Google Classroom unveils new tools for upcoming school year

New to the Google Classroom tool belt is a communication app to keep parents informed, an annotation tool, new VR “expeditions" and more.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 18, 2016

Gamified computer science courses help expand access

Schools that don’t have trained computer science teachers can start with CodeCombat’s game-based platform, which teaches students to code as they progress through a game.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 17, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

STEM

From AI to quantum physics, STEM learning opportunities in K-12 are expanding to keep pace with related fields.

By K-12 Dive staff

Schools using robots for collaboration, deeper learning

An Oklahoma elementary school won $50,000 for its collaboration with East Central University ed tech instructors, while English teachers are finding unlikely uses for the machines.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 17, 2016

Educators could take page from machine learning handbook

While early programmers gave machines specific instructions, today’s engineers teach computers algorithms that help them make sense of new inputs on their own.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 17, 2016

Flipped classrooms can reshape student learning metrics

Flipped classrooms can set the stage for personalized learning, assessments based on competency mastery and a shift toward standards-based grading.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 16, 2016

Five fun ways to introduce electronics into your classroom

Teaching abstract electronics concepts to students can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be.

Aug. 16, 2016

Texas high school finances STEM wing via Office Depot partnership

The office supply store chain helped design and fund the 28,000-square-foot addition with 12 classrooms, two engineering labs, five computer labs and an incubator space. 

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 15, 2016

Poverty, MOOCs and resignations: The week's most-read education news

Stay ahead of the class with the latest on how MOOCs are being used as tools for equity in underserved high schools and more right here!

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 12, 2016

Blended learning contributed to culture shift in DC schools

Public schools in the nation's capital are four years into an initiative that has changed the way educators teach and even think about organizing their classrooms.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 12, 2016

Safety precautions a must when students take devices home

Google's built-in protections, combined with teacher-administered browser limits and additional software, can keep students and devices safe after school.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 12, 2016

Facebook-backed LMS gives students more lesson plan power

The Summit Personalized Learning Platform, created by charter network Summit Public Schools with Facebook funding, shows students a year’s worth of lessons and lets them choose.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 11, 2016

Schools may look to ISPs for help closing digital divide

Some internet service providers have taken steps to offer students without access to internet at home low-cost services, devices and training that help entire families.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 11, 2016

Computer-based standardized tests create barriers for some students

New exams aligned with the Common Core State Standards were harder than their predecessors, but students taking them online had an even tougher time.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 10, 2016

STEM effort looks to provide foundation in preschool

The 'Seeds of STEM' curriculum is still being developed, but it expects to introduce preschoolers to the problem-solving process that is basic to STEM fields.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 10, 2016

MOOCs as tools for equity in under-resourced high schools

Boston University and Davidson College have begun using massive open online course platform edX to improve access and quality in high school AP courses.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 8, 2016

1:1 success, gig economy and workforce diversity: The week's most-read education news

Stay ahead of the class with the latest on Next Generation Science Standards, the pros and cons of institutional mergers and more right here.

By Roger Riddell • Aug. 5, 2016

Increasing affordability demands consideration of VR's ed value

There are financial and logistical challenges to using VR in the classroom, but good content can give students opportunities to see distant places or travel in time to enhance lessons.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 5, 2016

AT&T to face $106K FCC fine for E-Rate violation

The telecomm company overcharged two Florida school districts by nearly $64,000, which the agency wants it to pay back along with a $106,425 fine.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 5, 2016

LMS no more? Race is on for next-gen digital learning environment

Learning management systems have revolutionized the way schools operate, but the classroom of the future requires a new approach.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 4, 2016

Parent-teacher communication apps leaving handwritten notes in the past

Several new apps may be a good alternative to sending notes home and trusting students to deliver them as educators seek to boost parental engagement for student success.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 4, 2016

Charter network showcases ed tech partnership best practices

Leadership Public Schools solicited the help of Gooru to make personalized learning software, but only after it identified a clear problem it wanted to solve. 

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 4, 2016

Why Pokemon Go shows the future of learning gamification

Mobile gaming has garnered strong attention over recent years – and it’s also taking the learning market by storm.

By Tess Taylor • Aug. 3, 2016

Pilots let districts test-drive new tech before larger investments

Two schools in Rhode Island and Missouri are among those that have used pilots to test out new tech and get teachers on board ahead of larger commitments.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 3, 2016

Despite infrastructure hurdles, ed tech holds many benefits

Pew research finds 80% of K-12 schools do not have good enough internet to meet their tech needs.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 3, 2016

AR doesn't necessarily need tech to reach the classroom

Augmented reality, which simply means extra information is overlaid onto the real world, exploded in popularity with the release of Pokemon Go — and teachers can use it to motivate students.

By Tara García Mathewson • Aug. 2, 2016