Why this almost 50-year-old edtech association just became CALIE.
GUEST COLUMN by Christine Feenstra
CALIE (FORMERLY CUE)
For almost 50 years, CUE has been a trusted community for educators harnessing and exploring the power of technology in the classroom. But education—and the tools that shape it—have evolved dramatically since our founding. Technology is no longer just a set of devices; it’s an entire ecosystem of innovation that supports how students learn, how teachers teach, and how schools prepare for the future. To better reflect this broader mission, CUE is becoming CALIE: the California Association of Learning Innovation in Education.
‘Technology is no longer just a set of devices; it’s an entire ecosystem of innovation that supports how students learn, how teachers teach, and how schools prepare for the future.’
Recognizing a Rich History
Many of you may know CUE, but not many may realize what the acronym stands for: Computer Using Educators. When CUE formed in 1978 and later incorporated in 1981, computers were just beginning to be integrated into school systems. In the early years of the organization students across the nation began playing Oregon Trail on Apple II computers and by the late eighties some schools may have even had a Mac or two in a classroom. Beyond attempting to ford a digital river or escape the game ending fate of dysentery, students were also receiving typing lessons through the floppy disc game MicroType: The Wonderful World of PAWS or being taught very basic commands by their computer teacher. And virtually all of this learning took place during a single school period in Computer Class.
Oregon Trail may have been a game, but the new digital frontier was real, and it was inspiring a generation. These technologies were exciting, untested, and sometimes unwelcome. As educators grappled with whether to accept computers into their schools, how to incorporate them if they did, and how to even use them when they arrived, CUE was formed to connect the dots and provide support. In the early years CUE worked with teachers, helping them to better understand the educational power and application of these bulky machines that took up more space than most school desks could handle. As computers became standardized and gave way to laptops and the internet and tablets and smartboards, CUE continued to adapt with the times and to the technologies of those times.
Evolving Together
Throughout our history, CUE and educators have evolved together to incorporate the latest in EdTech. And now, we are evolving again as CUE becomes CALIE. This new name honors our history while opening the door to a more expansive vision. CALIE is about more than computers—it’s about creativity, collaboration, and forward-thinking approaches that empower educators and inspire students.
We exist to turn complexity into clarity, transform ideas into action and ignite chain reactions that redefine learning.
Our goal is simple – to inspire learning – and we will do this by working with our members, partners, and the wider education community to lead the way in learning innovation, ensuring that educators continue to have the resources, professional development, trusted network and support they need to thrive in this rapidly changing world.
More than a Name Change
Educators are navigating opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and reimagine learning alongside serious challenges that threaten to widen the digital divide. To meet this crucial moment CALIE isn’t just going through a rebrand, we are going through an organizational shift to modernize and help educators to create equitable and engaging learning experiences through technology. It’s an evolution grounded in empowering educators to create learning environments that spark curiosity, build connection, and open doors for every learner.
Some of the changes include a new professional learning hub, which provides on-demand professional development aligned with current educator needs; the development of a certified educator program that provides competency-based learning to deepen impact and advance leadership skills; and an expanded committee structure to create more opportunities for member engagement and leadership.
What’s Next
As exciting as this new chapter is, we are just getting started. The full organizational shift, including new programming, a revamped website, and enhanced technologies, will be implemented throughout the next year.
Our annual Spring CUE event in March will remain under its established name, with content and design bridging the understanding that Spring CUE is now powered by CALIE.
We’ll also provide major updates on the transition during Spring CUE including several changes being co-created and implemented through engagement with affiliate leaders across our 18 regions.
And we want educators to know that no matter your relationship with technology, the CALIE community is here for you – because when we come together we are stronger, educators are empowered, and that revolution that started decades ago on floppy discs will continue to inspire the next generation of digital learners.
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Christine Feenstra is the Executive Director of CALIE (formerly CUE), a nonprofit community of connected educators focused on improving education for all learners in California and beyond. They gather to learn and share at local, regional, and statewide education conferences as well as inside online communities. By participating in CALIE events, educators enhance their skills and extend their professional network. Connect with Christine on LinkedIn.
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