For many teachers, edtech conferences are a major highlight of the school year and a great opportunity to connect with fellow educators. So besides packing their bags, laptops, agendas and passports, teachers can do a little extra something: their pre conference homework. In order to get the most out of your time, here are some steps to help you navigate the exhibition area like a pro.

A general concern with the notion of 3D printing in the classroom is that it seems a rather expensive way to stimulate student interest. And while that is not particularly false, using a 3D printer in instruction can also provide a new context for learning, and allow students to practice not only interdisciplinary skills, but also a fair amount of problem solving and critical thinking.

Data has been used as a tool to evaluate metrics that demonstrate why students should choose one learning center over another: enrollment rates, higher graduation rates, and better test scores. But these do not directly correlate to better student outcomes. To ensure that, you should leverage the power of Big Data. We recommend 4 considerations for doing so.

Instructional Technology Coaching (ITC) is a prevalent method of deploying on-going professional development for teachers, with a specific focus on the integration of technology into both the curriculum, as well as the method of instruction. So herewith 12 rules I have developed, using the resources you will find at the end of the blog, to keep your coaching relevant, interesting and even fun.

Around 17% of American students experience bullying two to three times a month and according to the US Department of Health & Human Services, 50 percent of children aged 4 through 12 are bullied. Aside from children reporting instances of bullying and cyberbullying to their parents and teachers, experts note that the public school system has other options to help students. Tracking a student’s performance is one of those ways.

I prefer narrative studies in this blog, digging for real-world examples of teachers and schools that are making a difference. But data can also tell an interesting story, and I thought to share with you some interesting facts and figures that, when viewed at a distance, show us how far we have come as a national body of educators, and how far we have left to go in terms of challenges ranging from poverty gaps, staff equity and school infrastructure.

There is among K-12 schools a veritable on-rush to put a device in the hands of every student; a laudable and necessary ambition. However, while there are certainly successes, very many teachers and superintendents report that 1:1 programs are not correctly integrated, that the necessary training is not available, and that the focus is very much more on the “device” than what the device can do in terms of enhanced learning opportunities and outcomes.

Despite the advantages, PD is a challenge for many teachers. Not only do they not necessarily have the time to complete the required PD hours, but in many instances PD courses do not necessarily fit with their particular professional interests or are not nuanced enough to address specific professional goals. Fortunately technology, specifically in the form of micro-credentials, makes everything easier.