Your Backstage Pass to ISTE's Future
Flipboard EDU Podcast: ISTE Media Meeting Insights
The Scoop You Need
We just wrapped an episode covering the ISTE Media Meeting. If you missed any of the action or want a quick recap, read on. Get key insights and big announcements. These points will shape the future of education technology and instructional leadership.
What’s New at ISTE/ASCD?
Richard Culatta (CEO, ISTE) and Joseph South (ISTE Leadership) kicked off our session. They shared their vision for the year. Here's what stood out:
EdTech Index Relaunch: ISTE and ASCD address evaluating edtech tools. The new EdTech Index helps schools save up to 1,000 hours each year. It puts trusted, third-party product evaluations in one place. It includes validation checks and works with platforms educators already use, like Clever and Lightspeed. Find more information at edtechindex.org.
Expo Hall With Purpose: Edtech vendors can't just pay for a spot at ISTE. Priority booth spots go to products that show quality through third-party validation. This pushes for higher industry standards. Check out the new Trailblazer Stage for expert guidance on the expo.
AI in Education: Generation AI: Educators are grappling with AI's emergence. ISTE's Generation AI effort aims to make 200,000 educators "AI-ready" in two years. This happens through targeted courses in English, Spanish, and Arabic. It includes partnerships with teacher-prep programs. This effort also reaches historically underserved communities.
Instructional Leader Certification: Instructional leaders now have a way to hone their skills. This new, research-based certification fills a gap. It supports those helping classroom teaching and school improvement beyond just administration.
Promoting Healthy Digital Culture: With Pinterest-support, ISTE works with 12 school districts. They build strong digital literacy, citizenship, and wellness programs. Expect new resources, including a video playbook. This captures best practices for positive digital habits in schools.
Partnering with Instagram for Student Safety: Instagram-is addressing bullying and harmful social media content. Verified districts can flag problematic accounts for priority removal. More support is coming for managing "fight pages" and anonymous bullying accounts.
Hot Topics & Future Directions
Data Privacy & Evaluation: The EdTech Index will refresh product ratings. This happens as privacy policies and rules change. Trusted certifiers, like Common Sense Media, help update this resource.
AI & The Structure of Schooling: Panelists discussed the future of learning. Can AI help reimagine the "factory model" of education? AI can personalize learning. But strong relationships and teaching must stay central.
Equity & Teacher Preparation: There's a focus on inclusion. Outreach to HBCUs and groups serving Indigenous, Black, and Latino educators ensures all communities are ready.
LOOKING AHEAD
ISTE/ASCD commits to:
Raising the bar for edtech quality.
Getting educators ready for responsible AI.
Building a healthy digital environment for students and school leaders.
Want the full conversation? Join us in our next Flipboard EDU Podcast episode. We'll have deeper dives, guest interviews, and answer your questions!
Stay curious, stay connected,
– Coach Jeffery and the Flipboard EDU Podcast Team
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