Author: Grace Maliska

Stephanie Allen on how disciplined experimentation, educator feedback, and privacy-first design guide Discovery Education’s approach to AI innovation.INTERVIEW | by Victor RiveroDesigning digital learning tools that actually work in classrooms requires more than good technology—it demands empathy for educators, evidence of impact, and a clear strategy for turning innovation into measurable results. At Discovery Education, that challenge sits at the center of product development, where Senior Vice President of Product Stephanie Allen leads teams building solutions that empower teachers and learners. Previously, she led product management and design at Promethean and held senior roles at Pearson Online & Blended Learning…

Appointment expands leadership team to advance secure-by-design innovation and reinforce district trust as digital learning evolves with AI. Charlotte, NC (Tuesday, March 3, 2026) — Discovery Education today announced the appointment of Kara Schlageter as the organization’s first Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), marking a significant milestone in its ongoing investment in secure, responsible AI innovation that protects educator and student privacy.  Schlageter brings more than 25 years of experience with expertise in leading cybersecurity, enterprise risk, and large-scale transformation across complex, highly regulated environments. She is widely recognized as a transformational executive who bridges the human and technical aspects of cybersecurity. She has a proven record of helping global organizations translate cyber risk…

Key points: As a paraprofessional for over 3 years and going on my 5th year as a certified special education resource teacher, I’ve learned that no two learners are ever quite the same. Each student brings unique strengths, challenges, and ways of processing the world around them. Each student has their own learning path and rate. That’s why differentiation is not just a teaching strategy–it’s the heart of student engagement and student success. When students feel that lessons are designed for them, they become more confident, motivated, and curious learners. Research supports this, too. Studies show that differentiated instruction can…

Welcome to the February 2026 Edtech Show & Tell, in which our editors share some of the new edtech products that have caught our attention this month. These are not reviews or endorsements, but a showcase of education-friendly items, platforms, and more that we think might be noteworthy for you.This month’s new offerings include new Chromebooks, AI supports, switchers, and more.Acer | Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and Acer Chromebook 311 You may like (Image credit: Acer)The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and Acer Chromebook 311 are Acer’s first two education Chromebooks powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor. Packaged in durable…

By Brian Shaw In 2026, emerging technologies will shift from experimental to intentional. District leaders are navigating compressed timelines, staffing gaps, and heighted expectations for measurable instructional gains. Leaders want to know: Does this improve instruction? Does it integrate with our LMS, SIS, and standards frameworks? How quickly will teachers feel the gains? This marks a shift toward practicality. EdTech must be grounded in everyday impact by making quality instruction easier and learning more meaningful. Technology should serve the mission of educators and address students’ needs. Tools that exist only to dazzle won’t last. From AI Experimentation to Purpose-Driven AdoptionUse…

Recognition highlights solutions that empower educators, strengthen instruction, and drive meaningful student progress  Charlotte, NC (Thursday, January 29, 2026) — Multiple Discovery Education solutions have been named winners in the Tech & Learning Best of 2025 Awards.  “Being recognized by Tech & Learning with a Best of 2025 Award of Excellence is a powerful affirmation of our mission to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning,” said Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education. “It’s a testament to the incredible work our teams do every day to support teachers with solutions grounded in instructional excellence and help students engage deeply with rigorouslearning that sticks.”  The following Discovery Education solutions are honored in the…

The Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Best of 2025 awards celebrate educational technology from the last 12 months that has excelled in supporting teachers, students, and education professionals. Whether focused on classroom instruction, professional development, or the management of education resources, these winning solutions made a significant impact. Nominated products were divided into three categories: Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education.Tech & Learning’s panel of expert judges evaluated each nominated product based on perceived: Data Privacy & Governance, Integration & Interoperability, and Outcomes & Impact. Only those products that scored highly across these criteria were named winners.“We saw an explosion…

FETC 2026 returned to Orlando this January, and the conference didn’t disappoint. New York EdTech Director Alana Winnick and her students opened the conference with an inspiring keynote, setting a student-centered tone that resonated through every session and across the Expo floor.Below is a snapshot of the innovations on display, featuring advancements in AI and VR, personalized curricula, EDLA-certified interactive displays, and more. These are not reviews or endorsements, but a showcase of education-friendly items, platforms, and more that we think might be noteworthy for you.BenQ | RP05 Interactive Display You may like (Image credit: BenQ)The new AI-ready RP05 Interactive…

Charlotte, NC (Wednesday, January 21, 2026) — High school educators now have access to free professional development credential courses focused on AI, cybersecurity, and digital literacy through IBM SkillsBuild, IBM’s free global technology education program. Through the IBM and Discovery Education collaboration, educators gain free access to practical, workforce-aligned learning experiences and industry-recognized credentials designed to support instruction in emerging technologies. Over the next two years, the initiative is expected to reach up to 100,000 high school educators through Discovery Education’s professional learning network, with content structured to integrate seamlessly into existing professional development programs.  Research from the Education Insights Report 2025-2026 reveals that only about half (53%) of teachers are optimistic about AI’s potential to support teaching and learning…

According to new LS&Co. research, Gen Z leads the thrifting movement but 41% report no clothing repair skills; this is the gap the Wear Longer Project is designed to close.  SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — January 14, 2026 — Today, Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) announced the launch of the Levi’s® Wear Longer Project, a new community engagement initiative designed to help young people take fashion into their own hands. The program will equip them with the skills and confidence to repair, refresh, and reimagine their clothes—so they look better and last longer.  Gen Z is driving the resurgence of thrifting, repurposing, and creative self-expression in fashion. Yet, many youth were never taught the skills needed…