Tag: Learning

Funding technology initiatives in uncertain times
Key points:

Recent policy shifts have caused significant uncertainty in K-12 education funding, especially for technology initiatives. It’s no longer business as usual. Schools can’t rely on the same federal operating funds they’ve traditionally used to purchase technology or support innovation. This unpredictability has pushed school districts to explore creative, nontraditional ways to fund technology initiatives. To succeed, it’s important to understand how to approach these funding opportunities strategically.

How to find funding

Despite the challenges, there are still many grants available to support education initiatives and technology projects. Start with an online search using key terms related to your project–for example, “virtual reality,” “virtual field trips,” or “career and technical education.”

Explore national organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation or Project Tomorrow and consider potential local funding sources. Local organizations such as Rotary or Kiwanis clubs can be powerful allies in helping to fund projects. The local library and city or county government may also offer grants or partnership opportunities. Schools should also reach out to locally-headquartered businesses, many of which have community outreach or corporate social responsibility goals that align with supporting local education.

Colleges and universities are another valuable resource. They may be conducting research that aligns with your school’s technology project. Building relationships with these institutions and organizations can put your school “in the right place at the right time” when new funding opportunities arise.

Strategies to win the grant

Once potential funding sources are identified, the next step is crafting a compelling proposal. Consider the following strategies to strengthen your application.

1. Focus on the “how and why,” not just the “what.” If your school is seeking funds to buy hardware, don’t simply say, “Here’s what we want to buy.” Instead, frame it as, “Here’s how this project will improve student learning and why it matters.” Funders want to see the impact their support will have on outcomes. The more clearly a proposal connects technology to learning gains, the stronger it will be.

2. Highlight the research. Use evidence to validate your project’s value. For example, if a school plans to purchase virtual reality headsets, cite studies showing that VR improves knowledge retention, engagement, and comprehension compared to traditional instruction. Demonstrating that the technology is research-backed helps funders feel confident in their investment.

3. Paint a picture. Bring the project to life. Describe what students will experience and how they’ll benefit. For example: “When students put on the headset, they aren’t just reading about ancient civilizations, they’re walking through them.” Vivid descriptions help reviewers visualize the impact and believe in your vision.

Eight questions to consider when applying for a grant

Use these guiding questions to sharpen your proposal and ensure a strong foundation for implementation and long-term success.

What is the goal? Clearly define what students will be able to do as a result of the project. Use action-orientated language: “Students will be able to…”

Is the technology effective? Support your proposal with evidence such as whitepapers, case studies, or research that can demonstrate proven impact.

How will the technology impact these specific students? Emphasize what makes your school or district unique, whether it’s serving a rural, urban, or high-poverty community and how this technology addresses those specific needs.

What is the scope of the application? Specify whether the project involves elementary school, secondary school, or a specific subject or program like a STEM lab.

How will success be measured? Too often schools reach the end of a project without a plan to track results. Plan your evaluation from the start. Track key metrics such as attendance, disciplinary data, academic performance, or engagement surveys, both before and after implementation to demonstrate results.

What are your budgetary needs? Include all associated costs, including professional development and substitute coverage for teacher training.

What happens after the grant is over? If you plan to use the technology for multiple years, apply for a multi-year grant rather than assuming future funding will appear. Sustainability is key.

How will success be celebrated and communicated to stakeholders? Share results with the community and stakeholders. Host events recognizing teachers, students, and partners. Invite local media and highlight your funding partners–they’re not just donors, but partners in student success.

Moving forward with confidence

Education funding will likely remain uncertain in the years ahead. However, by being intentional about where to look for funds, how to frame proposals, and how to measure and share impact, schools can continue to implement innovative technology initiatives that elevate teaching and learning.

Gillian Rhodes, Avantis Education

Gillian Rhodes is Chief Marketing Officer at Avantis Education, creators of ClassVR. With morethan 20 years of experience in education marketing and leadership, he is passionate about helping schools use the latest technology to engage students and improve learning outcomes.

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October 24, 2025
10 ways to strengthen family-school partnerships and support learning

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Clear family-school communications and robust supports for students with learning differences are just a few ways education systems can improve family-school connections to support student outcomes, nonprofit Learning Heroes said in a report released Tuesday.

One of the biggest barriers to family-school partnerships is what the report calls a “perception gap,” or when families believe their child is performing at higher academic levels than what’s really occurring.

In fact, about 88% of parents in a 2023 survey said they thought their child was at or above grade level in math and reading. In reality, the actual share of children performing at this level is closer to 30%, as shown by 8th grade performance on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Although parents carry significant influence over their child’s education, they can’t help fix a problem they don’t know exists, the report said.

“Parents today have unprecedented voice and choice in their children’s education, yet, too often, lack the information to make confident, informed decisions,” said Bibb Hubbard, founder and CEO of Learning Heroes, in a Tuesday statement.

The organization used 10 years of research on family-school partnerships to inform best practices that improve these relationships with the aim of driving student success.

“With a decade of insights from parents, students, teachers, and principals, we have a clearer roadmap for creating schools and communities that work in true partnership with families and help every child thrive,” Hubbard said.

The Learning Heroes report offered these 10 suggestions for strengthening family-school partnerships.

Give parents accurate information on student performance

When parents know their child needs support, they are more likely to seek academic supports, such as tutoring and summer math or reading programs. They are also more likely to prioritize school attendance.

The report highlights state-level efforts in Texas, Arkansas and Virginia to provide parents videos, tools, and guides to bolster understanding of student grades and test scores. This also allows for comparisons with students across the state to help parents gauge their child’s college or career readiness.

Share multiple points of learning data

Results from annual state tests and other standardized or formative assessments can give families a fuller picture of their child’s strengths and needs.

Some 79% of parents said their children earn Bs and better, the report said, leading most parents to think their child is performing on grade level. However, report cards can include factors other than academic achievement, such as classroom participation, effort and completion of assignments, that don’t necessarily comport with grade-level performance.

“As it stands, too many report cards are still sending false signals, and many families, trusting the information they’ve been given, simply aren’t aware that their students may be behind,” the report said.

Provide parents access to information

Ensuring parents are aware of their child’s progress — not just through a quarterly report card, but through conversations with teachers and other means — can help parents take action to help their child improve.

Allow teachers time to connect with parents

Schools should prioritize parent-teacher teams by safeguarding the time teachers need to communicate with parents, as well as needed preparation time. One example is to allow one-to-one conversations between parents and teachers at back to school nights.

For instance, Prodeo Academy, a charter network in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, serving about 1,000 students, prioritized candid conversations, data-sharing and family-teacher conferences during the 2023-24 school year. These activities resulted in a notable increase among parents who recognized their child wasn’t working at grade level, the report said.

Avoid family engagement as a standalone goal

Integrating family engagement into overall school strategies for attendance, literacy and math achievement and other priorities will help educators and parents connect this effort to overall school outcomes.

For example, home visits can improve attendance, and student action plans created jointly by teachers and parents could help boost achievement.

Provide pathways to postsecondary success

Whether students attend college or go right into the workplace after high school graduation, schools should guide parents and students about the opportunities available. Access to Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment, career awareness experiences and career and technical education can all help students discover their passions and start planning for their futures.

Don’t ignore social and emotional growth

About three-fourths of parents said it was “absolutely essential” or “very important” that their child’s school has high expectations for social and emotional development. That’s nearly as many — 80% — who said the same for learning and academic progress.

The report highlights the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning’s Guide to Schoolwide SEL, which includes strategies for family-school partnerships to support social-emotional learning practices. Strategies include helping parents understand what SEL is and setting a positive tone by communicating with families early in the school year.

Build teamwork to address student learning differences

Although nearly 1 in 5 students have a learning difference like dyslexia or dyscalculia, only 20% of parents of a child with a learning difference say it’s very easy to navigate the diagnosis process.

By communicating regularly and providing helpful resources, schools can help alleviate parents’ anxieties, which can get in the way of identifying and accepting a learning difference and getting the needed services.

Stop talking in ‘edu-jargon’

Terms used in the education field, such as “self-regulation,” “executive functioning” and “growth mindset,” may not be recognizable or may even be misunderstood by parents. Instead, educators should use terms understandable for families.

For instance, rather than saying “resilience,” educators could talk about how schools help students “overcome challenges” or “keep trying when things are hard.”

Having clear, accessible communications can help foster trust and collaborations with parents, the report said.

Create family engagement at all grade levels

Family engagement remains important in the middle and high school years as students become more independent. In fact, family engagement in middle and high school years is essential to helping teens feel seen, supported and motivated, the report said.

This involvement is critical for supporting school attendance, and school leaders should work with parents in all grades to remove barriers to regular attendance.

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October 24, 2025
Unlocking Learning Potential with Concept Maps – Faculty Focus

If you’ve ever tried to make sense of a big, messy topic, whether it’s anatomy, psychology, or even planning a family vacation, you know how easy it is to get lost in the details. That’s where concept maps come in.

A concept map is more than just a fancy diagram. It’s a visual tool that helps you capture, organize, and connect ideas so you can see the “big picture” at a glance.

Why Concept Maps Work

Concept maps tap into how our brains naturally work, by connecting information rather than memorizing isolated facts. When you create one, you’re not just copying notes; you’re actively making sense of information, spotting patterns, and building links between concepts.

This active engagement is backed by research: visual representations improve comprehension, support critical thinking, and boost retention. In short, concept maps make learning stick. Nesbit and Adesope’s (2006) meta-analysis of dozens of studies found that students who used concept maps showed significantly stronger learning outcomes compared to those who relied only on traditional notetaking.

Cognitive psychology suggests that learning is strongest when it is meaningful—when new knowledge connects to what we already know. Concept maps encourage this process by forcing us to ask, how does this idea relate to that one? That act of questioning builds deeper understanding and promotes long-term memory. Novak and Cañas (2008), pioneers in concept mapping, argue that these tools “make thinking visible” by transforming abstract knowledge into something concrete and structured.

How to Build a Concept Map

Start with a central idea. Write it in the center or top of your page.

Branch out. Add related subtopics, drawing lines or arrows to show relationships.

Label your connections. These labels (like “causes,” “leads to,” “is a type of”) turn your map into a meaningful web rather than a random cluster of words.

Add details. Keep branching until you’ve covered all major points and their relationships.

Review and refine. Your first map is rarely your last. Adjust as you deepen your understanding.

The beauty of concept maps is that they are highly adaptable. Some people prefer a simple structure with just a few layers, while others create elaborate webs with cross-links between multiple concepts. There’s no single “right” way to build one. The key is whether it helps you make sense of the material.

Real-World Uses for Concept Maps

Concept maps shine in both academic and professional settings:

Students use them to study complex topics, such as linking symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments in a medical course. This not only aids exam prep but also mirrors how professionals think in the real world.

Educators design them to structure lessons, showing how each concept builds on the previous one. Concept maps also work as formative assessments. Teachers can quickly see what students understand and where misconceptions remain.

Professionals apply them in project planning, research design, and problem-solving. A well-structured map can turn a vague idea into a clear, actionable plan.

In healthcare education, for example, concept maps are widely used in nursing programs to help students link theory to practice. By mapping patient symptoms to interventions and outcomes, learners demonstrate both clinical reasoning and holistic thinking. In business, managers use concept maps to brainstorm strategies, identify risks, and visualize workflows before moving into detailed planning. Even in everyday life, families use concept maps to coordinate large events like weddings or vacations—organizing everything from budgets to timelines at a glance.

Going Beyond the Basics

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, concept maps can become even more powerful with advanced techniques:

Cross-links: Draw connections between branches that may not seem directly related. These links often spark “aha” moments by revealing hidden relationships.

Hierarchy: Organize ideas from the most general at the top to the most specific at the bottom, which helps clarify levels of abstraction.

Integration with technology: Digital concept mapping tools allow for collaboration, multimedia integration, and real-time updates, making them ideal for group projects or remote learning environments.

Teachers can also use concept maps to measure growth over time. For example, students might create a map at the start of a unit and then expand or revise it at the end. Comparing the two versions provides a visible record of learning progress, something that’s harder to capture with multiple-choice tests alone.

Pro Tips for Making Your Map Effective

Use color coding to group related ideas.

Keep your wording short—think keywords, not paragraphs.

Experiment with digital tools like Coggle, MindMeister, or Lucidchart for easy editing and sharing.

Don’t be afraid to collaborate. Building a map with classmates or colleagues can reveal insights you might have missed on your own.

The Takeaway

Concept maps aren’t just about making pretty diagrams; they’re about making thinking visible. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or lifelong learner, this tool can transform the way you process and remember information.

So next time you’re overwhelmed by a new topic, skip the endless bullet points and map it out. You might be surprised at how much clearer everything becomes.

Michele Poulos has dedicated more than twenty-five years to education, with experience spanning elementary, secondary, and post-secondary settings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Psychology, and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Human and Learning Science. Throughout her career, she has taught and learned in both traditional classrooms and fully online environments, giving her a unique perspective on how students thrive across modalities. Michele currently serves as the Director of Online Education at Pima Medical Institute, where she oversees online programs, faculty development, and strategic initiatives designed to enhance student learning and success. Her professional accomplishments have been recognized nationally, as she was inducted into Marquis Who’s Who in America for four consecutive years (2022–2025). Her passion for education is matched by her commitment to family life. She resides in Naples, Florida, with her husband and their two children—ten-year-old Trenton and eight-year-old Eliana—who continually inspire her dedication to both teaching and lifelong learning.

References

Nesbit, J. C., & Adesope, O. O. (2006). Learning with concept and knowledge maps: A meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research, 76(3), 413–448. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543076003413

Novak, J. D., & Cañas, A. J. (2008). The theory underlying concept maps and how to construct and use them. Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. Retrieved from http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/ResearchPapers/TheoryUnderlyingConceptMaps.pdf

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October 24, 2025
Unlocking Learning Potential with Concept Maps – Faculty Focus

If you’ve ever tried to make sense of a big, messy topic, whether it’s anatomy, psychology, or even planning a family vacation, you know how easy it is to get lost in the details. That’s where concept maps come in.

A concept map is more than just a fancy diagram. It’s a visual tool that helps you capture, organize, and connect ideas so you can see the “big picture” at a glance.

Why Concept Maps Work

Concept maps tap into how our brains naturally work, by connecting information rather than memorizing isolated facts. When you create one, you’re not just copying notes; you’re actively making sense of information, spotting patterns, and building links between concepts.

This active engagement is backed by research: visual representations improve comprehension, support critical thinking, and boost retention. In short, concept maps make learning stick. Nesbit and Adesope’s (2006) meta-analysis of dozens of studies found that students who used concept maps showed significantly stronger learning outcomes compared to those who relied only on traditional notetaking.

Cognitive psychology suggests that learning is strongest when it is meaningful—when new knowledge connects to what we already know. Concept maps encourage this process by forcing us to ask, how does this idea relate to that one? That act of questioning builds deeper understanding and promotes long-term memory. Novak and Cañas (2008), pioneers in concept mapping, argue that these tools “make thinking visible” by transforming abstract knowledge into something concrete and structured.

How to Build a Concept Map

Start with a central idea. Write it in the center or top of your page.

Branch out. Add related subtopics, drawing lines or arrows to show relationships.

Label your connections. These labels (like “causes,” “leads to,” “is a type of”) turn your map into a meaningful web rather than a random cluster of words.

Add details. Keep branching until you’ve covered all major points and their relationships.

Review and refine. Your first map is rarely your last. Adjust as you deepen your understanding.

The beauty of concept maps is that they are highly adaptable. Some people prefer a simple structure with just a few layers, while others create elaborate webs with cross-links between multiple concepts. There’s no single “right” way to build one. The key is whether it helps you make sense of the material.

Real-World Uses for Concept Maps

Concept maps shine in both academic and professional settings:

Students use them to study complex topics, such as linking symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments in a medical course. This not only aids exam prep but also mirrors how professionals think in the real world.

Educators design them to structure lessons, showing how each concept builds on the previous one. Concept maps also work as formative assessments. Teachers can quickly see what students understand and where misconceptions remain.

Professionals apply them in project planning, research design, and problem-solving. A well-structured map can turn a vague idea into a clear, actionable plan.

In healthcare education, for example, concept maps are widely used in nursing programs to help students link theory to practice. By mapping patient symptoms to interventions and outcomes, learners demonstrate both clinical reasoning and holistic thinking. In business, managers use concept maps to brainstorm strategies, identify risks, and visualize workflows before moving into detailed planning. Even in everyday life, families use concept maps to coordinate large events like weddings or vacations—organizing everything from budgets to timelines at a glance.

Going Beyond the Basics

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, concept maps can become even more powerful with advanced techniques:

Cross-links: Draw connections between branches that may not seem directly related. These links often spark “aha” moments by revealing hidden relationships.

Hierarchy: Organize ideas from the most general at the top to the most specific at the bottom, which helps clarify levels of abstraction.

Integration with technology: Digital concept mapping tools allow for collaboration, multimedia integration, and real-time updates, making them ideal for group projects or remote learning environments.

Teachers can also use concept maps to measure growth over time. For example, students might create a map at the start of a unit and then expand or revise it at the end. Comparing the two versions provides a visible record of learning progress, something that’s harder to capture with multiple-choice tests alone.

Pro Tips for Making Your Map Effective

Use color coding to group related ideas.

Keep your wording short—think keywords, not paragraphs.

Experiment with digital tools like Coggle, MindMeister, or Lucidchart for easy editing and sharing.

Don’t be afraid to collaborate. Building a map with classmates or colleagues can reveal insights you might have missed on your own.

The Takeaway

Concept maps aren’t just about making pretty diagrams; they’re about making thinking visible. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or lifelong learner, this tool can transform the way you process and remember information.

So next time you’re overwhelmed by a new topic, skip the endless bullet points and map it out. You might be surprised at how much clearer everything becomes.

Michele Poulos has dedicated more than twenty-five years to education, with experience spanning elementary, secondary, and post-secondary settings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Psychology, and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Human and Learning Science. Throughout her career, she has taught and learned in both traditional classrooms and fully online environments, giving her a unique perspective on how students thrive across modalities. Michele currently serves as the Director of Online Education at Pima Medical Institute, where she oversees online programs, faculty development, and strategic initiatives designed to enhance student learning and success. Her professional accomplishments have been recognized nationally, as she was inducted into Marquis Who’s Who in America for four consecutive years (2022–2025). Her passion for education is matched by her commitment to family life. She resides in Naples, Florida, with her husband and their two children—ten-year-old Trenton and eight-year-old Eliana—who continually inspire her dedication to both teaching and lifelong learning.

References

Nesbit, J. C., & Adesope, O. O. (2006). Learning with concept and knowledge maps: A meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research, 76(3), 413–448. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543076003413

Novak, J. D., & Cañas, A. J. (2008). The theory underlying concept maps and how to construct and use them. Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. Retrieved from http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/ResearchPapers/TheoryUnderlyingConceptMaps.pdf

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October 24, 2025
Effective tools to foster student engagement

Key points:

In my classroom, students increasingly ask for relevant content. Students want to know how what they are learning in school relates to the world beyond the classroom. They want to be engaged in their learning.

In fact, the 2025-2026 Education Insights Report vividly proves that students need and want engaging learning experiences. And it’s not just students who see engagement as important. Engagement is broadly recognized as a key driver of learning and success, with 93 percent of educators agreeing that student engagement is a critical metric for understanding overall achievement. What is more, 99 percent of superintendents believe student engagement is one of the top predictors of success at school.

Creating highly engaging lesson plans that will immerse today’s tech-savvy students in learning can be a challenge, but here are two easy-to-find resources that I can turn to turbo-charge the engagement quotient of my lessons:

Virtual field trips
Virtual field trips empower educators to introduce students to amazing places, new people and ideas, and remarkable experiences–without ever leaving the classroom. There are so many virtual field trips out there, but I always love the ones that Discovery Education creates with partners.

This fall, I plan to take my K-5 students to see the world’s largest solar telescope, located in Hawaii, for a behind-the-scenes tour with the National Science Foundation and Sesame. For those with older grades, I recommend diving into engineering and architecture with the new Forging Innovation: A Mission Possible Virtual Field Trip.

I also love the virtual tours of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Together as a class or individually, students can dive into self-guided, room-by-room tours of several exhibits and areas within the museum from a desktop or smart device. This virtual field trip does include special collections and research areas, like ancient Egypt or the deep ocean. This makes it fun and easy for teachers like me to pick and choose which tour is most relevant to a lesson.

Immersive learning resources
Immersive learning content offers another way to take students to new places and connect the wider world, and universe, to the classroom. Immersive learning can be easily woven into the curriculum to enhance and provide context.

One immersive learning solution I really like is TimePod Adventures from Verizon. It features free time-traveling episodes designed to engage students in places like Mars and prehistoric Earth. Now accessible directly through a web browser on a laptop, Chromebook, or mobile device, students need only internet access and audio output to begin the journey. Guided by an AI-powered assistant and featuring grade-band specific lesson plans, these missions across time and space encourage students to take control, explore incredible environments, and solve complex challenges.

Immersive learning content can be overwhelming at first, but professional development resources are available to help educators build confidence while earning microcredentials. These resources let educators quickly dive into new and innovative techniques and teaching strategies that help increase student engagement.

Taken together, engaging learning opportunities are ones that show students how classrooms learnings directly connect to their real lives. With resources like virtual field trips and immersive learning content, students can dive into school topics in ways that are fun, fresh, and sometimes otherworldly.

Leia J. DePalo, Northport-East Northport Union Free School District

Leia J. (LJ) DePalo is an Elementary STEM and Future Forward Teacher (FFT) in the Northport-East Northport School District with over 20 years of experience in education. LJ holds a Master of Science in Literacy and permanent New York State teaching certifications in Elementary Education, Speech, and Computer Science. A dedicated innovator, she collaborates with teachers to design technology-infused lessons, leads professional development, and choreographs award-winning school musicals. In recognition of her creativity and impact, DePalo was named a 2025 Innovator Grant recipient.

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October 23, 2025
How Windows 11 is powering the next generation of K-12 innovation

Key points:

As school districts navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape, IT and academic leaders face a growing list of challenges–from hybrid learning demands and complex device ecosystems to rising cybersecurity threats and accessibility expectations. To stay ahead, districts need more than incremental upgrades–they need a secure, intelligent, and adaptable technology foundation.

That’s the focus of the new e-book, Smarter, Safer, and Future-Ready: A K-12 Guide to Migrating to Windows 11. This resource takes an in-depth look at how Windows 11 can help school districts modernize their learning environments, streamline device management, and empower students and educators with AI-enhanced tools designed specifically for education.

Readers will discover how Windows 11:

Protects district data with built-in, chip-to-cloud security that guards against ransomware, phishing, and emerging cyberattacks.

Simplifies IT management through automated updates, intuitive deployment tools, and centralized control–freeing IT staff to focus on innovation instead of maintenance.

Drives inclusivity and engagement with enhanced accessibility features, flexible interfaces, and AI-powered personalization that help every learner succeed.

Supports hybrid and remote learning with seamless collaboration tools and compatibility across a diverse range of devices.

The e-book also outlines practical strategies for planning a smooth Windows 11 migration–whether upgrading existing systems or introducing new devices–so institutions can maximize ROI while minimizing disruption.

For CIOs, IT directors, and district technology strategists, this guide provides a blueprint for turning technology into a true driver of academic excellence, operational efficiency, and district resilience.

Download the e-book today to explore how Windows 11 is helping K-12 districts become smarter, safer, and more future-ready than ever before.

Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.

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October 23, 2025
Do screens help or hurt K-8 learning? Lessons from the UK’s OPAL program

Key points:

When our leadership team at Firthmoor Primary met with an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) representative, one message came through clearly: “Play isn’t a break from learning, it is learning.”

As she flipped through slides, we saw examples from other schools where playgrounds were transformed into hubs of creativity. There were “play stations” where children could build, imagine, and collaborate. One that stood out for me was the simple addition of a music station, where children could dance to songs during break time, turning recess into an outlet for joy, self-expression, and community.

The OPAL program is not about giving children “more time off.” It’s about making play purposeful, inclusive, and developmental. At Firthmoor, our head teacher has made OPAL part of the long-term school plan, ensuring that playtime builds creativity, resilience, and social skills just as much as lessons in the classroom.

After seeing these OPAL examples, I couldn’t help but think about how different this vision is from what dominates the conversation in so many schools: technology. While OPAL emphasizes unstructured play, movement, and creativity, most education systems, both in the UK and abroad, are under pressure to adopt more edtech. The argument is that early access to screens helps children personalize their learning, build digital fluency, and prepare for a future where tech skills are essential.

But what happens when those two philosophies collide?

On one side, programs like OPAL remind us that children need hands-on experiences, imagination, and social connection–skills that can’t be replaced by a tablet. On the other, schools around the world are racing to keep pace with the digital age.

Even in Silicon Valley, where tech innovation is born, schools like the Waldorf School of the Peninsula have chosen to go screen-free in early years. Their reasoning echoes OPAL’s ethos: Creativity and deep human interaction lay stronger cognitive and emotional foundations than any app can provide.

Research supports this caution. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health advises parents and schools to carefully balance screen use with physical activity, sleep, and family interaction. And in 2023, UNESCO warned that “not all edtech improves learning outcomes, and some displace play and social interaction.” Similarly, the OECD’s 2021 report found that heavy screen use among 10-year-olds correlated with lower well-being scores, highlighting the risks of relying too heavily on devices in the early years.

As a governor, I see both sides: the enthusiasm for digital tools that promise engagement and efficiency, and the concern for children’s well-being and readiness for lifelong learning. OPAL has made me think about what kind of foundations we want to lay before layering on technology.

So where does this leave us? For me, the OPAL initiative at Firthmoor is a powerful reminder that education doesn’t have to be an either/or choice between tech and tradition. The real challenge is balance.

This raises important questions for all of us in education:

When is the right time to introduce technology?

How do we balance digital fluency with the need for deep, human-centered learning?

Where do we draw the line between screens and play, and who gets to decide?

This is a conversation not just for educators, but for parents, policymakers, and communities. How do we want the next generation to learn, play, and thrive?

Nesren El-Baz, ESL Educator

Nesren El-Baz is an ESL educator with over 20 years of experience, and is a certified bilingual teacher with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. El-Baz is currently based in the UK, holds a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Houston Christian University, and specializes in developing in innovative strategies for English Learners and Bilingual education.

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October 22, 2025
How interactive tech simplifies IT and supercharges learning

Key points:

Today’s school IT teams juggle endless demands–secure systems, manageable devices, and tight budgets–all while supporting teachers who need tech that just works.

That’s where interactive displays come in. Modern, OS-agnostic solutions like Promethean’s ActivPanel 10 Premium simplify IT management, integrate seamlessly with existing systems, and cut down on maintenance headaches. For schools, that means fewer compatibility issues, stronger security, and happier teachers.

But these tools do more than make IT’s job easier–they transform teaching and learning. Touch-enabled collaboration, instant feedback, and multimedia integration turn passive lessons into dynamic, inclusive experiences that keep students engaged and help teachers do their best work.

Built to last, interactive displays also support long-term sustainability goals and digital fluency–skills that carry from classroom to career.

Discover how interactive technology delivers 10 powerful benefits for schools.

Download the full report and see how interactive solutions can help your district simplify IT, elevate instruction, and create future-ready classrooms.

Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.

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October 22, 2025
5 essential AI tech tools for back-to-school success

Key points:

By now, the 2025-2026 school year is well underway. The glow of new beginnings has faded, and the process of learning has begun in earnest. No doubt there is plenty to do, but I recommend that educators take a moment and check in on their teaching toolkit.

The tools of our trade are always evolving, and if our students are going to get the most out of their time in class, it’s important for us to familiarize ourselves with the newest resources for sparking curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. This includes the latest AI programs that are making their way into the classroom.

Here are five AI tech tools that I believe are essential for back-to-school success:

ChatGPT: ChatGPT has quickly become the all-in-one tool for generating anything and everything. Many educators are (rightly) concerned about ChatGPT’s potential for student cheating, but this AI can also serve as a built-in assistant for creating welcome letters, student-friendly syllabi, and other common documents for the classroom. If it’s used responsibly, ChatGPT can assist teachers by cutting out the busy work involved when planning and implementing lessons.

ClassroomScreen: ClassroomScreen functions as a modern-day chalkboard. This useful tool lets teachers project a variety of information on screen while simultaneously performing classroom tasks. Teachers can take straw polls, share inspiring quotes, detail the morning schedule, and even monitor volume without opening a single tab. It’s a simple, multipurpose tool for classroom coordination.

SchoolAI: SchoolAI is a resource generator that provides safe, teacher-guided interactions between students and AI. With AI becoming increasingly common, it’s vital that students are taught how to use it safely, effectively, and responsibly. SchoolAI can help with this task by cultivating student curiosity and critical thinking without doing the work for them. Best of all, teachers remain at the helm the entire time, ensuring an additional layer of instruction and protection.

Snorkl: Snorkl is a feedback tool, providing students with instant feedback on their responses. This AI program allows students to record their thinking process on a digital whiteboard using a variety of customizable tools. With Snorkl, a teacher could send students a question with an attached image, then have them respond using audio, visual tools such as highlighting, and much more. It’s the perfect way to inject a little creativity into a lesson while making it memorable, meaningful, and fun!

Suno: Suno is unique in that it specializes in creative song generation. Looking for an engaging way to teach fractions? Upload your lesson to Suno and it can generate a catchy, educational song in the style of your favorite artist. Suno even allows users to customize lyrics so that the songs stay relevant to the lesson at hand. If you need a resource that can get students excited about learning, then Suno will be the perfect addition to your teaching toolkit!

The world of education is always changing, and today’s technology may be outdated within a matter of years. Still, the mission of educators remains the same: to equip students with the skills, determination, and growth mindset they need to thrive in an uncertain future. By integrating effective tools into the classroom, we can guide them toward a brighter tomorrow–one where inquiry and critical thinking continue to flourish, both within the classroom and beyond.

Jamie MacPherson, Van Andel Institute for Education

Jamie MacPherson is a Learning Specialist at Van Andel Institute for Education, a Michigan-based education nonprofit dedicated to creating classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive.

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October 21, 2025
Smarter, faster, and more secure classroom connectivity

Key points:

As digital learning continues to evolve, K-12 districts are under pressure to deliver connectivity that’s as fast, secure, and flexible as the learning it supports. Outdated infrastructure can’t keep up with the growing demands of cloud-based instruction, data-heavy applications, and connected devices across campuses, buses, and beyond.

In this can’t-miss webinar, you’ll hear how forward-thinking school systems are building future-ready networks–combining 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi-as-WAN, and hybrid solutions to power learning anywhere, protect sensitive data, and stretch limited budgets even further with strategic E-rate funding.

In just one session, you’ll walk away with actionable insights on how to:

Modernize district and campus networks with hybrid WAN architectures that keep uptime consistent and students connected

Extend connectivity beyond the classroom–to buses, portables, athletic fields, and events–with mobile Wi-Fi, POS tools, location services, and security integrations

Simplify network management and strengthen protection through centralized cloud control, out-of-band alerts, and zero-trust security principles

Whether you’re upgrading your network or rethinking your entire connectivity strategy, this session will help you turn today’s infrastructure challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

Don’t fall behind–learn how leading K-12 IT professionals are future-proofing their districts and powering digital learning at scale.

Register now to reserve your spot and secure your district’s digital future!

Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.

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October 21, 2025

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