THE Journal Insider: K-12 Ed Tech Trends & Hot Topics

1105 Media & THEJournal.com
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THE Journal Insider podcast explores current ed tech trends and issues impacting K–12 educators, IT professionals, instructional technologists, education leaders, and ed tech providers. Listen in as THEJournal.com Editor Kristal Kuykendall chats with ed tech experts, educators, and industry leaders about how they are 'meeting the moment' in the U.S. public education system. Find podcast transcripts & ed tech news updated daily at THEJournal.com.

  1. 08/29/2025

    Cambium Rebrand, Brisk Next AI, & New VR Headsets: THE Journal News of the Week (8/29/25)

    In this episode of THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts, Rhea Kelly discusses the latest in education technology. Highlights include Cambium Learning Group's plan to merge ExploreLearning and Learning A-Z under a new name to streamline resources for teachers by 2026. Brisk Teaching introduces Brisk Next, an AI-powered platform designed to enhance instructional planning and delivery. Avantis Education expands classroom virtual reality with its new ClassVR headsets, Xcelerate for higher education and Xplorer for K-12 students. For more insights, visit thejournal.com. 00:00 Introduction to THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts 00:16 Cambium Learning Group's New Identity 01:01 Brisk Teaching's AI-Powered Platform 01:33 Avantis Education's VR Expansion 02:02 Conclusion and Further Resources Source links: Cambium Learning Group to Combine ExploreLearning and Learning A-Z Brands AI-Powered Teaching Platform Provides Personalized Recommendations, Resources Avantis Education Launches New Headsets for ClassVR Solution THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts are curated by humans and narrated by AI.

    2 min

  2. 08/22/2025

    Classroom Furniture Giveaway, Science Resources, & AI Guidelines: News of the Week (8/22/25)

    In this episode of THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts, host Rhea Kelly highlights the latest updates in education and technology. Topics include KI's $50,000 Classroom Furniture Giveaway for K-12 educators, Kognity's new blended learning resources for science courses meeting Next Generation Science Standards, and NIST's proposed guidelines to safeguard AI systems addressing model integrity and training data security. Visit thejournal.com for more details. 00:00 Introduction to THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts 00:17 Classroom Furniture Giveaway by KI 00:58 Kognity's New Blended Learning Resources 01:29 NIST's Proposed AI Guidelines 02:06 Conclusion and Further Information Source links: KI Classroom Furniture Giveaway to Award Combined $200,000 to Transform Learning Spaces Kognity Intros Blended Learning Resources for Science Instruction Proposed NIST Cybersecurity Guidelines Aim to Safeguard AI Systems THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts are curated by humans and narrated by AI.

    2 min

  3. 08/15/2025

    Edu Budget Challenges, AI Implementation Tips, & Surge in Cyber Threats: News of the Week (8/15/25)

    In this episode of THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts, Rhea Kelly discusses pressing issues in education technology. Key highlights include a PowerSchool survey revealing top challenges like teacher shortages and budget difficulties, a new University of Kansas framework for responsible AI implementation in education, and a Flashpoint report on skyrocketing credential theft and cybersecurity threats. Tune in for detailed insights and strategies for tackling these critical issues. 00:00 Introduction to THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts 00:15 Survey Highlights Challenges in Education 00:56 AI Implementation Framework in Education 01:42 Rise in Stolen Credentials and Security Concerns 02:25 Conclusion and Further Resources Source links: Survey: Top Education and Budget Challenges for Schools 4 Steps to Responsible AI Implementation in Education Report Identifies Surge in Credential͏͏ Theft͏͏ and͏͏ Data Breaches͏͏ THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts are curated by humans and narrated by AI.

    3 min

  4. 08/08/2025

    Presidential AI Challenge, Assessment Data, & Tech Tactics Event Agenda: News of the Week (8/8/25)

    Welcome to THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts, hosted by Rhea Kelly, with the latest in education technology news. In this episode, we cover the White House's launch of the Presidential AI Challenge encouraging AI-based innovation in education. We also discuss a new partnership between West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, Otus, and Discovery Education to enhance student performance through data. Lastly, we highlight the upcoming Tech Tactics in Education conference focusing on overcoming innovation roadblocks. Tune in for more details on these exciting developments! 00:00 Introduction to THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts 00:15 Presidential AI Challenge Announcement 01:02 West Windsor-Plainsboro School District's Data Initiative 01:37 Tech Tactics in Education Conference Details 02:17 Conclusion and Further Resources Source links: Presidential AI Challenge Seeks Innovative AI Solutions for Learning and Community New Jersey School District Taps Otus, Discovery Education for Data Insights September 2025 Tech Tactics in Education Conference Agenda Announced THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts are curated by humans and narrated by AI.

    3 min

  5. 08/01/2025

    Google AI for Learning, Shift to AI PCs, & Windows 11 Update: THE Journal News of the Week (8/1/25)

    In this episode of THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts, Rhea Kelly highlights recent advancements in education technology. Key stories include Google's new AI Mode features in Search designed for enhanced learning, Intel's report on AI adoption shifting towards specialized AI PCs for better IT efficiency and security, and Microsoft's updates for Windows 11 that reduce downtime and improve system recovery. Stay tuned for more insightful news in the world of education technology. 00:00 Introduction to THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts 00:15 Google's New AI Mode Features for Enhanced Learning 01:01 Intel Report: Shift Towards Specialized AI PCs 01:40 Microsoft's Windows 11 Updates for Improved System Recovery 02:22 Conclusion and Further Resources Source links: Google Releases Learning-Themed AI Mode Features for Search Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs Microsoft Announces Windows 11 Updates for Faster Recovery, Redesigned Restart Screen THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts are curated by humans and narrated by AI.

    3 min

  6. 07/25/2025

    ED Guidance on AI Grants, Phishing Targets ED G5, & AI Literacy Pilot: News of the Week (7/25/25)

    In this episode of THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts, host Rhea Kelly provides updates on the latest in education technology. Key highlights include the U.S. Department of Education's new guidance on using federal funds for AI, a significant phishing campaign targeting the department's grant management portal, and a pilot program by Operation HOPE and Georgia State University fostering AI literacy among underserved youth in Atlanta. For more information, visit thejournal.com. 00:00 Introduction to THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts 00:14 New Federal Guidance on AI in Education 00:52 Phishing Campaign Targets U.S. Department of Education 01:28 AI Literacy Initiative for Underserved Youth 02:09 Conclusion and Further Resources Source links: ED Offers Guidance on the Use of Federal Grants to Support Learner Outcomes with AI ED Grant Portal Target of Phishing Campaign Pilot Program Fosters AI Literacy in Underserved Youth THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts are curated by humans and narrated by AI.

    2 min

  7. 07/18/2025

    Young Educators & AI, New UltiMaker Platform, & DreamBox Reading Updates: News of the Week (7/18/25)

    In this episode of THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts, Rhea Kelly covers a recent survey highlighting Gen Z educators' embrace of AI tools in the classroom. The differences between generations in adopting AI are noted, along with educators' concerns about AI's impact on human connection and student dependency. Key stories include UltiMaker's launch of MakerBot Nebula, an AI-powered learning platform, and its grant program for K-12 educators. Also featured is the expansion of Discovery Education's DreamBox Reading program, offering personalized instruction for young students. For detailed coverage, visit thejournal.com. 00:00 Introduction and Top Stories Overview 00:14 AI Adoption Among Educators 00:54 UltiMaker's AI-Powered Learning Platform 01:40 Discovery Education's Literacy Program Expansion 02:16 Conclusion and Further Resources Source links: Survey: Younger Educators More Likely to Embrace AI Tools UltiMaker Launches Differentiated Learning Platform, Announces New MakerBot Grants Discovery Education Expands DreamBox Reading to Support PreK-5 Learners THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts are curated by humans and narrated by AI.

    3 min

  8. 07/11/2025

    Free AI Training, White House AI Pledge, & USF Upheld: THE Journal News of the Week (7/11/25)

    In this episode of THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts, Rhea Kelly shares the latest news in education technology. Highlights include the launch of the National Academy for AI Instruction by the American Federation of Teachers in partnership with tech giants, aiming to provide free AI training for educators and impact millions of students. Additional topics include the White House's 'Pledge to America's Youth: Investing in AI Education,' backed by over 65 organizations, and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Universal Service Fund, which supports essential broadband services for schools and libraries. 00:00 Introduction to THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts 00:15 Transforming AI Education: National Academy for AI Instruction 01:01 White House's Pledge to America's Youth: Investing in AI Education 01:37 Supreme Court Upholds Universal Service Fund 02:18 Conclusion and Further Resources Source links: New National Academy for AI Instruction to Provide Free AI Training for Educators More than 60 Organizations Sign White House Pledge to Support AI Education Supreme Court Upholds Universal Service Fund THE Journal Insider Podcast Shorts are curated by humans and narrated by AI.

    3 min
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About

THE Journal Insider podcast explores current ed tech trends and issues impacting K–12 educators, IT professionals, instructional technologists, education leaders, and ed tech providers. Listen in as THEJournal.com Editor Kristal Kuykendall chats with ed tech experts, educators, and industry leaders about how they are 'meeting the moment' in the U.S. public education system. Find podcast transcripts & ed tech news updated daily at THEJournal.com.

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