Learn21's Weekly EdTech Update

February 20, 2025

Driving K-12 Innovation: Navigating the Future of Education

by Stacy Hawthorne Ed.D.

As a proud member of the Advisory Committee for CoSN's "Driving K-12 Innovation 2025" report, I had the privilege of contributing to a dialogue that shapes the trajectory of educational technology. This report is more than a document; it's a call to action for educators, policymakers, and technology leaders.

The Hurdles: Challenges We Must Confront

The report identifies three critical hurdles that impede progress:

1. Attracting & Retaining Educators and IT Professionals: The education sector faces an ongoing struggle to recruit and maintain talented educators and IT staff, driven by issues such as inadequate compensation, burnout, and competitive private-sector opportunities.
2. Evolution of Teaching & Learning: Traditional pedagogical models are increasingly out of sync with the demands of a rapidly changing world. There is an urgent need to embrace flexible, student-centered learning environments supported by technology and evidence-based practices.
3. Digital Equity: Access to high-quality digital resources remains uneven. True equity goes beyond providing devices and internet access to include digital literacy, inclusive content, and meaningful learning opportunities for all students.

The Accelerators: Catalysts for Change

Innovation in education is propelled by key accelerators:

1. Learner Agency: Empowering students to take ownership of their learning fosters deeper engagement and prepares them for lifelong success.
2. Building the Human Capacity of Leaders: Strong leadership is essential for fostering environments where innovation thrives. Professional development and a culture of continuous learning are critical.
3. Changing Attitudes Toward Demonstrating Learning: There is a growing recognition that traditional assessments do not fully capture student learning. Embracing alternative, competency-based assessments can provide a more comprehensive view of student achievement.

The Tech Enablers: Tools for Transformation

Technology serves as both a tool and a bridge to innovation:

1. Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI): Gen AI is revolutionizing education by personalizing learning experiences, supporting administrative tasks, and providing real-time feedback. Ethical and effective implementation is key.
2. Analytics & Adaptive Technologies: Data-driven insights help tailor instruction to meet diverse student needs, promoting personalized learning pathways.
3. Untethered Broadband & Connectivity: Reliable, high-speed internet access is foundational for modern education, enabling anytime, anywhere learning.

Why This Matters

Understanding these hurdles, accelerators, and tech enablers is crucial for K-12 leaders aiming to create dynamic, equitable, and future-ready learning environments. CoSN's report provides a comprehensive framework to guide strategic planning and decision-making.

CoSN's Leadership in EdTech

CoSN continues to be a leader in supporting K-12 education technology. Their commitment to vendor-neutral, research-based resources empowers districts to make informed decisions that enhance teaching and learning.

A Personal Note

Being part of this Advisory Committee has been an enriching experience, allowing me to collaborate with global thought leaders and contribute to meaningful change. The discussions and insights shared have deepened my understanding of the complexities and opportunities within K-12 education. You can check out some of my insights on pages 24 and 26, where I delve into the transformative trends that are not just influencing but redefining K-12 education.

Call to Action

I encourage all education stakeholders to engage with the "Driving K-12 Innovation 2025" report. Reflect on its findings, discuss them within your professional communities, and consider how they can inform your strategies. Together, we can navigate the future of education with purpose and innovation.



Read the full report here.

Media Literacy Minute

UConn Students Investigate U.S. Media Bias on Communism

A student-led project at the University of Connecticut’s IDEA program examines how U.S. media covers communist political ideologies. Their research reveals key patterns in bias and provides insights into how different media outlets frame political discussions [UConn Today].

📊 Survey: How College Students Engage with Media Literacy

A new survey from Inside Higher Ed examines how well college students understand media literacy and their confidence in identifying misinformation. The findings suggest that while many students are aware of media bias, they still struggle with verification skills and critically evaluating sources.



📰 Kid Scoop Combines News and Media Literacy for Young Readers

Columbia Gorge News highlights Kid Scoop, a program designed to introduce young students to media literacy through engaging news content. The initiative fosters early critical thinking skills and encourages kids to analyze news sources and credibility.

Tapping into the Digital Braintrust: How Message Boards, Podcasts, and Influencers Can Boost Your EdTech Knowledge

by Kimberly McClain, Ed.D.

Staying ahead in the world of educational technology is no small feat. With new tools, teaching methodologies, and digital platforms emerging at lightning speed, how do educators, administrators, and tech enthusiasts keep up? The answer is simple: they tap into the collective wisdom of the digital braintrust. From message boards to podcasts and influencers, there's a world of insights waiting for you online—no need for a crystal ball, just good Wi-Fi.

Message Boards: The Virtual Teacher’s Lounge

If you’ve ever wished for an endless supply of coffee and like-minded peers who are just as passionate about EdTech as you are, look no further than online message boards. These digital spaces are goldmines for discussions, troubleshooting, and idea-sharing. And the best part? No one will judge your excessive use of emojis.

ISTE Connect – A go-to destination for educators looking to discuss best practices, emerging tools, and the latest research in educational technology. Whether you want to dive into AI in the classroom or explore digital citizenship strategies, ISTE's message boards are packed with engaging conversations—no pop quizzes required.

CoSN Network – If you’re an IT director, administrator, or someone focused on strategic tech integration, CoSN’s message boards are a must-visit. Here, you can explore topics like cybersecurity, data privacy, and network infrastructure—all crucial aspects of creating a seamless and secure EdTech environment. Just think of it as an IT help desk, but without the long wait times. 

Podcasts: Learn While You Multitask

Imagine turning your morning commute, dog walk, or gym session into an EdTech masterclass. Podcasts offer bite-sized, engaging content that keeps you updated without requiring extra screen time. Multitasking for the win!

• The EdSurge Podcast – Bringing you the latest trends, challenges, and success stories in EdTech, this podcast features interviews with educators, administrators, and thought leaders in the field. No lecture halls required.
• The House of #EdTech – Focused on technology’s evolving role in education, this podcast breaks down tools, trends, and strategies educators can implement immediately. Bonus: No heavy lifting involved.
• Check This Out Podcast – Hosted by Ryan O’Donnell and Brian Briggs, this podcast offers practical EdTech tips with a fun and engaging approach. Think of it as professional development, but with way more personality.
• Google Teacher Podcast – A valuable resource for educators looking to maximize Google tools in their classrooms. Because who doesn’t love a good Google Docs hack?
• Shukes and Giff Podcast – A dynamic and lighthearted EdTech podcast hosted by Kim Pollishuke and Jen Giffen. Expect insightful discussions with a side of laughs.

Influencers: Your Digital Mentors

Social media is a powerful tool for learning, and following the right influencers can provide a steady stream of inspiration, practical tips, and industry insights. Bluesky, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube are filled with passionate educators and tech leaders who share their expertise daily—like a never-ending professional development conference (minus the awkward small talk).

• Dr. Stacy Hawthorne – Our own Chief Academic Officer and Advisory Board member at CoSN, Stacy shares her insights on student data privacy, media literacy, AI and a litany of valuable EdTech information. 
• Kasey Bell – A Google Certified Trainer, Kasey shares valuable EdTech resources and professional development strategies. She’s basically a one-stop shop for digital learning goodness.
• Dr. Monica Burns – A champion of EdTech integration, Dr. Burns shares actionable tips, app recommendations, and digital lesson strategies. Think of her as your digital fairy godmother of tech tips.
• Richard Byrne – Creator of Free Technology for Teachers, Richard regularly shares reviews and tips on the latest educational tools. Think of him as your tech-shopping guide—minus the pushy sales pitch.
• Jennifer Gonzalez – While not strictly an EdTech influencer, Jennifer's deep dives into teaching strategies often include discussions on how technology can enhance learning. Bonus: Her content is binge-worthy.
• Jake Miller – Known for his engaging GIF tutorials and clear EdTech breakdowns, Jake helps educators master new tools with ease. No tech headaches here!
• Matt Miller – The author of Ditch That Textbook, Matt provides insights into innovative teaching strategies and technology integration. Perfect for those ready to take their classrooms from “meh” to “wow.”

Bringing It All Together

The best part about tapping into message boards, podcasts, and influencers? You don’t have to choose just one! Engage in message board discussions to get personalized advice, listen to podcasts for high-level trends, and follow influencers for daily inspiration. Together, these resources create a well-rounded, ongoing EdTech education that fits into your busy schedule—like a perfectly optimized lesson plan.

So, whether you're an educator looking to implement the latest digital tools or an administrator working on school-wide tech strategies, the wisdom of the digital EdTech community is just a click, tap, or play button away. Dive in, connect, and keep innovating—because in the world of EdTech, there’s always extra credit for curiosity!

Big Ideas

The Darth Vader of the Deep

A newly discovered deep-sea isopod off the coast of Vietnam has an uncanny resemblance to Darth Vader’s helmet—and a fascinating evolutionary history. This giant sea bug, related to pill bugs and lobsters, has adapted to life in the abyss, proving that the natural world still has plenty of surprises. As we continue to explore Earth’s most remote places, what other "alien" life forms might be lurking in the depths? (CNN)

Rethinking High School Performance

A new Brookings study argues that GPA alone isn’t enough to measure high school success. Looking beyond traditional transcripts, researchers highlight alternative ways to assess student performance and readiness for college or careers. Could this shift in perspective lead to better educational equity and more personalized learning paths? I mean let’s face it, not all high school diplomas are created equally.

The Ultimate AI vs. Human Music Quiz

How well can you recognize a melody? This interactive quiz from Harvard’s Music Lab challenges you to distinguish between AI-generated tunes and real human compositions. It’s a fun experiment—but it also raises big questions about creativity, artistry, and what makes music truly "human."

Learn21 at DLAC 2025

The Digital Learning Annual Conference (DLAC) 2025 is just around the corner, and Learn21 is excited to showcase our expertise through a variety of engaging presentations. Covering key topics such as media literacy, AI in education, cybersecurity, and emotional well-being in online classrooms, our team will be delivering valuable insights to educators, administrators, and EdTech professionals. Here’s a look at our scheduled sessions:

Monday, February 24, 2025

From Clickbait to Credibility: Mastering Media Literacy in an AI World

2:10 PM – 3:00 PM (Location: A703)

Session Type: Explore and Engage

Presenters: Erica Shumaker, MAEd, CETL; Carly Ghantous, M.Ed.; Stacy Hawthorne, Ed.D., CETL, CCRE

The Creative Leader's Blueprint: Fostering Resilience in Education

4:05 PM – 4:15 PM (Location: M302)

Session Type: PechaKucha

Presenter: Stacy Hawthorne, Ed.D., CETL, CCRE

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

From Concept to Classroom: Implementing AI for Good in Schools

9:50 AM – 10:10 AM (Location: M302)

Session Type: Contributed Talk

Presenters: Carly Ghantous, M.Ed.; Stacy Hawthorne, Ed.D., CETL, CCRE; Erica Shumaker, MAEd, CETL

Cybersecurity in Online Education

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM (Location: L503)

Session Type: Explore and Engage

Presenter: Stacy Hawthorne, Ed.D., CETL, CCRE

SEL in Bytes: Quick Wins for Emotional Well-Being in Online Classrooms

3:35 PM – 3:45 PM (Location: M302)

Session Type: PechaKucha

Presenter: Erica Shumaker, MAEd

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Cybersecurity and Student Data Privacy - What You Need to Know from a Non-Techy Perspective

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM (Location: M301)

Session Type: Panel Discussion

Presenters: Stacy Hawthorne, Ed.D., CETL, CCRE; Patrick Devanney; Jason Schmidt

The Power of Prompting: Collaborating, not Copying

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM (Location: A706)

Session Type: Explore and Engage

Presenter: Carly Ghantous, M.Ed.

We are looking forward to connecting with fellow educators, thought leaders, and innovators at DLAC 2025. Be sure to mark your calendars for these sessions and join us as we explore the future of digital learning together!

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