Technology

May 8, 2022

Twitter sale shows us why education technology companies should be accountable to schools

The growing dependence of education on a constellation of privately controlled technologies cedes power to companies that are unaccountable to the schools and communities they are meant to serve.

T. Philip Nichols and Antero Garcia

March 16, 2022

Is crackdown on social media for kids too late?

As policymakers seek to curb the power of social media over kids, research is mixed about its impact, and many youths see its upside and downside.

Carolyn Jones

September 1, 2021

Teachers face the challenges of returning to the classroom

Teachers talk about how they are building relationships, addressing technology burnout and teaching social-emotional learning as campuses reopen.

Ali Tadayon

March 15, 2021

Distance learning changed California education. What’s here to stay?

Teachers pushed through difficult days to find solutions that kept kids learning during an upended school year. Some changes may stick.

Sydney Johnson

January 4, 2021

California schools build local wireless networks to bridge digital divide

School districts and cities are looking to creating their own local Wifi networks as a long term solution to the digital divide, and an alternative to hotspots.

Ali Tadayon And Sydney Johnson

October 27, 2020

Academic testing looks very different in California during distance learning

To assess students during distance learning, teachers are relying on informal check-ins, open notes and webcams to monitor a student’s behavior.

Sydney Johnson

October 15, 2020

Up to 1 million California students may still lack connectivity during distance learning

State leaders struggle to pinpoint how many students remain unconnected, and fear widening inequality as distance learning continues.

Sydney Johnson

August 26, 2020

On or off? California schools weigh webcam concerns during distance learning

Some teachers report less engagement with cameras off, but anxiety, tech glitches and privacy concerns could keep some students from turning them on.

Sydney Johnson

August 14, 2020

Pressure is on to close the digital divide under California governor’s executive order

The governor wants to reimagine the state’s Broadband Council and ramp up efforts to connect all students to technology during distance learning.

Sydney Johnson

August 13, 2020

Oakland Unified opens virtually with thousands of students lacking computers and hotspots

A citywide campaign raised $12.5 million to provide for low income students, but the devices have not yet arrived due to a backlog.

Theresa Harrington

August 5, 2020

California makes internet-enabled tablets available to nearly 1 million students

At least 100,000 tablets with internet included will be ready for districts in time for the new school year, state officials said.

Sydney Johnson

July 24, 2020

California school districts brace for an online back-to-school season

Many school districts will have to ditch plans for hybrid learning and in-person classes at the start of the school year.

Sydney Johnson

June 26, 2020

Long road ahead to close California’s digital divide in education before new school year begins

About 56,700 laptops and 94,000 hotspots have been sent to districts across the state so far.

Sydney Johnson

June 4, 2020

Lawmakers look for new ways to pay for broadband in rural California

A bond proposal aims to build broadband infrastructure in rural California, help purchase computers and fund professional training for teachers.

Sydney Johnson

May 28, 2020

California needs $500 million to buy enough computers, internet connections for all students

Distance learning expected to continue next year as districts move to a hybrid online and in-person instruction model.

Diana Lambert