Today's Newsletter: Release the technology!

Will this be the last year we have to read about the debate over devices in the classroom? Let’s hope so. Meanwhile, change seems to be happening district by district. The Kern High School District in Backersfield, CA will be implementing a pilot program this spring that will allow students to use smartphones, tablets, and computers in class. The Baldwin-Whitehall School Districtin Western Pennsylvania is all in with their iPad elementary implementation. Even New York City will soon be lifting the ban on phones. About time, I say. Teach students to use the tech correctly. Teach them proper etiquette. And guide them to discover the infinite amount of information that is at their fingertips. And it’s ok if they check Facebook too! —Kevin Hogan, Content Director

Kevin Hogan is a forward-thinking media executive with more than 25 years of experience building brands and audiences online, in print, and face-to-face. Kevin has been reporting on education technology for more than 20 years. Previously, he was Editor-at-Large at eSchool News and Managing Director of Content for Tech & Learning.