Author: Laura Ascione

Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Online & Hybrid Learning Strategies 2025

Online learning programs increase student access, engagement

It's critical to have clarity around online learning outcomes and goals to ensure students meet personal and academic benchmarks

Laura Ascione

Key points: As more students look to flexible learning modalities to meet their varying needs, it is more essential than ever to ensure that online learning programs meet high-quality standards and prepare students for success in college and the workforce. Many people envision online learning programs as emergency pandemic online … Read More

Game-Based Learning

Prioritizing inclusivity in game-based learning

Inclusive design practices can foster educational experiences that are more flexible, customizable, and meaningful for all students

Laura Ascione

Key points: Applying the principles and practices of inclusive design in game-based learning can expand access to rich learning experiences to a neurodiverse group of learners, according to a new whitepaper from Kahoot!. Designing for Inclusion, Designing for All: A mindset shift and practical approaches to further your journey toward … Read More

Personalized and Differentiated Learning 2025

Personalized Learning: eSN Innovation Roundtable

District leaders outline how their schools are supporting personalized learning opportunities for students--now, and in the future

Laura Ascione

Personalized learning has emerged as a pivotal strategy in educators’ quests to meet students where they are and boost engagement. Still, equitable access to technology, the right PD, and better assessment tools can make or break these instructional efforts. During an eSchool News Innovation Roundtable with a focus on personalized … Read More

Personalized and Differentiated Learning 2025

A look at one school’s innovative approach to PD

A strong PD framework directly impacts teaching and learning, boosting teachers’ ability to differentiate and personalize their instruction

Laura Ascione

Key points: In this Q&A, eSchool News chats with Andi Morency, founder and executive director/principal of The Honors Academy of Literature in Reno, Nevada. What does your school’s PD model look like right now? At The Honors Academy of Literature, we are very intentional about supporting the continuous growth of … Read More

Cybersecurity 2025

K-12 cyberattacks threaten data–and students

Through proactive cybersecurity strategies and collaboration, K-12 schools can improve cyber defenses against evolving cyberattacks

Laura Ascione

Key points: The long-term impacts of K-12 cyberattacks, including lost learning time and disruptions to school operations, are just as damaging as stolen data, according to a new report from the Center for Internet Security, Inc. (CIS). The 2025 CIS MS-ISAC K-12 Cybersecurity Report, released at the SXSW EDU conference, … Read More

Digital Equity 2025

The digital divide still holds students back

Access to devices and reliable internet for students with lower family incomes is lagging that of students with higher family incomes

Laura Ascione

Key points: Students’ access to technology has improved over time, although it continues to vary across family income categories and racial and ethnic groups, according to a new study released today by ACT, the a provider of assessments, research, and work-ready credentials. And a majority of students–70 percent–are concerned about having … Read More

SEL & Student Well-Being 2025

Taking stock of student mental health

Assessing how and when students are forming foundations for mental health is a good starting point in building out mental health literacy in schools

Laura Ascione

Key points: After the COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on youth mental health, much attention continues to be paid to the topic, with everyone from mental health experts and educators to parents and policymakers pointing to alarming statistics about the state of young people’s emotions and mindsets. But was youth … Read More

Digital Learning Tools & Resources

Closing the digital use divide with active and engaging learning

Students offered insight into how to use active learning, with digital tools, to boost their engagement

Laura Ascione

Key points: When it comes to classroom edtech use, digital tools have a drastically different impact when they are used actively instead of passively–a critical difference examined in the 2023-2024 Speak Up Research by Project Tomorrow. Active learning with technology involves the use of edtech tools and digital resources to … Read More

Coding, Robotics, & Engineering 2024

Why educational robotics is a critical STEM learning tool

STEM learning can be challenging, but educational robotics offers students an opportunity for a hands-on, guided problem solving learning experience

Laura Ascione

Engineering is a critical part of STEM education, and engineers play a role in creating, improving, and maintaining some of today’s most valued and essential things, from smartphones and airplanes to zippers and roller coasters. This year, Engineers Week celebrates “Creating the Future,” and it emphasizes the vital role engineers … Read More

Coding, Robotics, & Engineering 2024

Putting the ‘E’ in integrative STEM instruction

Educators don't have to shy away from engineering--it's a STEM component that works across core content areas

Laura Ascione

Key points: STEM learning essential, helping students develop skills such as critical thinking and problem solving–skills that will help them be successful in college and the workforce. Though many teachers tout the importance of STEM learning, many also shy away from the “E” in STEM. But engineering and the engineering … Read More