EdTech

Education Technology is a multi-billion dollar sector of companies innovating in both software and hardware for teaching, learning, and running schools, districts, and state and federal education departments. We document some of the most essential technical innovations and companies that support learning, teaching and more.

EdTech

iNACOL Hosts Webinar On Digital Learning Policy Updates

Getting Smart Staff

The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) plans to host a webinar tomorrow, January 11, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. EST on "Next Steps for Digital Learning Now," which will focus on the continued work of the Digital Learning Council to implement state-level online learning policy changes.

EdTech

Washington State Falls Behind In EdReform

Getting Smart Staff

The Seattle Times reported this week that the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that the Legislature hasn't met constitutional obligations to pay for basic education in a lawsuit led by districts, educators, parents, and community groups against the state this week. Lawmakers, who convene this week, are expected to fully implement edreforms by 2018.

EdTech

New Report States Online Learning Is Two-Thirds the Cost

Getting Smart Staff

The Thomas B. Fordham Institute released today "The Costs of Online Learning," a report by Parthenon Group that estimates fulltime virtual and blended schools cost considerably less per pupil than traditional brick-and-mortar public schools. While costs vary within many of the models, on average, fulltime virtual schools cost up to a third less per pupil than conventional schools.

EdTech

Are You Left or Right Brain?

Getting Smart Staff

Right brain versus left brain learning has been a longstanding debate among other science theories around learning styles. Yet, the bottom line is that different parts of our brains take on different functions and tasks to help us learn. Just as some might have stronger upper arm strength over lower leg strength, our brains have their strengths as well. Developing exercises that target these areas can improve our comprehension, retention and efficiency in learning new subjects.
EdTech

Q&A: The Educational World Is Flat

Guest Author

Tom Vander Ark is an educational innovator who thinks like an engineer. He is currently the CEO of Open Educational Solutions, a partner in Learn Capital, and director of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning. Previously he served as President of the X PRIZE Foundation and was the Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He is a prolific writer and speaker, and in 2006 Newsweek readers voted Tom the most influential baby boomer in education.

EdTech

‘A Smile As Big As the Moon’ Airs ABC January 29th

Getting Smart Staff

ABC Network airs its Hallmark's Hall of Fame feature "A Smile As Big As the Moon," an inspiring story of a high school football coach and special education teacher who took a class of special education students to NASA's Space Camp, Sunday, January 29 from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. EST.

EdTech

The Alliance Addresses New Digital Learning Imperatives In K12

Getting Smart Staff

This month, the former Governor Bob Wise's Alliance for Excellent Education (Alliance) released "The Digital Imperative: How Technology and Teaching Meet Today's Education Challenges," a report showcasing the ways technology can better prepare students for college and career as an update to its report nearly two years ago.