Information Technology

Information, news and features for the education sector IT professionals


CTL Introduces Tracking Dashboard for K–12 Districts to Keep Tabs on School-Issued Chromebooks

CTL Corp. has debuted HiddenApp for K–12 schools to keep track of loaned Chromebooks. The app integrates with the district’s Google Chrome Admin console and monitors, locates, and tracks devices through a dashboard, the company said. It does not invade privacy, but gives schools a better way to keep tabs on their Chromebook fleet.

screenshot of class action lawsuit filed July 17 against ed tech company Securly

Class-Action Lawsuit Says Securly Collected, Sold Student Location Data, Video History Without Consent

The parents of two California children are suing Securly, accusing the online-activity surveillance provider of violating California wiretapping and data privacy laws and of violating the federal Video Privacy Protection Act by collecting protected private information without consent and selling it to third-party advertisers.

Enhancing Teaching & Learning Tops Digital Transformation Goals for K–12 IT Leaders, Administrators

Among the many goals for digital transformation among IT leaders and administrators in K–12 districts, "enhancing teaching and learning" topped the list, followed by "enhancing digital literacy" and "improving the student experience."

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.

K–12 Institutions Struggling to Manage More Digital Tools

K–12 teachers and students may have engaged with fewer ed tech products for learning last year, but the diversity of new digital tools has challenged school IT departments to manage them to comply with education needs, as well as cybersecurity mandates.

LG Unveils new ChromeOS Slot-In PC for Createboard

LG Business Solutions USA this week unveiled a new Google-certified ChromeOS slot-in PC for LG Createboard, during ISTELive 23 in Philadelphia, simplifying daily use and adding flexibility and features to classrooms using the Createboard, the company said in a news release.

Samsung Debuts New Interactive Display at ISTELive 23

Samsung Electronics America has introduced its new interactive display, model name “WAC,” at ISTELive 23 — the first Samsung interactive display solution built on the Android operating system.

images shows the new Google Admin console for Education users

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.

Funds For Learning Invites E-rate Applicants to Participate in Annual Survey by June 30

E-rate compliance services provider Funds For Learning is holding its 13th annual survey for E-rate applicants through June 30, 2023, and is seeking participation from K–12 school IT and cybersecurity leaders.