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Modernizing K-12 Education: Info-Tech Research Group Says to Adopt an Exponential IT Mindset to Meet Evolving Needs of Students and Educators

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In a newly published industry blueprint for K-12 education leaders, Info-Tech Research Group advises the need for the sector to integrate advanced technologies to boost student engagement, strengthen cybersecurity, and streamline school operations. The research delivers research and actionable insights to guide leaders in developing an Exponential IT mindset to drive innovation, enhance learning experiences, and optimize educational infrastructure.

TORONTO, June 5, 2024 /CNW/ – As K-12 education institutions grapple with rapid technological advancements and increasing demands for digital transformation, schools are under pressure to modernize their operations to remain relevant and effective, as well as to meet the evolving needs of students and educators. However, balancing the need for cost optimization in a constrained environment while investing in technology can be challenging. To support this critical transition, global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group has released a new blueprint, Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in K-12 Education. This comprehensive, sector-specific research provides education leaders with strategic insights and actionable plans to leverage exponential technologies, such as AI and advanced analytics, to enhance educational outcomes, streamline operations, and drive innovation across all levels of the education system.

“Information technology is revolutionizing K-12 education, from improving classroom interactions to streamlining administrative processes,” says Mark Maby, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group. “The rapid pace of technological change is creating numerous opportunities, but to fully leverage these, IT leaders in K-12 schools must evolve into strategic partners. By doing so, they can unlock advanced value and insights that will benefit their schools and districts.”

As explained by Info-Tech in the new resource, “Exponential IT” in the context of K-12 education involves the strategic adoption and integration of advanced technologies to revolutionize how schools operate and deliver education. This framework includes leveraging artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation to enhance classroom learning, streamline administrative tasks, and improve overall educational outcomes. The firm advises that by adopting an Exponential IT mindset, K-12 institutions can navigate the rapid technological changes, strengthen cybersecurity measures, and foster an innovative learning environment that supports the continuous growth and development of both students and educators.

“With exponential technologies come new risks, including heightened security threats and the complexities of deploying these innovations within schools,” explains Maby. “For Exponential IT to be successful, acquiring new skills and capabilities is essential, but achieving innovation readiness can be a significant hurdle. To stay ahead, technology leaders in K-12 education need to grasp the core priorities of Exponential IT transformation. Establishing and integrating foundational capabilities are vital first steps in launching a successful Exponential IT journey, which can create substantial value for all stakeholders in the K-12 education sector.”

The firm’s research highlights the significant challenges that K-12 institutions face in adopting Exponential IT, including limited budgets, outdated infrastructure, and the need for enhanced digital literacy among educators. Info-Tech cites that schools often struggle with integrating new technologies into legacy systems, ensuring cybersecurity, and providing equitable access to digital resources for all students. Overcoming these challenges requires a holistic approach that includes strategic planning, investment in professional development for educators and IT staff, and fostering a culture of innovation. By building foundational IT capabilities and advancing digital competencies, K-12 schools can navigate the complexities of digital transformation and drive significant improvements in educational outcomes and operational efficiency.

Additionally, in the blueprint, Info-Tech emphasizes the necessity for K-12 schools to adopt robust data governance practices to safeguard student information and support data-driven educational strategies. Leveraging emerging technologies like AI, advanced analytics, and cloud computing can enhance personalized learning, streamline administrative tasks, and improve overall operational efficiency. This approach ensures that schools not only protect sensitive data but also harness its potential to drive innovative teaching methods and improve student outcomes. By focusing on these technological advancements, schools can create a more engaging and effective learning environment, preparing students for a technology-driven world.

Info-Tech’s blueprint details four key priorities that K-12 educational IT leaders must consider as they adopt an Exponential IT mindset, outlined below:

Co-Own Organizational Outcomes: By co-owning organizational outcomes, IT leaders can focus more time on strategic organizational goals and outcomes rather than just application delivery. As IT services become commoditized and outsourced, the role of IT must evolve to be integral to educational success.Defend Against AI Attacks: IT must defend against exponentially sophisticated threat actors leveraging AI-powered capabilities. This includes preparing for a threat landscape where polymorphic APTs and zero-day threats are on the rise, as attackers operate without the regulatory constraints that defenders face.Boost Vendor Management Practices: IT should manage a portfolio of virtual organizational capability vendors, moving beyond transactional relationships to strategic partnerships. This approach can free up budget to invest in new technology use cases by reducing costs for routine operations and integrating end-to-end capabilities.Treat Data as a Product: Data must be managed as a valuable product rather than merely a business enabler. This involves evolving roles to drive product ownership, increasing cross-functional influence and collaboration, and actively marketing and using data assets both internally and externally to achieve organizational outcomes.

As schools continue to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape, those that embrace these priorities will be well-positioned to foster innovation, ensure data security, and create dynamic, engaging learning environments that prepare students for the future.

Through the adoption of an Exponential IT mindset, K-12 education institutions can address the multifaceted challenges of digital transformation, enhance their operational efficiencies, and significantly improve educational outcomes. Info-Tech Research Group’s blueprint provides a comprehensive roadmap to guide IT leaders through this transformation, offering actionable insights and strategies to leverage emerging technologies effectively.

For exclusive and timely commentary on this topic from Info-Tech’s analysts and access to the complete Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in K-12 Education blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

Info-Tech LIVE 2024
Registration is now open for Info-Tech Research Group’s annual IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2024, taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas. This premier event will also offer journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. To apply for media passes to attend the event or to gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.  

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com. 

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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In HelloNation, Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle Explains a Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design

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The article explains why smart geometry, not thicker walls, creates stronger, more efficient aluminum components.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What early design choice causes many custom aluminum projects to become heavier, costlier, or harder to manufacture? That question is addressed in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle of American Custom Metals, Inc. in Rochester, New York, that outlines how misunderstanding aluminum behavior leads designers to rely on thick walls instead of stronger geometry.

The article begins by explaining that many people assume thicker walls automatically make aluminum parts stronger. It notes that aluminum does not respond to wall thickness the way steel does. Instead, its performance is shaped by how the metal flows through the extrusion die. The article states that custom aluminum design is more effective when profiles use ribs, chambers, and flanges to create stiffness without adding unnecessary weight. This guidance helps readers understand why adding material often increases cost without improving strength.

The article also highlights that thicker walls change how aluminum moves during extrusion. When heavy areas fill more slowly, the metal cools unevenly and can develop stress that only appears later. The HelloNation piece explains that well-balanced geometry keeps extrusion smooth and predictable. This consistency makes it easier to maintain dimensional accuracy across long production runs. By focusing on geometry, custom aluminum design avoids the problems that come with slow extrusion speeds and uneven cooling.

Another insight in the article centers on how ribs and internal supports influence stability. It describes how a thin wall supported by a properly placed rib often performs better than a thick wall with no reinforcement. This happens because the rib helps distribute load, improve stiffness, and guide the aluminum as it cools. The article explains that this structural approach makes custom aluminum design more efficient and gives designers more control over how the final part behaves under pressure.

The article also shows why early collaboration between designer and fabricator prevents costly changes. It states that a fabricator familiar with extrusion can catch potential issues before a die is built. Small adjustments to corners or transitions can remove weak points or improve metal flow. The article notes that this teamwork keeps the design aligned with real-world production. By working together early, both sides reduce the risk of redesigning the die after the first test run.

Machining is another area where the article explains how wall thickness affects performance. Features such as deep pockets or sharp internal angles may require slow feed rates or special tooling. When walls are thicker than needed, those areas can become difficult to machine cleanly. The article states that thoughtful custom aluminum design makes machining more predictable. Small changes, such as adding radiused edges or sizing features to match standard tools, help shorten cycle times and prevent tool wear.

Thermal behavior receives detailed attention as well. The article explains that aluminum retains heat differently depending on the mass of each section. Thicker walls hold heat longer, which increases the chance of distortion during extrusion, machining, or finishing. When a design uses geometry to create strength, the material cools more evenly. This reduces warping and helps long profiles stay aligned. The article notes that stable cooling is important for components that require a precise fit and consistent shape throughout an entire production run.

Cost is also a key topic in the article. It states that heavier profiles increase material use, extrusion time, and tooling needs. A custom aluminum design that relies on geometry instead of mass lowers material consumption and keeps the fabrication process efficient. The article explains that lighter parts are easier to handle, ship, and assemble. This saves money across multiple stages of production and supports long-term manufacturing efficiency.

The article also notes that smart custom aluminum design creates profiles that behave predictably during extrusion and machining. Smooth transitions, balanced wall dimensions, and structural features help reduce the chance of distortion or dimensional drift. These elements also lower scrap rates and support reliable performance. By using geometry instead of excess material, designers build parts that maintain strength without compromising manufacturability.

As the article concludes, it emphasizes that avoiding thick walls is one of the best ways to improve performance and lower cost. It states that the most dependable custom aluminum components come from designs that use structural features to strengthen the profile. When designers understand how aluminum behaves at each stage of extrusion and machining, they create parts that are strong, efficient, and consistent from batch to batch. This approach turns custom aluminum design into a predictable process rather than a series of uncertain adjustments.

A Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design features insights from Mark Coyle, Custom Fabrication Expert of Rochester, NY, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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World Young Scientist Summit 2026 Opens in Wenzhou, Zhejiang

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WENZHOU, China, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report by China Daily:

On October 24, the World Young Scientist Summit 2026 opened in Wenzhou, Zhejiang. The event is hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, and the World Association of Young Scientists. Nearly 800 representatives, including scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries and regions, are attending the summit.

He Junke, Vice President of CAST in charge of daily work and First Secretary of its Secretariat; Lian Yimin, Chairman and Party Group Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Marcelo Knobel, Executive Director of The World Academy of Sciences; and Zhang Zhenfeng, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Wenzhou Municipal Committee, attended the summit and delivered remarks. Yao Gaoyuan, Vice Governor of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, presided over the first segment of the plenary session.

With the theme “Gathering Talents Worldwide to Create a Better Future,” the summit’s annual agenda is “Global Youth Action in the AI Era: Building a Sustainable Future.” It aims to draw on the insights of young people around the world, deepen international sci-tech cooperation, and jointly address questions about young people, science, the world and the future.

Efim Zelmanov, Fields Medalist and Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Chen Yunji, Deputy Director of the Institute of Computing Technology, CAS, and Director of the National Key Laboratory of Processor Chips; Mary Garson, President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; and Lu Chaoyang, Member of the Standing Committee of CAST, Executive Dean of the Shanghai Institute of Advanced Study, University of Science and Technology of China, and Chairman of the Council of the World Association of Young Scientists, delivered keynote speeches respectively on education reform in the AI era, AI and processor chips, young women scientists’ participation in science, and quantum computing. They explored new opportunities for scientific research, talent cultivation, and international cooperation in the AI era.

This year’s summit placed greater emphasis on the growth needs of young scientists, with young talents under the age of 45 accounting for 88 percent of participants. It aimed to build a cluster of international journals, bring together young scientific talent, facilitate a batch of international collaborative projects and advance the application and commercialization of scientific and technological achievements. The summit released the Report on the Distribution and Mobility of Young Scientists in the Field of Embodied Intelligence, launched the World Young Scientist Summit Partner Journal Program and the 2026 World Young Scientist Innovation and Entrepreneurship Growth Support Program. It also published the “Young Scientist Pioneers 2035” list and announced the 2026 Sustainable Development Young Scientist Award. The awards were presented to four Chinese and foreign scientists.

Chen Tianrun, Founder of Hangzhou Moxin Technology Co., Ltd.; Yuan Yang, Assistant to the Dean of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences at Tsinghua University; and two of the 2026 Sustainable Development Young Scientist Award winners, César de la Fuente and Nicola Segata, among other Chinese and foreign young scientist representatives, spoke at the flash-talk session to share their research practices and reflections.

In addition, the conference focused on fields such as future manufacturing, quantum information, embodied intelligence, brain-computer intelligence, environmental science, deep-sea resources, and life and health, and held 12 parallel forums. It also included the “Gravitation π” Future Technology and Concept Products Exhibition and Exchange, local thematic side events, and sci-tech and humanities study visits, further building an interdisciplinary, cross-regional and cross-sector platform for youth sci-tech exchange and cooperation.

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SOURCE China Daily

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The Ultimate Send-off to Summer: CSTS Debuts Global Entertainment IP PremierX at New York’s Pier 17, Ushering in a New Era of Live Entertainment

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NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CSTS Enterprises (‘CSTS’), a New York-based sports, entertainment, integrated media and travel technology group, today announced the official launch of PremierXTM, its flagship live entertainment brand, with a landmark Halloween Weekend event “AFTER DARK” at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York on October 30, 2026.

Capping off Seaport’s 2026 Summer Season in unforgettable fashion, the grand finale brings a powerhouse lineup of stars to the PremierXTM stage at Pier 17, featuring Lil Xan, Armani White, DJ Soda, Nate Wyatt, and surprise A-list guest headliners. Set against the iconic Manhattan skyline, the landmark eventing unites chart-topping hip-hop and high-octane electronic music for a festival-grade experience as The Rooftop at Pier 17 transforms into the city’s premier live music destination.

Building on the momentum of the PremierXTM After Party for the 2026 World Cup Final that took place in New York on July 19th, “AFTER DARK” signals the official debut of PremierXTM, a proprietary, New York – born global entertainment IP created by CSTS to deliver defining cultural experiences at the intersection of music, sport, art and lifestyle. Centred on the power of cultural crossover, PremierXTM serves as an international bridge connecting East and West, modern innovation and timeless classical, while uniting world-class artists, creators, performers and audiences through the universal language of entertainment and premium live experiences.

The launch also marks the beginning of a promising relationship with Pier 17, providing a world-class stage for PremierXTM to accelerate its growth in the U.S. and engage international audiences over the long term. By combining PremierXTM’s global entertainment vision with Pier 17’s iconic waterfront setting, the partnership aims to create a premier destination for live experiences, empowering both platforms to expand their global reach, deepen audience engagement, and drive sustainable growth.

As a key pillar of CSTS’ integrated ecosystem spanning entertainment, sports, travel, integrated media and marketing solutions, PremierXTM further strengthens the Group’s ability to create high-impact experiences that connect audiences, destinations and brand partners. With the global live entertainment market projected to grow from approximately US$203 billion in 2025 to US$270 billion by 2030[1], PremierXTM is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for premium, experience-led entertainment while creating long-term value to the Group through recurring audience engagement, tourism and brand partnerships.

“PremierX TM represents a significant milestone in CSTS’ evolution from a leading operator of global sports and hospitality platforms into a creator of world-class entertainment experiences,” said Abel Zhao, Group CEO and Executive Director at CSTS Enterprises. “The season finale at Pier17 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for CSTS as we expand our entertainment footprint and introduce a platform designed to deliver iconic live experiences and bring together artists and audiences from across the globe.”

“PremierXTM was built from the ground up as a bespoke platform to champion multicultural talent and visionary creative performers.” said Jason Liu, Regional Director of CSTS USA. “Starting from New York, we are building a scalable global brand that brings iconic live experiences to audiences worldwide while expanding our presence across key entertainment hubs in North America, Asia and Europe.”

Following its New York launch, PremierXTM plans to expand through a broader international rollout across North America, Asia and Europe, with future editions planned as part of a growing network of recurring live entertainment properties and flagship cultural events.

For ticket information on PremierXTM: “AFTER DARK”, visit
https://www.axs.com/events/1644912/after-dark-tickets

About CSTS Enterprises

CSTS Enterprises is an integrated media, entertainment, sports, and travel technology group. Headquartered in New York City, the company develops and partners with intellectual properties and brands to deliver compelling experiences that connect with audiences across the world. In addition to its own initiatives, including Generation CTM and PremierXTM, it collaborates with international IPs including FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and Formula 1.

CSTS integrates experiential marketing, travel, data, and technology to deliver seamless end-to-end audience experiences. The company engages consumers across physical events and digital channels, executing at scale worldwide, turning complex activations into co-ordinated, measurable outcomes.

[1] Source: Industry research by Markets and Markets, Live Entertainment Market Size, Share, Latest Trends & Growth Analysis, 2025-2030, Live Entertainment Market Size, Share, Latest Trends & Growth Analysis, 2025-2030.

 

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SOURCE CSTS Enterprises

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