Decoding the National EdTech Plan: A Conversation with Kristina Ishmael

Kristina Ishmael, Strategic Advisor at Ishmael Consulting

In this week’s episode of All Things Marketing and Education, Elana and our guest, Kristina Ishmael, get into the nooks and crannies of the National EdTech Plan.

They discuss the broader role of the Office of EdTech, the specific goals of the National EdTech Plan in 2024, and how you can use it whether you’re an educator, administrator, or EdTech professional. They highlight the inclusivity and collaboration in the plan, as well as the challenges and priorities it addresses. Looking ahead, they consider the future of the plan and the potential challenges and opportunities in education by 2030.

Kristina currently works as an Education Strategic Advisor at her own shop — Ishmael Consulting — but she has formerly served in the classroom, at the state level, and at the national level, and was personally instrumental in the creation of the National EdTech Plan.

Top Takeaways:

  • The National Ed Tech Plan is a flagship publication that provides guidance on integrating technology into education.

  • The plan addresses three key divides: digital access, digital design, and digital use.

  • School leaders and ed tech companies can use the plan to inform their practices and decision-making when it comes to which tools suit their needs and which features to prioritize.

  • The future of education may involve addressing challenges such as student mental health and meeting students' individual learning needs.

Here's the full transcript of Kristina’s podcast episode.


Resources Mentioned in this Episode:


Elana Leoni, Host

Elana Leoni has dedicated the majority of her career to improving K-12 education. Prior to founding LCG, she spent eight years leading the marketing and community strategy for the George Lucas Educational Foundation where she grew Edutopia’s social media presence exponentially to reach over 20 million education change-makers every month.

Kristina Ishmael, Guest
Kristina Ishmael is an innovative educator and advocate, leading the charge in promoting digital equity and opportunity in education. With a robust background that spans education policy, professional learning, and classroom instruction, she is deeply committed to empowering educators to effectively leverage technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), in the classroom. Kristina stands out as the lead for AI in education policy, focusing on ensuring AI applications are accessible, equitable, and enhance learning outcomes for all students. Her expertise also encompasses fostering inclusive learning environments where diverse voices are heard and amplified. As a thought leader and speaker, Kristina champions digital inclusion, edtech best practices, and meaningful professional learning. Her work, characterized by a passion for advancing education through technology and open educational resources, has made a significant impact on educators and learners alike, driving forward conversations on ethical AI use, digital equity, and the future of learning in a technology-driven world.


About All Things Marketing and Education

What if marketing was judged solely by the level of value it brings to its audience? Welcome to All Things Marketing and Education, a podcast that lives at the intersection of marketing and you guessed it, education. Each week, Elana Leoni, CEO of Leoni Consulting Group, highlights innovative social media marketing, community-building, and content marketing strategies that can significantly increase reach, relationships, and revenue.


Rate, Like, and Subscribe

Let us know what you thought about this episode by rating and reviewing our podcast. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast to be notified when we have more content to share with you.


Other ways to enjoy this podcast:

Read the transcript

Download wherever you listen to podcasts:

Apple | Spotify | Google | Amazon | Stitcher | Player FM | Tune In | Pocket Casts