Ed3 Weekly Issue #168: Back to the Not Future

As technology edges forward some things remain the same

Jul 10, 2025

Hello blockchain enthusiasts and technology futurists!

By default, technology is associated with innovation, the future, and what is coming next. But sometimes (or many times) technology is just repackaged as the same paradigms in a new wrapper.

This is becoming more and more evident in the world of education and AI. As I share in this week’s deep dive about the exhibition space at this year’s ISTE+ASCD conference, it feels like the newest technology is eager to just do the same things it always has: sell.

I probably sound jaded. There are many moments when I feel that way. I don’t feel we are any closer to advancing education after a long weekend watching demonstrations of all the new AI tools and the new features being touted by the big technology platforms (you know who I am talking about).

This is where blockchain has always piqued my interest. In a world in which we know to “follow the money,” blockchain and crypto open up worlds in which we can much more easily follow the money.

By creating an economy that is open source, trustless, and zero proof, we can see exactly how money is being spent and by whom.

You think that might change our relationships with technology and learning?

I do.

So, check out the resources this week to explore how our world can really move forward and not just repeat the same mistakes of our past.

Please enjoy!

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🤖 AI News

Microsoft, OpenAI Partner With AFT to Train Teachers on AI

🔗 Major technology companies that create artificial intelligence products—including Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI—are teaming up with the American Federation of Teachers to provide free AI teacher training. Read

⛓️ Blockchain News

Tether expands African blockchain education initiative with Zanzibar partnership

🔗 Stablecoin issuer and global blockchain firm Tether has announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of the semi-autonomous archipelago, Zanzibar. Read

🪙 Crypto News

PUM Exchange Launches Global Creator Program to Champion Crypto Education

🔗 As crypto adoption grows, one challenge remains constant: education. Read

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🤿 Deep Dive

At This Year’s ISTE+ACSD Show, a New Push to Set a Higher Bar for Vendors

I recently attended the annual ISTE + ASCD conference in San Antonio. While there are the usual sessions on pedagogy, building student engagement, and effective use of technology in the classroom, the exhibition space felt extra this year. This article seemed rather interesting in light of the level of “one-upmanship” that was going on. I won’t argue that ISTE is trying its best to vet vendors, but being in the exhibition space, it doesn’t “feel” like that is the intent of the companies that are spending thousands of dollars to bring their products to this roadshow. Read

Thank you for stopping by for another issue of my newsletter on emerging technology in education. Link to all my work by checking out my website or give me a follow on the X platform.

Ed3 Weekly