High school teacher MJ Linane used to describe his social studies class at Old Rochester Regional School in Mattapoisett, MA as “traditional.” There were worksheets, multiple choice tests, and lectures in front of the classroom. He would encourage his students to bring flashcards to use during multiple choice tests, and while students would indeed make the flashcards, they “didn’t actually use them,” Linane recalls.

Investors have plowed over $2 billion since 2010 into startups addressing the US K-12 edtech market. Now what? Learn more about the flow of dollars and deals in Chapter 2 of our State of Edtech Report. The report was sponsored by AT&T Aspire.

That realization prompted some big shifts in Linane’s classroom—he started making use of tools like StudyBlue (an online study tool that allows teachers and students to create and share materials), which led to changes in the way he approached assessments altogether. Summative vocabulary quizzes were ushered out and replaced by highly integrated, engaging projects.

Linane's story is one of many educators’ stories that will be part of the next chapter of our year-long “ State of Edtech” series, out in September. We’re exploring how real educators are using technology in their classrooms. Check out the full scoop below.

Have your own story about how math, ELA, or assessment tools have impacted your instructional practice? Get in touch with us by filling out this short survey, or contacting Jess Zhao us at jess@edsurge.com.