Plus: Touch typing's cognitive benefits | Media literacy for every lesson | Human-centered K-12 AI
 
February 5, 2026
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Education ransomware attacks in US dropped 9% in 2025
 
This vibrant three-dimensional illustration showcases the ransomware concept with a neon-colored circuit board on a black background. Perfect for marketing campaigns, tech presentations, or educational events, it inspires innovation, progress, and digital transformation in cybersecurity. Download now to elevate your modern business content!
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Ransomware attacks on educational institutions slowed in 2025, with 251 incidents reported globally and almost 4 million records breached, while the sector's average ransom demand dropped 33% to $464,000, according to Comparitech. The US had 130 attacks, 9% fewer than in 2024, and some districts, such as Uvalde, Texas, were able to restore systems without paying a ransom. However, the Trump administration's elimination of key federal cybersecurity resources has raised concerns about the vulnerability of financially strapped schools.
Full Story: K-12 Dive (2/5)
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2026 EdTech to Watch: Live Demo Series
Join Tech & Learning's 3-part virtual "playground" series. Curated for interactivity, we feature the top "2026 EdTech to Watch" via four 15-minute live demos. Attendees have the opportunity to explore innovations and ask questions in live Q&A.
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Digital Learning
 
Constant connectivity is unsustainable for teachers, students
Relentless technology creep in schools -- from email to digital platforms to AI-driven tools -- is adding unsustainable stress to teachers and students, Patrice Wade, an elementary-school teacher, writes in this opinion piece. Teachers are expected to rapidly adapt to new digital tools and platforms, often without sufficient training or support and possibly at the expense of student relationships, while instant feedback and ongoing assessments increase students' emotional strain when they're often not developmentally prepared to handle it, Wade says.
Full Story: EdSurge (2/4)
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Schools emphasize benefits of touch typing over thumb typing
Some schools are placing renewed emphasis on keyboarding skills, often as early as kindergarten, because touch typing allows students to focus on content and improve cognitive performance, whereas thumb typing shifts the focus to each letter, says Carol Parker, an instructional coach at Rockvale Middle School in Tennessee. Keyboarding is now considered an essential job skill, so many teachers are integrating it into the curriculum early, either as a requirement or as extra credit.
Full Story: K-12 Dive (2/4)
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Walking your lesson as a student reveals hidden friction
Teachers should pressure-test technology-integrated lessons to ensure smooth classroom experiences, Crystal Uhiren writes. Uhiren recommends starting with learning objectives, walking through lessons as students would, testing on student devices and identifying potential friction points.
Full Story: Edutopia (2/2)
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Bill would put 45-minute limit on Mo. students' screen time
Missouri Independent (Jefferson City) (2/4)
 
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Systems Management
 
Districts tackle budget gaps with creativity, deliberation
District leaders at the Future of Education Technology Conference discussed how to navigate challenges such as increasing budget constraints, AI integration and declining enrollment. Strategies suggested include creating dual budgets to manage funding uncertainties, developing signature programs to attract students and maintaining a positive school environment. Leaders emphasize the importance of adaptability, community involvement, and a calm, deliberate approach to decision-making.
Full Story: Government Technology (2/2)
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Report: AI in K-12 must be human-centered, future-focused
K-12 education is at a crucial point in integrating AI, which could either modernize schools or worsen existing issues, a report from the Center on Reinventing Public Education finds. The report highlights an "efficiency paradox," where unguided AI adoption might make outdated programs more efficient without addressing students' needs, and the study urges a human-centered approach, emphasizing innovation, personalized learning and collaborative teaching models.
Full Story: District Administration (2/2)
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Stay Interviews: Why And How To Use Them Successfully
 
 
 
 
ICYMI
 
 
Schools turn to AI to offset special ed staffing shortages
The Conversation (2/1)
 
 
GAO: Schools struggle to fully utilize assistive technology
K-12 Dive (1/30)
 
 
The key to AI-powered education: Teachers
The 74 (2/2)
 
 
 
 
Emerging Technology In Schools
 
Resilience-building digital games to help students with autism
The Level Up Happiness project at Dartmouth College's play2PREVENT Lab is developing digital health games for students with autism with a $755,000 grant from Proof Positive. The accessible games aim to complement existing interventions by homing in on emotional resilience and social confidence, while prioritizing privacy and following strict academic research protocols.
Full Story: Government Technology (2/4)
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How to adapt any lesson to include media literacy
MiddleWeb (2/3)
 
 
 
 
Last Byte
 
Survey: 46% of girls feel pressure to be online
 
During the Covid-19 pandemic
(Richard Drury/Getty Images)
A survey by the Girl Scouts of the USA reveals that girls as young as 5 feel significant pressure to be online, with 46% fearing missing out on social interactions. The survey, which included 1,000 Black and Hispanic girls, highlights that nearly all respondents spend time online daily, with 43% of those ages 8 to 13 online for three or more hours.
Full Story: EdSurge (2/3)
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SmartBreak: Question Of The Day
 
The Winter Olympics in Italy get underway on Feb. 6 in Cortina, Italy. Charles Jewtraw of the US won the first ever gold medal in the inaugural Winter Games in 1924 for which sport?
VoteBobsled
VoteCurling
VoteDownhill skiing
VoteSpeed skating
 
 
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I knew that I liked the orderliness of math, the preciseness of it, the neatness of it. All of that fit my personality.
Gladys West,
mathematician
1930-2026

February is Black History Month

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