowerSchool today released findings from its 2024 Education Focus Report for the 2024-2025 school year. The report offers an in-depth analysis of the key challenges and innovations currently shaping the U.S. education landscape going into the 2024-2025 school year. Drawing from a national survey of 1,620 educators, alongside 12 focus groups and 12 interviews engaging over 75 district leaders, teachers, parents, and students, the report provides critical insights into the evolving needs and priorities of the education community.

eSchool was given a sneak peek into the data in Denver last month when PowerSchool’s VP of Education Strategy, Ryan Imbriale (left) hosted a panel featuring K-12 educators, which included:

  • Pati Ruiz, Senior Director of Edtech and Emerging Technologies, Digital Promise
  • Addison Davis, Partner and Education Consultant, Strategos Group
  • Susan Moore, Director of Technology, Meriden Public Schools (CT)

Click below for a snippet:

Download the report here

Below is an overview of some of the key insights & learnings stemming from the report: 

Educators see benefit of personalized learning, but traditional beliefs are getting in the way:

  • PowerSchool found education leaders see competency and mastery-based learning as key to improving student engagement and outcomes. However, educators said changing traditional beliefs about what education looks like is the #1 hurdle to implementing more personalized learning models, showing that many leaders recognize the need for personalized learning but struggle with how to shift traditional views.

Read More »

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Best of ISTE24: AR and VR Continue to Get Real

While the acronym AI continued to take up the most oxygen in the convention hall this summer in Denver, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies continue to evolve as a practical classroom application as well. I was happy to have my annual VR state-of-play conversation Chris Klein, vice president of education at Avantis Education, who is frank about the potentials and pitfalls of these tools. Have a listen:

Avantis is the creator of ClassVR, an all-in-one VR/AR headset and content platform designed specifically for K-12 classrooms. Used by more than 2 million students in 200,000 classrooms in 90 countries, it includes all hardware, software, tools, training, support and implementation services needed to deploy VR/AR in the classroom. It also provides access to the Eduverse platform, ClassVR’s library of content which gives teachers access to hundreds of thousands of pieces of VR and AR content and resources to enhance lessons and engage students more deeply in their learning.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Evolution of AR and VR: From novelty to educational tool, AR and VR continue to integrate into mainstream education, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes.
  2. Educational Integration: AR and VR serve as supplements to traditional teaching methods, enriching lessons without disrupting established curricula.
  3. Future Hardware Development: Avantis teases a prototype of a device at ISTI, signaling a commitment to evolving hardware that aligns closely with educational needs and educator feedback.
  4. Industry Standards: The arrival of major players like Apple and Meta in the AR and VR space is expected to set industry standards and improve interoperability across platforms, benefiting educators and students alike.

New this year: ClassVR is launching Eduverse360 –an expanded library featuring more than 300,000 360° images and videos from around the globe allowing teachers to take students on compelling, immersive field trips without leaving the classroom. Responding to increased demand for curriculum-aligned content across all subjects, new math resources are also being designed to make learning relevant, accessible, and fun. Popular English resources have been expanded to support English language teaching for K-2 and English as an additional language. While in biology students can shrink down to insect size to see pollination in action like never before.

Avantis also introduced software enhancements designed to improve the user experience. These updates include:

  • A redesigned homepage that features curated playlists and subject-based browsing for easier navigation. 
  • ClassVR’ s teacher and student notes can now be viewed in a sidebar alongside the VR content, enhancing the educational experience.
  • Teachers will also benefit from the dynamic preview of 3D models, allowing them to quickly assess and view models with just a few clicks.
  • User and content management enhancements, including streamlined administrator management of playlists and updates to administrator controls.
  • New professional development options. Beginning July 1, 2024, all customers get free access to Avantis’ online continuing professional development (CPD) training materials to assist them with self-paced instruction on how to use ClassVR. New customers also have expanded options for training packages.

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ISTELive News: Instructure Releases The EdTech Top 40

LearnPlatform by Instructure published its seventh EdTech Top 40 – the latest report on the usage of digital solutions, tools and resources in K-12 districts, schools and classrooms within the United States during the 2023-24 school year. In addition to highlighting the top 40 education technology products, which represent more than 3.9 million student and teacher interactions, the report provides insights on trends, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)-aligned evidence and categorical rankings relevant to K-12 decision-makers as well as edtech product leaders.

According to the report, K-12 institutions are accessing eight percent more tools aggregated annually from the prior academic year–continuing a similar trend seen in recent years’ reports. This year also saw an increase in unique edtech tools accessed individually by both students and teachers.

Read More »

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Best of ISTE: How to Build Student Engagement

Lego Education hosted a breakfast panel on ISTE Day #1 devoted to one of the most perplexing post-pandemic problems for schools—how to keep kids’ attention. According to a recent survey by Lego, only 35% of US teachers and 31% of administrators describe their schools’ students as “engaged” and only 1 in 3 (37%) US parents say their child tells them about their day without prompting from the parent.

From left: Vicki Davis, Dr. Alex Marrero, Dr. Karen Cheser, Alberto M. Carvalho, Carlanda Miller, and Dr. Jenny Nash.

The conversation covered many topics including the importance of personalized learning, community involvement, and innovative teaching methods. In this highlight, Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District clarifies the district’s recent move to ban the use of cellphones and social media platforms during the school day with an intent to keep students on task in classrooms as well as reduce mental health harms:

For more takeaways from the conversation and bios of the participants, click through:

Read More »

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Using PBL with makerspaces across your curriculum

Combining PBL with makerspaces (also called maker education) gives educators an infinite number of projects, assignments, and activities that engage students and truly immerse them in learning. The best part? It’s possible to combine PBL and maker education across the curriculum–and during a must-see ISTELive 24 session, Nicholas Provenzano, a teacher, technology coordinator, and makerspace director at University Liggett School in Michigan, demonstrated just how to do it. Provenzano is also the 2013 winner of ISTE’s Outstanding Teacher Award. Now, projects are nothing new–students have made dioramas, tri-fold poster board displays, and egg drop challenge designs for decades. But combining PBL with maker education leads to fully engaged students who are creating and problem-solving. READ MORE.

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ISTELive news: Build writing confidence in K-5 students

Discovery Education is offering elementary educators nationwide the unique opportunity to participate in the development of its latest product, Mystery Writing by Discovery Education, through a free, year-long trial. Individual educators interested in claiming their free trial can visit the Mystery Writing website here.  Mystery Writing engages students in grades K-5 with “wow!” content that captivates young learners and builds their confidence in writing. Featuring no prep, open-and-go lessons, Mystery Writing helps multi-subject elementary educators quickly and easily provide students with differentiated lessons that explicitly teach the writing process.  Mystery Writing’s innovative approach combines subjects of high interest to students with step-by-step written, visual, and auditory directions to ensure no young writer experiences the dreaded “fear of the blank page.” Educators participating in the free trial will receive access to the current collection of genre units and essential skills lessons created for grade 3-5 classrooms.  Following their use of Mystery Writing materials, educators will be asked to share qualitative and quantitative feedback on their experience using the lessons. This feedback will be used in real time to refine current and future lessons.

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ISTELive news: Canva launches Teacher Certification course

In response to global demand from educators, Canva launched its free Teacher Certification course to enhance the skills of its 30 million teachers for the visual economy amid the growing importance of digital literacy in classrooms worldwide. This 60-minute course equips teachers with the skills to harness the full potential of Canva’s education tools, transforming their lesson planning, design, and delivery through visual communication. Teachers can engage with video tutorials and hands-on activities at their own pace, exploring practical uses of Canva to create dynamic lesson plans and student projects that elevate classroom engagement. Upon completion, educators receive an official certification, equipping them to foster creativity, communication, and digital literacy among students.

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ISTELive news: LEGO Education previews student engagement data

LEGO Education’s Dr. Jenny Nash, Head of Education Impact, previewed compelling and surprising data on the U.S. student disengagement crisis. The #1 barrier to engagement with learning according to admins is the “curricula not broadly applying to all student abilities.” Only 1 in 3 (37%) US parents say their child tells them about their day on a daily basis without prompting from the parent. Teachers say the current lack of engagement in learning in K-8 leads to:  

  • Increased behavioral issues (61%)
  • Poor retention of what they learned (56%)
  • Lack of confidence in subject matter (50%)
  • Surface level knowledge of materials (50%)
  • Increased absenteeism/tardiness (48%)
  • Inability to apply learnings in the real world (43%)
  • Not being prepared for the future (42%)
  • Declining test scores (38%)

The findings reaffirm core aspects of LEGO Education’s approach: Hands-on, playful learning is a powerful approach in reengaging students the classroom–and is providing students with critical, future-ready skills.

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ISTELive news: SMART launches new inclusion solution

In an effort to foster inclusive learning environments, SMART Technologies launched the Inclusive Classroom Bundle, a comprehensive solution designed to support all learners and their diverse needs. This innovative Edtech bundle will be showcased for the first time at ISTE 2024.  The Inclusive Classroom Bundle includes:  

  • A SMART Board® RX Series: The most advanced interactive display designed to enhance learning and engage students, options include multi-colored stylus, embedded experience to engage students and save teachers time, unique student device integration and security.
  • Customizable Tool Explorer Stamps: Versatile stamps can be tailored to imprint words, images, AAC symbols, and more onto the interactive display. The stamps blends the digital and physical world for a more immersive and participative learning journey.   
  • Lumio Spark Plan Subscription: The engaging web-based tool that provides multimodal learning experiences, supporting various learning preferences and styles. 

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Putting the ‘E’ in integrative STEM instruction

STEM learning essential, helping students develop skills such as critical thinking and problem solving–skills that will help them be successful in college and the workforce. Though many teachers tout the importance of STEM learning, many also shy away from the “E” in STEM. But engineering and the engineering design process, when incorporated into classrooms correctly, can increase student engagement and subject matter understanding. “STEM is incredibly important, specifically for skills like critical thinking and problem solving,” said Dr. Erika Neuman, CEO of iSTEMmentors and a lecturer at the University of Texas at San Antonio, during an ISTELive 24 session. “While those aren’t tested on standardized tests, it’s a necessary and important piece of what students and learners need when they get out into the workforce. Whether they go into engineering or not, the engineering design process is something that integrates a lot of important skills that are very necessary in the real world.” READ MORE.

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Sponsored

Vivacity Tech PBC Unveils Pro & Enterprise Versions of Dream Asset Management Platform 

eSchool News spoke with Conan Malady, an engineer for Vivacity Tech PBC (Public Benefit Corporation), at booth number #1512 about this week’s launch of the Pro and Enterprise versions of Dream, their Asset Management platform tailored specifically for K12 schools. Dream supports multiple organizations within a single platform, making it a powerful solution in EdTech. Click for the details.

Vivacity Tech PBC is the first and only PBC selling EdTech hardware to K12 schools, and is dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology solutions for classrooms. Committed to innovation and excellence, they strive to support K12 schools in their mission to deliver high-quality education through advanced technology and robust support systems. 

Register for our party!

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ISTELive news: Samsung’s AI-powered upgrades

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. is showcasing new AI-powered upgrades to its Interactive Display (model name: WAD). First launched in May 2024, the Interactive Display WAD series will offer cutting-edge generative AI capabilities through the Samsung AI Class Assistant to help educators save time and focus on guiding students through their learning journeys. The Samsung AI Class Assistant provides features like automatic transcriptions and generative summaries of spoken lessons. Educators can instantly share these summaries directly from the Interactive Display after each lesson so that students can review them at their own pace. The AI Class Assistant will also analyze the transcriptions and classroom materials to create instant quizzes for students to demonstrate their understanding as they learn. Students can wirelessly connect to the display and participate in quizzes from their personal devices. These forms of formative assessment allow educators to measure knowledge retention and determine if there are subjects that require further discussion.

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Embracing the hybrid learning spectrum

Moving into the pandemic, education was on a straight–if somewhat predictable–trajectory. In truth, aside from pockets of innovation, much of education across the U.S. looked almost the same as it did 100 years ago. But as we know, the pandemic forced a move to online and hybrid learning. Some students and families loathed fully-online learning, be it asynchronous or synchronous, and jumped at the chance to return to school in a hybrid or fully in-person manner. Other students found that they loved online or hybrid learning, and that those modalities really worked for their families and their own individual learning needs. Now, four years out from the start of the pandemic-era online learning experiment, many students want hybrid learning options, while others don’t want to repeat the chaos of the pandemic. This begs the question: How do we implement programs that meet the varied needs of students and families while at the same time taking into account lessons learned from the pandemic? Stream Embracing the Hybrid Spectrum: Moving Towards a Student-Centered Future, from Monday’s ISTELive 24 session offerings, to hear from education experts and leaders as they discuss research and success stories around post-pandemic moves to hybrid leanring.

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ISTELive news: SmartPass highlights link between attendance, student outcomes

SmartPass, a digital hall pass solution for K-12 schools, has announced an update to its Schedules capabilities, enabling schools to gain a comprehensive view of student locations throughout the building. This new update furthers SmartPass’s commitment to helping educators maximize instructional time, reduce logistical tasks like pass creation, and enhance safety–ultimately improving student outcomes. The new Schedules capabilities enable school administrators to integrate school bell schedules and class rosters directly into the SmartPass platform. This allows schools with even the most complex schedules to get a full view of student activities and school operations in the building. Before Schedules, SmartPass customers only knew where a student was if they had an active pass. Now, their bell schedules and classes will show up in SmartPass, giving educators more visibility than ever of what’s happening in their schools.

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ISTELive news: Capstone’s PebbleGo gets an active learning upgrade

Capstone debuted its newly expanded PebbleGo suite, featuring tools for active learning, content curation features, and other enhancements designed specifically for the classroom. With these digital tools and resources, K-5 classroom educators can create a bridge to literacy while helping students develop a lifelong love of reading and learning. Within the PebbleGo suite, districts and schools can choose from a range of flexible options to deploy the content and tools that are right for them. The suite can be used to support lesson planning, whole group and small group instruction, independent practice, content creation, family engagement, and more. A new Create tool in the PebbleGo suite provides a digital workspace for students to demonstrate their learning and share their knowledge. A new Connect tool includes a variety of features designed to save educators time while supporting active teaching and learning.

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Sponsored

New Chrome Solutions from CTL

CTL.

CTL CEO Erik Stromquist walks eSchool News through ISTE booth #1774 for a breakdown of the company’s new offerings, which include: The new CTL Chromebook NL73 Series, an 11.6” device delivering 22% faster computing performance; CTL’s Refurbished Chromebooks, budget-friendly devices certified by CTL and ideal for use as entry-level student devices; and CTL Chromebox Solutions, the versatile mini-PC that can power everything from all-in-one desktop computers to school digital signage.

CTL is a global computing solutions provider on a mission to empower success at school, in the workplace, and at home. For 30+ years, customers in more than 50 countries have relied on CTL’s award-winning offerings. For further information and to purchase products, visit ctl.net.

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ISTELive news: BenQ lets teachers run the show

At ISTELive 24, BenQ is encouraging teachers to demonstrate how they’re using the BenQ Board Pro RP04, the first interactive display fully integrated with Google Mobile Services (GMS). GMS integration offers schools easier access to Google Play and Google Classroom, a more native experience when using Google Search and other Android applications, and built-in security features that protect schools from cybersecurity risks. A fully redesigned user interface features a home screen that allows users to either type or speak to start browsing lesson content from the Google Search bar. The GMS-integrated RP04 delivers unprecedented teaching and IT management flexibility. Educators can personalize learning using relevant apps, while IT managers tailor the board to their school’s needs. The displays also make learning accessible to more students with text-to-speech, so students can hear text as it is displayed or written onscreen, and multi-lingual translation, which provides resources in different languages. With BenQ’s centralized user and device management, schools can easily transition to using BenQ Boards without additional configurations.

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Balancing AI with humanity

It seems educators can’t turn on a device or have a conversation without AI working its way into the mix. But AI’s popularity is not without cause, given how often educators are reminded of how AI can personalize learning and how students will need AI skills to compete for future jobs. With AI dominating headlines in all industries, it’s a relatively common question: Is everything about AI? During an ISTELive 24 virtual session, presenter Kia Angeles, a training associate at SMS Global Technologies and a technology coach at the Junior Academy for Coding Knowledge (JACK), explored AI’s current role in education, how it can help students with special needs, and how a purpose-driven approach to using AI in the classroom can help educators gain more comfort and familiarity with the technology as it evolves. READ MORE.

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Unlocking Efficiency: How the Upgraded FUYL Smart Locker System Makes Device Management Safer and Smarter 

Lockncharge

eSchool News caught up with LocknCharge CEO James Symons on the ISTE show floor at Booth #1442 about the upgraded features of the new FUYL Smart Locker System, which enables students to get back to learning faster. The system allows tech teams to control device access and track accountability via a software portal, without adding any manual work. Students and staff can process self-serve loaner devices in less than two minutes. 

LocknCharge combines the power of software and hardware to revolutionize the way schools manage tablets, laptops, Chromebooks, phones, and other physical assets. Their mission is to protect devices from theft and data breaches and can help schools integrate mobile technology into their workflows. For more information, go to https://www.lockncharge.com/  

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ISTELive News: Easing the edtech burden on schools

Seven leading edtech organizations have developed a system intended to reduce the burden on schools and educators when it comes to assessing digital learning tools. This process aims to help schools quickly and reliably select and implement edtech tools, said ISTE CEO Richard Culatta during the opening of ISTELive 24 in Denver. 1EdTech, CAST, CoSN, Digital Promise, InnovateEDU, ISTE, and SETDA have banded together to work on two critical steps that must take place to reduce the burden on educators, school and school system leaders. Step one: Agreeing on a set of common edtech quality indicators. The seven edtech organizations identified Five Edtech Quality Indicators that should be used to evaluate effective edtech products. Step two: Providing validations (by qualified experts) that products have met the five indicators identified in step one. READ MORE.

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LG displays an array of tech for the classroom and more 

Follow along with Victoria J. Sanville, Director, Corporate and Public Sector Sales, LG Electronics USA Inc. as she takes eSchool News on the grand tour of booth #1356 on the ISTE show floor. LG provides an innovative, intuitive tech ecosystem—from interactive digital boards, to Chromebooks, projectors, DVLED displays, and more—that empowers immersive, engaging, and interactive learning experiences. LG Electronics USA Inc. is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a $60-billion-plus global force in consumer electronics, home appliances, air solutions and vehicle components. For more information, please visit www.LGSolutions.com.

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Breaking product news: Discovery Education unveils a host of enhancements

Discovery Education announced enhancements to its digital solutions that will help school systems everywhere support teachers. The enhancements coming to Discovery Education Experience, the company’s K-12 cross-curricular supplemental solution, include standards-aligned search improvements ensuring educators find the right resources to support high-quality instruction, now with a more intuitive user interface; and exciting new high-quality resources fostering engaging instruction in math, ELA, social studies, and science – including new student science investigations and lessons and new math interactives for grades 6-12. DreamBox Math by Discovery Education, the standards-aligned program for students in grades K-8 rated “Strong” by evidenceforESSA.org, adapts and differentiates in real-time based on students’ answers and problem-solving method. DreamBox Math has been enriched with engaging new lessons and accessibility enhancements for K-5 math lessons. (Click here for the full list of all solution enhancements.)

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Sponsored

Now See This: Optoma Unveils New Generation of Classroom Displays

Roland Hamilton, Technical Sales Manager at Optoma USA, gives eSchool News a tour of booth 326 and the company’s new displays available for schools. Products include Optoma’s 3rd Generation Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Displays, designed to support educators and professionals in classrooms and meeting environments while offering versatility for virtual learning and collaboration. The Interactive Displays offer built-in Whiteboard functionality with multiple, easy-to-use annotation tools and extensive connectivity features for enhanced learning, sharing, and productivity. Offering real-time collaboration from locations worldwide and with Google Enterprise Device Licensing Agreement (EDLA) certification, users can experience the full Google Suite with access to the Google Play library of apps including Google Drive, Google Docs, YouTube, and more. More information: www.optomausa.com/products/interactive-flat-panel-displays

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Building digital citizenship skills just got easier

ISTE+ASCD’s new Digital Citizenship Lessons resource is intended to help students build healthy digital citizenship know-how. Each of the five digital citizenship competencies is explored through learning activities tailored for different grade levels, ensuring that students of all ages can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to grow and thrive as digital citizens. At the elementary level, students will learn the difference between online and offline activities, how to identify trusted online sources, and how to use digital storytelling tools to express their creativity. Middle school students will establish strategies for digital well-being and discuss how online information can influence opinions through information bubbles. High school students will evaluate how technology can have positive and negative impacts on their overall wellness and examine media literacy principles to create, analyze and share content.

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Sponsored

LG Set to Put on a Display

Victoria J. Sanville, Director, Corporate and Public Sector Sales, LG Electronics USA Inc. gives a sneak peek to what ISTE attendees can expect at booth #1356. Click and hear about how LG signage can be deployed for campus messaging alongside in-class learning technologies such as LG gram laptops and the popular 75-inch LG CreateBoard, a multi-touch digital whiteboard that offers educators enhanced content-sharing capabilities and deeper student engagement. LG provides an innovative, intuitive tech ecosystem—from interactive digital boards, to Chromebooks, projectors, DVLED displays, and more—that empowers immersive, engaging, and interactive learning experiences. LG Electronics USA Inc. is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a $60-billion-plus global force in consumer electronics, home appliances, air solutions and vehicle components. For more information, please visit www.LGSolutions.com.

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BrainPop at 25—New CPO Jay Chakrapani discusses the past, present, and plans for the future.

Tim and Moby are getting up there. But according to Brainpop Chief Product Officer Jay Chakrapani, they aren’t slowing down. I had the chance to discuss the latest and greatest with one of edtech’s OG companies before the show starts Monday. Jay highlights two major updates: enhancements to their core offerings with new tools for differentiation and assessment, and the introduction of AI-powered features in their middle school science program. Click to hear the details.

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Breaking Product News—New and Improved Bloomz

Bloomz is launching Version 3.0 of its intelligent communication management platform. With a focus on enhancing the home-to-school connection, Bloomz offers a comprehensive communication tool that revolutionizes how teachers and parents collaborate to support student learning. Schools and educators nationwide have embraced Bloomz for its user-friendly interface, robust feature set, and commitment to fostering a strong partnership between home and classroom. Visitors to Booth 2201 can expect to experience live demonstrations of Bloomz’s latest features, learn about case studies showcasing its impact on parent engagement and student success, and engage with the team. Bloomz representatives will be on hand to answer questions, provide insights, and explore how the platform can revolutionize communication within their educational communities.

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Look who’s talking—Auditi Chakravarty on Evidence-Based EdTech Innovations

Discussing R&D strategies for new learning techniques may be esoteric—at least for me—but it’s also essential. Auditi Chakravarty, CEO of the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (AERDF), breaks them down with elegance here in anticipation of several events slated for ISTE next week. She spoke about the group’s approach to integrating educators, researchers, and product developers to ensure tools used in PreK-12 classrooms work by providing scientific evidence of improved student learning outcomes. Since its 2021 launch, the group’s programs – currently focused on math, formative assessment, and reading – have engaged 47 school districts, 3,195 educators, and 45,423 learners across 15 U.S. states. Click to hear how you can participate.

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This Year’s Big Winners

ISTE announced this week the winners of the 2024 Impact Award, Distinguished District Award, Making It Happen Award, and 20 To Watch Awards. “ISTE is thrilled to honor these individuals and districts as outstanding innovators in education,” said Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD. “It is incredible to witness the remarkable work being done by our awardees, representing all corners of the world from Canada, Spain, New York, and in between. Their dedication and creativity are shaping the future of education and inspire us all to be changemakers and make a lasting impact.”

Read More »

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Look Who’s Talking—Carl Hooker With An Insider’s Guide to #ISTE24

Who better to offer ISTE newbies advice than the edTech legend himself? Just listening to Carl Hooker’s calendar for the week is exhausting. His recommendations to make the most of the madness are thoughtful. Give a listen as we reminisce about previous conferences, share expectations for next week in Denver, and delve into topics such as the value of networking, how to discover learning opportunities, and the best way to decipher industry trends.

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Breaking Product News—Headsets You Can Chew

Cyber Acoustics, the leading manufacturer of edtech for all classroom environments, will be showcasing its complete line of education solutions at ISTE 2024 in booth #776, including its newest USB-C offering, the AC-4014. The AC-4014 USB-C headset joins Cyber Acoustics’ extensive lineup of durable, affordable education headphones and headsets, offering a range of connectivity for both modern and legacy devices. The company pays attention to common headset stress points, which is why the headset features a durable headband that can be bent or twisted, and a tangle-free braided TuffCord that can be coiled, flexed, or even chewed, without sacrificing performance. The AC-4014 will be available in July 2024, in time for the 2024-2025 school year.

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It’s All About Engagement—MIND Education’s New Tools for Teachers

MIND Education’s aim for ISTE2024 next week is to highlight innovations designed to make learning more interactive and impactful through classroom technology. Vice President of Content Creation Nigel Nisbet was gracious enough to dig in deeper as to what attendees can expect. In this interview, he emphasizes the importance of active student engagement and creative problem-solving in learning mathematics, contrasting it with antiquated, passive learning methods. One example is the company’s Puzzle Talks—5-15 minute, teacher-facilitated mini-lessons using an ST Math puzzle designed to engage students in problem-solving and encourage mathematical discourse. The goal? Get students to communicate and deepen their understanding of mathematics. Click through to listen:

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5 can’t-miss events at ISTELive 24

Venture into the future of learning at ISTELive 24 and connect with thought leaders, industry influencers, educators, and more.

Each year without fail, ISTELive connects thousands of educators–from school and districts leaders to classroom teachers and technology directors–to education experts, industry leaders, and in-depth content sessions designed to improve teaching and learning.

This year, ISTELive 24 lands in Denver. From June 23-26, attendees can listen to insightful keynote speakers, sit in on sessions covering almost any edtech topic under the sun, and collaborate with peers to learn about innovative school and district strategies.

Don’t miss Content Director Kevin Hogan’s Live@ISTE, featuring the latest influencer and industry interviews, product updates, news from the show floor, and more.

Read More »

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Vibe Check—What to expect in person at #ISTE24

One thing most attendees to past ISTE events will tell you is that most of the action happens in the hallways, side sessions, and even coffee lines in the convention center. It’s the spontaneous conversations serious networking, and random tech demos that may bring the most inspiration. This video provides some perspective:

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Breaking Product News—Proctormatic’s mobile AI services

EDINT, an South Korean startup, announced that it will showcase its mobile-based AI online proctoring service, Proctormatic next week. Developed through Samsung Electronics’ C-Lab venture program, the software revolutionizes exam monitoring with just a smartphone. Leveraging advanced AI algorithms, it analyzes video footage of test-takers to detect cheating and suspicious behavior. It generates detailed reports for administrators within 24 hours.

Proctormatic’s key features include:

  • 99% Accuracy: Ensuring the highest level of exam integrity by identifying cheating with remarkable precision.
  • Cost-Efficiency: Automating the proctoring process to cut costs significantly by 50%.
  • Detailed Report: Delivering behavior analysis reports in 24 hours.

Read More »

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