Cloud Computing & SaaS


Microsoft Seeks Teachers for Pilot of Visual Studio Code for Education

Microsoft has introduced Visual Studio Code for Education, a new computer science instruction platform that takes students beyond beginner coding and teaches them tools used by professional developers. Microsoft is inviting educators to join the pilot program, try it out in their classrooms in the 2023–24 school year, and provide feedback.

PowerSchool to Buy SchoolMessenger, Integrate with its Cloud SIS

Cloud-based K–12 software provider PowerSchool has signed an agreement to acquire SchoolMessenger from its parent company, West Technology Group, for $300 million and plans to integrate SchoolMessenger’s features with the PowerSchool Student Information Cloud platform, according to a news release.

Google's New Edu Features Boost Accessibility, Differentiation, Collaboration, and Security

Google for Education has unveiled a host of new features and integrations at ISTELive 23 happening this week in Philadelphia, all aimed at amplifying teacher impact and improving student outcomes, the company said on its blog.

Amplio Launches Speech-Language Innovation Grant Program; Deadline to Apply is July 28

Special education services and compliance software provider Amplio Learning has opened applications for its new Speech-Language Innovation Grant program, which will award over $500,000 in services to 15 K–12 school districts’ special education programs, according to a news release.

PowerSchool Adding Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to Performance Matters and LearningNav

Cloud-based software provider PowerSchool today unveiled a new integration with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service that, starting this fall, will give PowerSchool subscribers access to OpenAI’s large language models within the Performance Matters and LearningNav solutions, which are part of PowerSchool’s Personalized Learning Cloud.

Delcom Group Auvik Partner on Automated Network Management Solution for Schools

Auvik, a provider of cloud-based network management software, has announced new partnership with K–12 IT consulting firm Delcom Group to make Auvik’s automated monitoring solutions accessible to school districts, according to a news release.

1EdTech's TrustEd Apps Management Suite Tops 10K; New Product Certification Coming

Software interoperability advocates at 1EdTech have unveiled key updates and milestones for its TrustEd Apps Management Suite, including plans for a new TAMS product certification and the growth of TAMS to more than 10,000 ed tech solutions either certified or vetted by 1EdTech, according to a news release.

FTC Suit Against Edmodo is a Warning Shot for Ed Tech, Data Privacy Attorneys Say

Edmodo, an online learning platform founded in 2008 that was widely used by teachers around the globe until it shuttered last September, has been ordered to pay $6 million by the Federal Trade Commission for collecting personal data from children without parents’ consent and using that data for advertising, in violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Rule, and for unlawfully outsourcing its COPPA compliance responsibilities to schools, the agency said.

K–12 Ransomware Attacks Rose 43% in 2022, Encryption Used More Often, Survey Shows

Eight out of 10 K–12 school districts surveyed for Sophos’ 2023 State of Ransomware Report said they were hit by ransomware last year — a 43% increase from the previous year’s results — making the K–12 education sector the most-popular ransomware target in the world in 2022.

New Network Tool Measures Students' Connectivity Off-Campus

The new Digital Equity module, an extension to Lightspeed's Digital Insight network and ed tech analytics platform, provides real-time connectivity and device health data on students’ school-issued devices, enabling school leaders to know when students experience connectivity outages at home — allowing for interventions or assistance before learning outcomes are impacted, the company said.

Whitepapers