The edtech marketplace is quite extensive, and there are now literally hundreds of instructional apps and software programs for educators to choose from. With all the choices available, choosing appropriate classroom technology can seem like a daunting task.

But it doesn’t have to be. With the right process in place for evaluating instructional technology, K-12 teachers and curriculum directors can choose the most suitable tools for their classrooms with minimal effort. Here are seven important factors to consider when evaluating technology for the classroom.

To realize the promise of digital learning, schools will need secure, reliable broadband networks. The federal E-Rate program can help; however, the application process can be challenging to navigate.

This guide aims to help K-12 leaders successfully leverage E-Rate discounts to transform teaching and learning. It provides an overview of the program, insights on the application process and strategies to help districts secure the funding they’re entitled to.

Esports has become a significant part of the entertainment landscape, as more and more viewers are tuning in to watch their favorite games being played by the best gamers in the world. As esports has surged in popularity, a growing number of high schools and even middle schools are creating esports programs of their own. If you haven’t created an esports program at your school or district, there are many compelling reasons to do so. Here are five to consider.

The pandemic has hastened schools’ investment in edtech tools and competencies. In shifting to remote learning, many school systems gave
students devices so they could learn from home, and educators have learned new skills for teaching with digital platforms. Now, as K-12 leaders plan for the future, they have a unique opportunity to leverage their investment in technology and build on these new skills to transform teaching and learning for a new era.

Widespread internet access, increased use of mobile devices, and online learning and smart classroom tools help schools reach their education goals. Use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices like sensors for energy conservation and security can contain costs and streamline school management. While these important changes enhance teaching and improve operations, they create a huge surface for cyberattacks. To change their risk profile, K-12 schools and districts need to adopt new network security practices.

The federal E-rate program no longer supports voice–related services, putting a huge strain on K-12 budgets. With this change, K-12 leaders are forced to find more cost-effective solutions that meet their critical voice communications needs.

Thanks largely to the federal E-rate program, 99 percent of America’s schools now have high-speed broadband connections capable of providing enough bandwidth to enable their students and teachers to use technology in the classroom. But K-12 technology leaders can’t afford to rest on this accomplishment. As applications like streaming video, online collaboration and esports become more common, bandwidth needs are rising exponentially. Schools will need to continue leveraging the E-rate program to keep ahead of these requirements. Given the complexity of the E-rate process, we’ve compiled a number of planning tools to help you fully understand and leverage available E-rate funds — and create more opportunities for your students.

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are designed to flood and overwhelm a school or district’s internet connectivity to block access to online resources. Attacks can cost schools and districts significant time and money, in addition to lost community confidence. Yet, many schools underestimate the chance of attack.

The digitization of K-12 education makes schools an attractive target for cybercriminals. Widespread internet access, mobile devices, online learning and smart classroom tools enhance teaching
— but, they also create a huge attack surface.

Bandwidth-intensive applications such as streaming video, esports and online collaboration are becoming more common in K-12 schools. Remote and hybrid learning are putting strain on school district networks. Smart networked infrastructure such as lighting, door locks and security cameras are also testing network capacity. To keep their organizations ahead of the curve, K-12 IT leaders must understand their own network demands and have a forward-looking plan for addressing them.

Doing more with less has become almost a cliché. Yet, for many K-12 employees it’s become business as usual. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Managed network and security services can help schools solve this challenge, empowering IT staff to truly do more with less. Read this white paper to find out how a managed approach to network technology allows school leaders to invest in a solution that matches their current demands but can easily expand to accommodate future requirements.

As K-12 leaders prepare for a future beyond the pandemic, innovation will play a critical role. Not only will many schools continue to offer remote and hybrid learning options for students post-pandemic, but the skills and confidence that educators have developed in teaching with technology have them well positioned for further edtech advancements. This white paper takes a closer look at why it’s important for school systems to modernize their IT infrastructure and examines what that entails.

A successful K12 esports program relies on many components, such as a knowledgeable faculty adviser and support from school administration. A well-equipped esports infrastructure — including the space, furnishings, computers and connectivity that students will use to compete — is also essential. This white paper examines the core components of an esports infrastructure that will position your program for success.

Imagine how powerful it would be if all of the various systems and applications used by K-12 school systems could easily “talk” to each other and share information, with data flowing seamlessly from one application to another. Schools could realize huge operational efficiencies. More importantly, teachers and administrators would have clearer insight into each student’s needs. This white paper explains why this level of interoperability is important and what it will take for K-12 school districts to reach this goal.

Fortunately, new WiFi technologies have emerged that can improve the throughput speeds for each network user. The amount of E-rate funding available for WiFi services over a five-year period has also just increased. These developments make it a great time to upgrade K-12 WiFi networks, especially if you haven’t done so in a while. This guide explains how to leverage recent E-rate changes to upgrade your wireless technology, how to plan effectively for your WiFi needs and why you should consider managed WiFi as an alternative to buying wireless equipment.

Cyber attacks might not be completely avoidable, but there are steps that K-12 leaders can take to reduce the odds of a successful attack. The first step is to understand the nature of the threats they face and where they’re most vulnerable. To enhance this understanding, here are seven cybersecurity facts that every K-12 leader should know — along with recommendations to help districts keep their networks and data secure.

This guide offers a roadmap to help K-12 leaders successfully leverage federal E-rate discounts to expand digital learning opportunities for their students. It provides an overview of the program, insights on the application process and strategies to help districts secure the discounts they’re entitled to.

The global pandemic has accelerated investment in edtech tools and competencies. Now, as K-12 leaders plan for the future, they have a key opportunity to leverage their investment in technology and build on these new skills to transform teaching and learning for a new era. For this special report, we assembled a panel of stakeholders to reflect on their experiences over the last year and a half and share their thoughts about what the future holds for schools—and what it will take to move digital learning forward.

The COVID-19 pandemic sounded the alarm on an already-stubborn problem: the students who fall behind due to the digital divide and the homework gap

K-12 stakeholders saw the value of digital learning firsthand when schools shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic. Suddenly, teachers who’d seldom used technology for instruction were creating online lessons and using web conferencing platforms to connect with students.

Out of necessity, teachers’ proficiency with digital tools and resources has increased as a result of the pandemic. It’s likely that many of the practices that emerged in the shift to online instruction will continue long after schools reopen. That’s important, because digital learning allows for more personalized, engaging and student-centered instruction. It empowers students to take control of their education, leading to more active learning strategies and a deeper understanding of content. Learn more now.