Information Technology

Information, news and features for the education sector IT professionals


FCC E-rate Change Would Be Huge Boost to Districts' Cybersecurity Funding, Efforts

K–12 school systems are trying to fend off an increasing number of cyber threats with limited IT resources, and they need all the help they can get. Allowing schools to use federal E-rate funding for cybersecurity services such as next-generation firewalls, distributed denial of service protection, and intrusion detection and prevention would go a long way toward solving this challenge — and K–12 stakeholders should make their voices heard on this critical issue, immediately, says a Funds For Learning executive.

TCEA 2023: AVer Debuts All-in-One Camera with AI Audio for Classrooms

AVer USA, a provider of video collaboration and education technology solutions, debuted at TCEA 2023 its new all-in-one camera with AI audio built for K–12 classrooms, called the A30​, combining a document camera, web camera, microphone, and speaker.

New CISA K-12 Cyber Report: Leaders – Not Just IT Staff – Must Be Involved in Security Strategy

The federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency this week released its long-awaited K–12 report and guide for public schools, “Partnering to Safeguard K–12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats,” and an accompanying toolkit — both in response to Congress’ demand for an overview of the cyber risks facing elementary and secondary schools and for recommendations that include cybersecurity guidelines designed to help schools face these risks.

Stride Launches Teacher-Staffed Tutoring Platform for Schools, Families

Online education and curriculum provider Stride has launched Stride Tutoring, a high-dosage tutoring platform that requires every tutor to be an active, state-certified teacher, now available for grades 7–12 nationwide, the company said in a news release.

7 Mindsets Acquires BASE Education

PreK–12 SEL provider 7 Mindsets has acquired BASE Education, a student social-emotional learning and mental health platform developed by licensed professional counselors, expanding and enhancing 7 Mindsets’ suite of social-emotional well-being offerings for students, educators, and families, 7 Mindsets said.

Quarter of K–12 Admins Surveyed Reported a Cyber Incident in Past Year

Clever’s new report, “Cybersecure 2023: The State of Data Security and Privacy in K–12 Schools,” shares results from its survey of nearly 4,000 U.S. school administrators and educators, revealing that teachers underestimate cyber risks when compared to administrators and overestimate the potential vulnerabilities posed by students and staff.

Rural Schools Eligible for USDA Telecommunications Grants; Deadline is Jan. 30

Now through Jan. 30, K–12 school districts in rural areas (serving populations of 20,000 or less) are invited to apply for the USDA Distance Learning Grants program.

Wishes and Worries for 2023: What Ed Tech Leaders Are Thinking About

During the final weeks of 2022, THE Journal asked scores of ed tech leaders about their wishes and worries for 2023. Cybersecurity and teacher resources were the most common topics addressed in the responses — many of which include specific ideas for new policies and practices for K–12 education in the United States.

Rave Mobile Safety Acquired by Motorola Solutions

Motorola Solutions has acquired Rave Mobile Safety, a provider of mass notification and incident management that serves about 10,000 schools and universities, local government agencies, and healthcare facilities across the United States.

FCC Reconsidering Adding Firewalls, Cybersecurity Services to E-Rate; Seeks Stakeholder Input

The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau announced Wednesday that it is considering expanding the E-Rate eligible services list to include “advanced or next-generation firewalls and services, as well as other network security services,” and is seeking public comment from stakeholders now through Feb. 13, 2023, with reply comments accepted through March 30, 2023.

Whitepapers