Shows
ETLA The Beat : An EdTech Leaders Alliance PodcastETLA The Beat S2 E4 COSN's Trusted Learning Environment: An Edtech Leaders Alliance PodcastWelcome to ETLA The Beat! This is a monthly podcast sharing news, resources and content from the EdTech Leaders Alliance. This episode: Dr. Brian Drost Executive Director of Instructional Innovation & Grants of the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center and Co-Chair of the ETLA COSN Trusted Learning Environment Committee joins me to discuss the TLE and why it should be a New Year's Resolution for your school district. To join the TLE Committee and contact Dr. Brian Drost: bdrost@ncoesc.net Full Podcast Episode Listings https://edtechleadersalliance.libsyn.com Show...
2025-12-3130 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Privacy Practices in Action – Building a Technology Privacy and Security Vetting ProgramProtecting student data privacy is a complex undertaking, but you don't have to go it alone. Learn actionable insights you can use in your own privacy work, all in 30 minutes or less.This is a webinar on the building a technology privacy vetting program as part of the CoSN Privacy Awareness efforts and Trust Learning Environment.Moderator:Linnette AttaiProject Director for CoSN’s Student Data Privacy Initiative and Trusted Learning Environment Program.Guests:Laurie BoedickerDirector of Curriculum an...
2025-12-2231 min
The CoSN PodcastAI in Education: From Experimentation to ImpactThis episode of the CoSN Podcast is sponsored by Infosys.Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in K–12 education—it is already transforming classrooms, district operations, and leadership decision-making. In this episode of the CoSN Podcast, host Stephen Gilfus, a technology and education industry leader and industry advisor in IT, cybersecurity, AI, and education, leads a timely discussion on how AI is moving from experimentation to meaningful impact. Stephen is joined by Dr. Tom Ryan, Co-Founder of the K–12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group and former CoSN Board Chair, and Narayan Nandigam (Nandi), Vice P...
2025-12-1854 min
The CoSN PodcastGetting Started with Privacy LeadershipPrivacy leadership is no longer a “nice-to-have” in K–12 education—it’s an essential foundation for protecting student data, building trust, and ensuring districtwide compliance. In this episode, we break down insights from CoSN’s recent webinar, Privacy Practices in Action: Getting Started with Privacy Leadership, where district leaders shared how they launched and strengthened their privacy programs using the Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) framework.Listeners will learn how two districts—Vance County Schools (NC) and Corpus Christi ISD (TX)—launched, strengthened, and sustained privacy programs grounded in the Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) framework.What You’ll...
2025-12-1005 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Privacy Practices in Action: Getting Started with Privacy LeadershipProtecting student data privacy is a complex undertaking, but you don't have to go it alone. Learn actionable insights you can use in your own privacy work, all in 30 minutes or less. In this webinar, you'll hear from education technology leaders about how they built privacy leadership in their districts. Moderator:Linnette AttaiProject Director for CoSN’s Student Data Privacy Initiative and Trusted Learning Environment Program.Guests:Marsha AbbottChief Technology Officer, Vance County Schools in North Carolina
2025-12-0330 min
The CoSN PodcastCybersecurity Preparedness: A District’s TriumphThis podcast reviews a recent CoSN webinar, “We Survived a Cyber Incident: From Readiness to Recovery,” and explores how one school district successfully contained and recovered from a live cyberattack.Episode SummaryIn January 2024, an Arizona district faced a real cyber incident when a compromised service account allowed a threat actor into the network. Thanks to a strong Cyber Incident Response Plan, rapid quarantine, and a disciplined communication strategy, the district restored critical systems in under 24 hours with no evidence of data exfiltration.Key TopicsHow the incident was de...
2025-11-2608 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: We Survived a Cyber Incident: From Readiness to RecoveryThis story has a happy ending. In January 2024, the “not if but when” happened to us. We’d been cyber-attacked, and the bad guys were in the house.Presenters:Luke Allpress, CETL, MEd Director of Innovative Solutions Agua Fria Union High School District Avondale, AZBrandon GabelDirector of Information Technology Agua Fria Union High School District Avondale, AZIt started off with a fairly normal outage. Internal sites were stuck...
2025-11-1946 min
edWebcastsStudent Screen Time Pros and Cons: The CoSN 2025 Blaschke ReportThis edWeb podcast is presented by CoSN and AASA and sponsored by ClassLink.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.The debate over student use of assorted technologies, including cell phones, computers, tablets, etc., is an ongoing discussion. In the most recently released 2025 Blaschke Report, Screens in Balance: Education, Technology, and Community Conversations, CoSN highlights the impact of screen time and how districts can address the concerns while also leveraging the positive impacts when it comes to making learning relevant to students today and in their futures.In this edWeb podcast, three...
2025-11-171h 00
The CoSN PodcastRevisiting “Trailblazing into 2025”: Innovations from Under-Resourced, Suburban & Urban DistrictsIn this “From the Vault” episode, we revisit CoSN’s August 2024 webinar, “Trailblazing into 2025: Initiatives that Under-resourced, Suburban & Large Urban Districts Are Implementing Now.” We take a fresh look at the innovative strategies district leaders shared—from VR explorations and virtualized engineering labs to new professional learning structures, AI readiness, UDL integration, and pathways for achieving “yes” in complex environments. This reflective discussion highlights why the themes from 2024 remain essential for district leaders planning in 2025 and beyond.What You’ll Learn:How VR is being used as an equity tool to expand access to...
2025-11-0609 min
The CoSN PodcastAI, Automation, and the Future of K–12 Networks Insights from a CoSN WebinarIn this episode, we unpack insights from CoSN’s recent webinar, AI, Automation, and the Future of K–12 Networks. The discussion explores how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming district operations—from network security and data management to staffing, readiness, and responsible adoption.You’ll hear how district leaders and technology experts are using AI to strengthen cybersecurity, streamline help-desk operations, and prepare for a future where intelligent automation supports every aspect of learning and infrastructure.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeOperational AI in Action: How districts are using automa...
2025-10-2210 min
The CoSN PodcastBuilding Your Learning Continuity Plan or Business Continuity PlanIn this episode, we unpack CoSN’s CIRCUITS — Critical Infrastructure and Resilient Clouds for Unified Innovation and Technology in Schools — Committee's resource, Building Your Learning Continuity Plan or Business Continuity Plan. The discussion explores how districts can create resilience frameworks that keep learning and essential operations running—even when systems go down.You’ll hear how to design, activate, and test a continuity plan that prioritizes safety, communication, and recovery, while preparing your district for both on-prem and cloud disruptions.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeLearning vs. Bu...
2025-10-1507 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: AI, Automation, and the Future of K–12 Networks: Insights from CoSN’s Latest Survey WebinarAs K–12 school districts grow increasingly dependent on always-on, secure, and high-performing networks, IT leaders face mounting challenges in managing complexity, ensuring security, and supporting digital learning at scale. With a surge in connected devices, cloud-based applications, and IoT infrastructure, the traditional approach to network operations is being tested.To better understand how districts are addressing these challenges—and where AI and automation fit into the evolving network strategy—CoSN and HPE conducted a survey of district technology leaders across the country.Join this exclusive webinar as we unveil key fi...
2025-10-0855 min
The CoSN PodcastNavigating Updates on COPPA and Beyond: What K-12 Technology Leaders Need to KnowIn this episode, we break down CoSN’s webinar, Navigating Updates on COPPA and Beyond: What K–12 Technology Leaders Need to Know. The discussion unpacks how the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) latest changes to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) affect districts, vendors, and the broader edtech ecosystem.You’ll hear how these updates reshape definitions of personal information, raise the bar for vendor security practices, and clarify the role districts play in managing parental consent for educational tools.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeCOPPA basics: Why c...
2025-10-0207 min
The CoSN PodcastHow the TLE Practices Self-Evaluation Works Part 2 of 2In this episode, we take a practical deep dive into the Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Practices Self-Evaluation—the first big step districts can take on the journey to earning the CoSN TLE Seal.You’ll learn how the Self-Evaluation helps schools measure their privacy practices across five key areas: Leadership, Business, Data Security, Professional Development, and Classroom. More importantly, you’ll hear how districts can use the results to highlight strengths, identify gaps, and chart a clear path forward.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow the scoring works: From “not...
2025-09-2405 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Navigating Updates on COPPA and Beyond: What K-12 Technology Leaders Need to KnowThe FTC recently finalized its changes to the COPPA, and while they didn’t move forward with a number of proposed updates specific to education, there are still requirements for ed tech companies that you should know about. Join data privacy consultant Linnette Attai, director of CoSN’s Student Data Privacy and Trusted Learning initiatives and policy expert Reg Leichty, founder of Foresight Law + Policy PLLC who lead’s CoSN’s policy and advocacy for a look at what’s changed in COPPA, what hasn’t (and why). They’ll help you understand what you can expect from ed tech companies...
2025-09-2245 min
The CoSN PodcastWhat is the Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Part 1 of 2In this episode, we kick off a two-part series on student data privacy with a deep dive into the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal.The TLE Seal is more than just a badge—it’s a commitment that a school system is protecting student data across five critical practice areas: Leadership, Business, Data Security, Professional Development, and Classroom.You will learn:Why the Seal matters for building trust with families and communities.How it goes beyond compliance to create a culture of transparency and accountability.What “mature practices” look like...
2025-09-1805 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: The Dynamic-Duo: How Curriculum and Technology Departments Unite for ExcellenceJoin us on a journey to understand the pivotal role this dynamic duo plays in fostering a culture of innovation, empowering educators and IT professionals through skill development, and preparing students for a future that seamlessly blends curriculum and technology.Key Take Aways:Enhanced Collaboration Strategies: Learn effective methods for fostering seamless collaboration between curriculum and technology departments, ensuring alignment and mutual support in achieving educational goals.Mutual Benefits and Innovation: Understand the benefits for both curriculum and technology departments, including opportunities for innovation, skill development, and the creation of a cohesive, forward-thinking...
2025-09-1233 min
The CoSN PodcastRemember the Human: Deploying AI in Your District: Insights from a CoSN WebinarIn this episode, we explore highlights from CoSN’s recent webinar, Remember the Human: Deploying AI in Your District. Four education leaders: Mike Lawrence (ABC Unified), Jerry Almendarez (Santa Ana Unified/Creative Futures), Christopher Hoang (LACOE), and Chad Laines (ABC Unified), share how they’re implementing AI in real K–12 contexts. From district-wide pilots to county-level training, each speaker emphasizes one guiding principle: AI must enhance, not replace, human intelligence.We cover how districts can start with small, safe experiments, publish guidelines over rigid policies, and focus on transparency with families and students.The con...
2025-09-1009 min
The CoSN PodcastDriving K–12 Innovation 2025: Ethics, Workforce, and What’s Next: Insights from a CoSN WebinarGenerative AI. Digital equity. Staffing shortages. These aren’t abstract trends; they’re the real forces shaping schools in 2025. In this episode, Driving K–12 Innovation 2025: Ethics, Workforce, and What’s Next: Insights from a CoSN Webinar, we break down CoSN’s 2025 findings and what they mean for educators today. Based on the Driving K–12 Innovation 2025 Summit webinar, this conversation distills the big themes into practical insights.We explore why ethical innovation requires more than adopting the newest tool, how schools can build capacity to retire outdated tech, and why preparing students for the future of work means redefinin...
2025-09-0306 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Remember the Human: Deploying AI in Your DistrictAs districts across the globe grapple with the tectonic shifts caused by generative AI, there is a tendency to rush to the tool as an answer to nearly all challenges of content creation, evaluation and synthesis. This approach, while exciting, diminishes the human intelligence that is essential to effective, ethical and equitable deployment of this technology. This session provides guidance for a responsible process by which your educational community can engage in the thoughtful and impactful use of artificial intelligence for all students, ethically. Remembering the human element, practice empathy and asking the right questions are the path forward.
2025-08-2743 min
The CoSN PodcastTo Ban or Not to Ban? Cellphones in the Classroom: Insights from a CoSN WebinarCellphones are everywhere in schools — in backpacks, pockets, and sometimes under desks. But should they be banned, restricted, or embraced as learning tools? In this episode, inspired by CoSN’s To Ban or Not to Ban? Tackling Cellphones in Classrooms webinar, Common Sense Media’s Merve Lapus reframes the debate.We explore why banning phones alone doesn’t teach digital discipline, how schools can combine policy with digital citizenship education, and the role of community alignment in making rules stick. Hear real-world examples like phone-free zones, lockable pouches, and student-led policy design — all aimed at building intentional, balanced tec...
2025-08-2105 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Guide to Launching a Generative AI Pilot Program for StudentsDuring this session, we will highlight the implementation journey of our Generative AI Pilot Program, which aims to teach high school students how to use Generative AI safely and ethically within an academic setting. This session will cover the development of teachers’ expertise in Generative AI, creation of AI policy, our decision-making process for selecting an AI platform, and the strategic structure of the Pilot Program to ensure its success. Additionally, we’ll share real examples of how students are using generative AI into their classroom experiences, along with insights from participating teachers and students. All session reso...
2025-08-2044 min
The CoSN PodcastSafeguarding Student Privacy in a Digital-First World: Insights from a CoSN WebinarIn this episode of the CoSN Podcast, we recap highlights from CoSN’s webinar Safeguarding Student Privacy: Ethical Use of AI in K–12 Education. Why student privacy is about trust, not just compliance.How districts are building strong data governance frameworks.Key federal privacy laws—FERPA, COPPA, and PPRA—and why they’re struggling to keep pace with technology.What to ask edtech vendors before adopting new tools.Emerging privacy challenges with AI, from algorithmic bias to data provenance.Listen in for practical tips, real-world...
2025-08-1304 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: To Ban or Not to Ban Tackling Cellphones in ClassroomsEliminating students' use of smartphones during the school day is right in concept but challenging in execution. Students would absolutely benefit from less distraction from phones and social media, and more in-person interaction at school. The challenge for schools comes not in establishing these policies but in enforcing these policies, which requires diligent participation from the whole community. School policies should be accompanied with learning about digital citizenship and proper phone etiquette to help kids learn the challenges and benefits of technology and how to establish healthy digital habits. This will serve them well not just in school, but...
2025-07-3039 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Safeguarding Student Privacy: Ethical Use of AI in K-12 EducationThis presentation explores responsible AI implementation in K-12 education, focusing on enhancing learning while protecting student data. Topics include the benefits and risks of AI, best practices for data privacy and security, compliance with legal standards, and practical AI applications that ensure student privacy. Learn how to use AI responsibly to create a safe and effective educational environment.Key Take Aways:How to implement AI technologies responsiblyBenefits and risks associated with using AI technologies in schoolsAI data privacy and security best practices.The Sessions Everyone Was Talking About Webinar...
2025-07-1537 min
Marketing and EducationWhat’s Really Changing in K–12 Tech? A Deep Dive into CoSN’s 2025 ReportIn this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, Elana Leoni sits down with Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN (Consortium for School Networking), to unpack the biggest takeaways from CoSN’s 2025 State of EdTech District Leadership report.With over three decades of experience leading conversations around technology in education, Keith offers a grounded, systems-level view of where K–12 technology leadership is headed. From the rise of AI to the persistent gaps in cybersecurity readiness, Keith shares what’s keeping CTOs up at night—and where they see real opportunity for change.Together, Elana and Keith explore...
2025-07-1046 min
iBuild America PodcastJust when you thought schools could not be innovative, here comes Dr. Hinojosa.Dr. Michael Hinojosa Former Superintendent - Dallas Independent School District (Texas) Dr. Michael Hinojosa served more than 27 years as a superintendent/CEO of six public education systems, including two of the 25 largest school systems in America: Dallas ISD in Texas and the Cobb County School District in suburban Atlanta, Georgia. His career in public education, from teacher and coach to superintendent/CEO, spans more than four decades. He retired from the Dallas ISD in June 2022 after a long career in public education. With a firm belief that education - not environment - is the key to a...
2025-05-2930 min
K12 Tech TalkEpisode 208 - Live from CoSN 2025!We travel to the Emerald City this week to hang out with the great folks at CoSN! This podcast episode, recorded live at the CoSN conference in Seattle, offers interviews with participants, organizers, and presenters. Topics centered around the human aspect of AI, cybersecurity, and some amazing innovations from school districts around the county!
00:00:00-Introduction
00:02:00-Edward McKaveney
00:09:15-Adam Garry
00:15:04-Dr. Richard Charles
00:23:19-Pete Just
00:30:25-CTL
00:35:20-Jason Eyre
00:43:05-Lightspeed
00:45:16-Keith Krueger
CoSN AI Readiness
Lightspeed Signal
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A special thanks to our sponsors...
NTP...
2025-04-0456 min
ETLA The Beat : An EdTech Leaders Alliance PodcastETLA The Beat S1 E5 CoSN Chapter Conversation : An EdTech Leaders Alliance Podcast ETLA The Beat S1 E5 : An Edtech Leaders Alliance Podcast Welcome to ETLA The Beat! This is a new monthly podcast sharing news, resources and content from the EdTech Leaders Alliance. Guests Stephen Collins and Kevin Ghantous as we discuss the ETLA's Ohio CoSN Chapter and the various committees, learning, and professional opportunities that are a benefit of that. This includes the Mentorship, Cybersecurity, TLE Trusted Learning Environment, and the previously discussed CETL program. We also discuss how ETLA has taken innovative steps to bring discounted CoSN Memberships to Ohio. We share more information on t...
2025-03-1925 min
ETLA The Beat : An EdTech Leaders Alliance PodcastETLA The Beat S1 E3 COSN CETL : An EdTech Leaders Alliance Podcast ETLA The Beat S1 E3 : An Edtech Leaders Alliance Podcast Welcome to ETLA The Beat! This is a new monthly podcast sharing news, resources and content from the EdTech Leaders Alliance. Guest Mike Daugherty of the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools joins the podcast to discuss the COSN CETL Program, the Cohort he runs and why it's a great opportunity for any EdTech Leader. Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 0:23 Interview with Mike Daugherty 33:03 Closing ETLA Website (CETL information midway down for the June/July Cohort information) https...
2024-12-1735 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Trailblazing into 2025: Initiatives that Under-resourced, Suburban & Large Urban Districts Are Implementing NowHow will you innovate in your school district or organization this year? Join CoSN’s Edtech Innovation Committee at our upcoming webinar on Wednesday, August 21, when you will discover how under-resourced, suburban, and large urban districts are implementing groundbreaking strategies to transform education in the upcoming school year. Edtech leaders in K-12 education will highlight practical examples and successful innovations that are paving the way for future-ready schools. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and prepare for another year of educational excellence.The presenters are from the CoSN EdTech Innovations Committee.During the...
2024-09-081h 00
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Spain Simulcast - What have we learnt in Spain?Continuous Learning, AI, and Digital Education Strategy
CoSN CEO Keith R. Krueger welcomed everyone, particularly the delegation from the US and Australia, to discuss the importance of continuous learning, especially in the context of the pandemic. The conversation focused on the sustainability of investments in education and infrastructure, and the potential of artificial intelligence in education. Carlos Medina from the Spanish Ministry of Education provided insights on their digital education strategy, highlighting a significant investment of €1 billion over the years to equip all classrooms in Spain and close the digital divide by providing devices to students. He al...
2024-05-2458 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: CoSN CGCS K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool For Organizational Assessment, Readiness & PlanningJoin us for a dynamic discussion on the K-12 Generative AI Maturity Tool, developed collaboratively by CoSN, the Council of Great City Schools (CGCS), and Amazon Web Services (AWS). This tool builds on the insights from the K-12 Generative AI Readiness Checklist launched in the autumn of 2023. It is designed to help school districts assess and enhance their readiness for integrating Generative AI technologies.
Throughout the webinar, a district leader currently using the tool will share experiences and insights, demonstrating how the tool has supported their instructional and operational objectives.
Participants will learn how to...
2024-04-231h 01
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Inclusive Ed Tech: Tips for IT Leaders on AT ImplementationJoin this dialogue with the Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES) to gain insights from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Education Technology and Office of Special Education Programs on the recently released assistive technology (AT) guidance and National Education Technology Plan. Each document highlights how students with disabilities can be supported to help ensure academic success. During the discussion, CITES will share district leadership resources including self-assessments, job descriptions and professional learning facilitator guides so teams can launch or build upon their inclusive technology practices.
Facilitator: Christine Fox, Vice President Operations
...
2024-03-0747 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Student Data Privacy Fireside Chat: FERPA Solutions for Your DistrictWe’re sitting down with Ross Lemke, manager of the US Department of Education’s Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) for a conversation to learn about common FERPA missteps and tips for keeping your district’s student data privacy program on solid ground. Learn what mistakes to avoid – and how to avoid them – as we dive into good practices for protecting student data privacy, straight from PTAC.
Linnette Attai, CoSN Project Director, Student Data Privacy and Trusted Learning Environment Seal Program
Ross Lemke, US Department of Education’s Privacy Technical Assistance Center
In our professional...
2024-02-0557 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: 2023 Federal and State Cybersecurity Legislative TrendsPlease join us for a webinar as we welcome Reg Leichty and Andrea Johnson.
Reg Leichty is the Founding Partner Foresight Law + Policy Washington, District of Columbia
Andrea Johnson is a Policy and Research AssistantForesight Law + Policy Sheridan, WY Office
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and worldwide present their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities facing educators. Webinars are FREE for members and $59 for non-members. Partner webinars are free for all.
2024-02-0544 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Key E-Rate Strategies for NowJoin Amy McLaughlin, Vince Humes, Tony Harvey, and Colleen Davoren as they discuss Key E-Rate Strategies.
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and worldwide present their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities facing educators. Webinars are FREE for members and $59 for non-members. Partner webinars are free for all.
For a complete listing of all CoSN's webinars, please visit: https://www.cosn.org/education-events/webinars/
Be sure to follow us on Twitter @CoSN...
2024-01-1234 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar: Empowering School Districts; An Introduction to AI Use Policy Toolkit for EducationThe rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology present both incredible opportunities and significant challenges for educational settings. Whether or not a school district is considering leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), the influence of this technology on educational ecosystems is undeniable. As AI increasingly becomes a part of our daily lives, district leaders have a responsibility to understand its impact in educational settings and make informed decisions accordingly. This is true whether the aim is active adoption or simply preparation for a future where AI tools become more prevalent in educational settings.
Presenters
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2023-12-0459 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: AI & Cybersecurity: What You Need to KnowJoin us to delve into the pivotal interplay between artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Join us as we unravel the ways AI is transforming threat detection, intrusion prevention, and incident response. We’ll explore real-world applications, benefits, challenges, and the ethical dimensions of AI in cybersecurity. Be part of the conversation to stay informed about the latest trends and essential insights for navigating this evolving landscape effectively.
Presenters:
Amy McLaughlin, MS, MA, CETL, CISM, CHPS, CDPSE, CISSP, CoSN Cybersecurity Project Director,Executive Director, Technical and Solutions Architecture Oregon State University (OR)
Bryan Ruzenski, Dir...
2023-10-2634 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: CoSN Digital Equity DashboardLearn about the Digital Equity Dashboard, an innovative and practical tool designed to help school districts and communities leverage data to close digital equity gaps. The powerful instrument integrates various national data sets into one comprehensive dashboard. By anonymizing the data and breaking it down into county, school district, and zip code units, the Digital Equity Dashboard provides school and community leaders with valuable data to inform decision-makers and address equity concerns.
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and worldwide present their specialties. During each interactive session, experts...
2023-09-2658 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: K-12 Cybersecurity: Building Defensible and Resilient K-12 Digital Infrastructure with the U.S. Department of Education1,619 cyber incidents: that staggering number represents only the publicly reported cyber incidents experienced by K-12 institutions in the U.S. between 2016 and 2022. The K-12 Cybersecurity webinar with the U.S. Department of Education is a call to action for education leaders in school districts and state agencies in support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government effort to improve the defensibility and resilience of education’s digital infrastructure. Timed to coincide with the back-to-school season, the webinar will focus on highlights from CISA and ED’s recently released Defensible and Resilient K-12 Digital Infrastructure Brief, which features cybersecurity recommendations and promisi...
2023-09-1259 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Generative AI: The New School Supply?As the new school year approaches, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving educational landscape. That’s why we are thrilled to invite you to an insightful and interactive webinar titled “Generative AI: The New School Supply?”
During this engaging online event, we will explore how Generative Artificial Intelligence transforms the educational experience for students, teachers, and school leaders. Join us as we delve into the fascinating applications and benefits of Generative AI in prepping for the school year, conducting meetings with teachers, and collaborating with school leaders. Hear f...
2023-08-1859 min
The CoSN PodcastStudent Data Privacy in K12 Learning with Kerry Gallagher, S3E11Student privacy is a growing concern across K12 education. Although many digital tools and edtech providers have invested in student data privacy, many stakeholders are calling for more training, awareness, and cybersecurity in the classroom. How can we guarantee that students get the best possible experience leveraging edtech tools and that their data is secure and privacy safeguarded? In this episode of the CoSN Podcast, we discuss student data privacy, increasing awareness, vetting procedures, and more. There is no doubt that schools have a responsibility to protect student data and maximize student data privacy. In order to d...
2023-05-3136 minedWebcastsSucceeding with Digital Equity: CoSN’s 2023 Award-Winning District’s Leadership StrategiesThis edWeb podcast is sponsored by ClassLink and presented by CoSN and AASA. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.Digital equity is a constant and challenging issue of our times. CoSN annually awards a school district with the association’s Community Leadership Award for Digital Equity to honor and recognize those districts that are working to eliminate inequities and narrow the gap when it comes to digital access. Corpus Christi ISD in Texas is the recipient of CoSN’s 2023 Community Leadership Award for Digital Equity.In this edWeb podcast, the superintendent of Corpu...
2023-05-1358 min
The CoSN PodcastThe Necessity of Robust Cybersecurity for Sustainable K12 Learning, S3E10We must invest in effective cybersecurity to mitigate these risks and increase the health of our K12 schools. In the third part of this three-part series on K-12 Education and Cybersecurity, our guests share backgrounds, standards, and strategies for cybersecurity success. Overall this conversation highlights the multitude of factors that add up to increase the health and security of K12 data systems and cybersecurity. There is no doubt that the work of our guests and IT professionals across the education sector is essential. Today’s guests are Mayank Agarwal and Scott Gilhousen. M...
2023-04-2630 min
The CoSN PodcastTransformational IT and Cybersecurity Collaboration, S3E9How do you balance technological accessibility and cybersecurity? This is a question many school districts have asked over the past several years. Particularly during remote learning, many districts challenged their preconceived notions on accessibility and cybersecurity, leading to many robust changes in districts nationwide.
In this conversation, special guests Doug Thompson and Henry Martin discuss how schools can best implement transformative IT and ensure that sensitive data protection maintains its secure status through collaborative planning and execution.
Doug Thompson is the Chief Education Architect at Tanium. He is a passionate sto...
2023-03-2928 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Designing an Acquisition Process for Your DistrictHave “ILL gotten goods” ever shown up at your doorstep with individuals expecting them to be added to the network? Join us for another IT Leadership discussion about the Value of Investment (VOI) and the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for technology items. Four district IT leaders will talk about their new technology acquisition process when the funds come from unrestricted entities like parent organizations or Donors Choose. While this issue seems to be an age-old problem for IT leaders, our panelists will be able to shed some light on their district process solutions and how sustainability can be built...
2023-03-081h 00
The CoSN PodcastThe Rise of Digitization, S3E8As school digital ecosystems expand and rapidly become more at threat, there needs to be a transparent understanding of building and adapting functionally digitized systems.
In the second part of this three-part K-12 Education and Cybersecurity series, our guests discuss the expansion of more developed operational and learning management systems in schools and strategies for successful implementation and change management.
As both of this episode's guests can attest, school districts' use of digitization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and there are a host of challenges technology and education practitioners need to be aware...
2023-03-0135 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Protecting Yourself: What Students, Parents, Teachers, and Staff Need to Know about CybersecurityCybersecurity is not just a technology issue. It is part of everyone’s job.What do students, parents, teachers, and staff need to know to protect themselves and their schools from cyber-attacks?What are the best practices for teachers with their students? How does the school work with parents and staff on an ongoing basis?The assumption is that the responsibility for all cybersecurity decisions and outcomes rests solely with the technology team. Some assume that managing cybersecurity risk is too technical for students, parents, teachers and staff involvement.Nothing could be...
2023-02-2252 min
The CoSN PodcastSetting the Broad Context and Democratizing Cybersecurity, S3E7In an ever-growing connected world, cybersecurity is a growing issue that often gets overlooked. From financial risks to personal information risks, cybersecurity risks have changed the landscape of K12 and higher education. Despite the growing risks, we have yet to see a hyper-awareness of school and community leaders of the landscape of cybersecurity impact.
In the first part of this three-part K-12 Education and Cybersecurity series, our guests discuss why cybersecurity is so important, current risks, often overlooked struggles, the significance of collaboration, and more. This conversation aims to address the issues at hand and improve awareness...
2023-02-1536 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: CoSN K12 Leadership Pre-Survey TipsCoSN K12 Leadership Pre-Survey Tips Webinar on January 5th, 2023.
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and around the world present their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities facing educators. Webinars are FREE for members and $59 for non-members. Partner webinars are free for all.
For a complete listing of all CoSN's webinars, please visit: https://www.cosn.org/education-events/webinars/
Be sure to follow us on Twitter @CoSN and LinkedIn to stay updated on CoSN events!
2023-02-0809 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: 2022 Federal and State Cybersecurity Legislative Trends WebinarToday's panelists include:
Reg Leichty, Founding Partner Foresight Law + Policy, Washington, District of Columbia
Andrea Johnson, Policy and Research Assistant Foresight Law + Policy, Sheridan, WY Office
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and around the world present their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities facing educators. Webinars are FREE for members and $59 for non-members. Partner webinars are free for all.
For a complete listing of all CoSN's webinars, please visit: https://www.cosn.org/education-events/webinars/
Be sure...
2023-02-0632 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: CoSN CETL® Certification Basics WebinarWhat is it?
Why it's beneficial?
How to apply for recertification?
Today's panelists include:
Chelsea Earhart, MBA, CAE, Director of Certification, CoSN CETL® Certified Program (KS)
Robin Gunter, CETL®, CoSN Certification Governance Council, Chair, Executive Director Instructional Technology Richardson ISD (TX)
Chantell Manahan, CETL®, CoSN Certification Governance Council, Member Director of Technology MSD of Steuben County (IN)
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and around the world present their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities faci...
2022-12-2251 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: A Leader's Role in Supporting UDLIn order to reduce barriers, leaders must work to develop their Universal Design for Learning mindset, knowledge, and skills to ensure that all learners have equitable access to educational materials and resources. During this session, you will hear from two district leaders who are using a UDL mindset to lead.
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and around the world present their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities facing educators. Webinars are FREE for members and $59 for non-members. Partner webinars are free...
2022-12-1447 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Capturing the Value of Investment for Technology SpendingCapturing the Value of Investment for Technology Spending.
Today's panelists include:
Frankie J. Jackson, CETL, Subject Matter Expert, CoSN
William Pierce, Executive Administrator of Digital Innovation and Program Management, Jefferson County School District (KY)
Diane W. Doersch, CETL, Technical Project Director, Digital Promise (DC)
Rob Dickinson, Chief Information Officer, Wichita Public Schools USD 259 (KS)
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and around the world present their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities facing educators. Webinars are FREE for members and $59 fo...
2022-11-301h 00
C bot run : A K12 Cybersecurity PodcastC:\bot_run : A K12 Cybersecurity Podcast Episode 5Welcome to Episode 5 of C:\bot_run, a podcast focused on discussions and conversations about K-12 cybersecurity. This special episode was recorded at the Learn21 Ohio CoSN/ISTE Conference in Columbus. The panel took a look at 10 Things You Can Do To Better Your Cybersecurity Posture For FREE. Hosts: Jennette Irish-Glass - Orange City Schools John Rizzo - Shaker Heights City Schools Sean Whelan - West Geauga Schools Special Guests: Jennifer Fry - Delaware City Schools Sheri Brokaw - Delaware City Schools Next Month’s Episode : A focus on Cyber Insurance wi...
2022-11-1530 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Key Findings from CoSN's 2022 K-12 IT Leadership SurveyCoSN has conducted an annual survey of U.S. K-12 IT Leaders for the past nine years. The results from the 2022 survey were recently released. Come to this webinar to learn about the key findings and better understand today’s EdTech landscape around the state of cybersecurity risks, BYOD initiatives, demands for home access support, and more.
The survey and this webinar were made possible by the Ed-Fi Alliance and CDW-G, conducted in partnership with MCH Data, K12 Insite, and AASA.
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and ar...
2022-11-0923 min
The CoSN PodcastCreating A Framework For Inclusive Technology (Part Two) S3E6Over the past two years, we have seen technology use in the classroom skyrocket. From assessment tools to curriculum support, these technologies are essential to classrooms in districts across the country. Hand in hand with the bloom in learning technologies, inclusive technologies have become a major topic of discussion in the education world.
In part two of this two-part series sponsored by the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) at CAST, our guests discuss how to implement a technology program that meets the needs of all learners. Step by step- setting standards, creating guides for teachers...
2022-11-0229 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: 2022 CoSN EdTech Trends and FundingIn a recent survey, CoSN members shared their experiences and how emergency funding has impacted purchasing decisions. This 30-minute webinar will highlight the key findings, and every attendee will receive a copy of the full survey report.
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and around the world present their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities facing educators. Webinars are FREE for members and $59 for non-members. Partner webinars are free for all.
For a complete listing of all CoSN's webinars, please...
2022-10-2515 min
The CoSN PodcastCreating A Framework For Inclusive Technology, S3E5Over the past two years, we have seen technology use in the classroom skyrocket. From assessment tools to curriculum support, these technologies are essential to classrooms in districts across the country. Hand in hand with the bloom in learning technologies, inclusive technologies have become a major topic of discussion in the education world. What is inclusive technology in education? The aim of inclusive technology is to create environments using technological resources to ensure that all students can thrive academically. In part one of this two-part series presented by the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) at CAST, our...
2022-10-1235 min
The CoSN PodcastK-12 Cyber Data – Best Practices for School Systems, S3E4A common phrase in the cybersecurity world is “cybersecurity is not a priority until it has to be.” Security measures are essential to schools, and as we will discuss in this episode, good procedures ensure safety success. In this episode presented by Telos, Our guests today discuss bad actors, sensitive data, low-hanging data, federal funding, and why cyber security is an essential core function of every school district.
Today’s guests are Pete Cevenini and Vincent Scheivert. Pete is the former Montgomery County Public School (MD) Chief Information Officer & Former Maryland State Department of Education CIO. Pete was nam...
2022-10-0535 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Driving K-12 Innovation: Tech Enablers #2 (February 16, 2022)The pandemic has shifted education as we know it and now is our chance to move forward into a world where innovation is central to catalyzing change needed more than ever before.
During CoSN’s two Driving K-12 Innovation Summit #2, we will explore the Tech Enablers that our Advisory Board has deemed the most influential for 2022. What are the biggest challenges and motivations for change, and what are the tools to help us get there? How has the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in the process?
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from ac...
2022-09-2833 min
The CoSN PodcastK-12 Cyber Data – Exposing Hacker Ecosystems, S3E3What is a hacker, and what threats do they present to K12 school districts? As we begin the school year, we want to ensure that K12 districts are adequately prepared to address these risks and secure data. In this episode presented by Telos, we discuss the philosophies behind anti-hacking data security and strategies educators can take to protect district networks, data, information, and security systems from hackers.Today’s guests are John Frangos and James Levija. John is the Director of Cyber Threat Analytics at Telos Corporation. He is a former Army Chinese Mandarin linguist and technical ta...
2022-09-2126 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Student Data Privacy Webinar (August 17, 2022)Building a data privacy governance program is a significant undertaking, requiring leadership support, knowledgeable technology leadership empowered to build and implement the program, and an institution-wide culture that is open to change. The “what” is understandable, but the “how” is often murky. How do you engage with leadership to make the case for building or improving your privacy program? How do you start building acceptance for the needed changes? Join us as we do a deep dive into the “how” with representatives from 2 districts that have each earned their Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal. Listen in as they share how they mov...
2022-09-161h 00
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Driving K-12 Innovation: Hurdles & Accelerators Summit #1 (February 2, 2022)The pandemic has shifted education as we know it and now is our chance to move forward into a world where innovation is central to catalyzing change needed more than ever before.
During CoSN’s two Driving K-12 Innovation Summit #1, we will explore the Hurdles & Accelerators that our Advisory Board has deemed the most influential for 2022. What are the biggest challenges and motivations for change, and what are the tools to help us get there? How has the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in the process?
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts fr...
2022-09-1355 min
The CoSN PodcastK-12 Cyber Data - New Dangers from New Sources, S3E2As schools return for the 2022-2023 school year, students will bring hundreds of devices with thousands of applications into district ecosystems. With an increase in in-classroom technology, exploitable student devices, and insecure applications, data is at risk. In this episode of the CoSN podcast presented by Telos, we discuss cybersecurity issues in schools and how actionable data and strategies districts can take to protect their data from novel dangers.
Today’s guests are Eric Nester and Wesley Doebler. Eric Nester is the Director of Intelligence Enterprise Solutions at Telos Corporation. Eric began his intelligence career in the Un...
2022-09-0734 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Stepping Up Every Day – Leadership in K12 Education (November 3, 2021)Join us to share your story and hear from a panel of professionals, just like you, in various stages of their careers. Explore how leadership looks today. Discover the strategic drivers that should frame your approach to leadership each day. Explore the different stages of leadership and continue to grow in your role, and advance your career.
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and around the world present on their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities facing educators. Webinars are FREE for...
2022-09-061h 02
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Cybersecurity Insurance and Risk Assessments (October 6, 2021)The Cybersecurity Insurance landscape is rapidly changing. Premiums and deductibles are increasing and insurance companies are demanding that K12 organizations take a more active role in protecting their technology environments. Insurance companies are also rolling out risk assessments and questionnaires to determine rates and eligibility.
What do you need to do to prepare to respond to these risk assessments and maintain an insurable technology infrastructure?
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and around the world present on their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to addres...
2022-08-3051 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Solving Broadband Equity Disparities All Hands On Deck - A Demonstrated Approach (September 8, 2021)As students moved to virtual learning, it quickly became clear that the broadband equity issues plaguing students were more significant and more complex than we knew. Hudson School District in Wisconsin benefitted from agencies who worked together to help solve this issue.
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and around the world present on their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities facing educators. Webinars are FREE for members and $59 for non-members. Partner webinars are free for all.
For a complete...
2022-08-2355 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: 2021 CoSN EdTech Trends (July 20, 2021)Hear about the CoSN 2021 Member Survey and survey results, and get the latest perspective from school districts like your own.
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and around the world present on their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities facing educators. Webinars are FREE for members and $59 for non-members. Partner webinars are free for all.
For a complete listing of all CoSN's webinars, please visit: https://www.cosn.org/education-events/webinars/
Engage further in the discussion on Twitter...
2022-08-1618 min
The CoSN PodcastThe CoSN Webinar Series: Recruit and Retain People of Color in IT (June 16, 2021)Organizations often focus on gender diversity, and while this does improve school system's performance, ethnic diversity has an even larger impact on stakeholder outcomes.
Diversity is not just a "do good" thing - it supports your school system's bottom line.
Join us in this webinar to discuss:
Why diversity matters
How to attract talent from ethnically diverse groups
How to make sure that the talent you attract wants to stay with you
Click to watch this webinar
In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and a...
2022-08-0955 min
The CoSN PodcastRethinking Cyber Risk and Security Investment, S3E1Cybersecurity is an interesting and developing topic in the world of K12 education. Over the past several years, we have seen a massive investment in technology across schools and districts. This investment in educational tools has led to increased risk from student data to network soundness.
In this episode of the CoSN podcast presented by Tanium, we discuss the cyber risk challenges that are unique to education, how to handle multi-device and individual device security, and an effective framework for districts, schools, and tech leaders to understand and implement cybersecurity strategies.
Today’s guest is Do...
2022-07-2725 min
The CoSN PodcastExamining New Caney ISD’s Data Operational Success with Gretta Rogne, S2E19In the nearly 13,000+ school districts across the country, there are millions of data points that can help educators understand success. From student performance on standardized test scores to integration with learning tools, these data points can transform a district's approach to learning if handled correctly. In order to effectively handle data and create data transparency with the whole district, new systems have to be independently created to meet the needs of the district. New Caney ISD, one of the fastest-growing districts in the state of Texas, provides a new model for structuring data and implementing new data-driven initiatives.
2022-07-0643 min
The CoSN PodcastThe District Led Self Review - S2E18Reviewing a district’s overall technology usage is essential in the modern school. With data and cyber security concerns and the prevalence of technology in the classroom, the challenges districts are facing are incredibly unique and unprecedented. In response to the needs of these districts, the CoSN team, in partnership with Dell Technologies, expanded CoSN’s “Peer Review” process to increase resources for leadership-driven technology initiatives. The Peer Review and the District-Led Self-Review are designed around the CoSN Digital Leap Success Matrix, which outlines the practices needed to be a successful digital school system. The review processes use this Matrix t...
2022-06-0838 min
The CoSN PodcastThe Cybersecurity Leadership Game with Amy McLaughlin, Matt Dascoli, and Frankie Jackson - S2E17The education world is constantly changing and growing, and technology is consistently a factor in that change. In our new technology-forward education industry, cybersecurity is a major factor in protecting students, educators, and communities. In this episode of the CoSN podcast presented by Dell Technologies, we discuss current cybersecurity industry standards and the exciting CoSN “CyberSecurity Leadership Game” with Amy McLaughlin, Frankie Jackson, and Matt Dascoli.
Amy McLaughlin is the Executive Director, Technical and Solutions Architecture at Oregon State University and Cyber Security & Network Consultant & Project Lead at CoSN. Frankie Jackson is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at t...
2022-05-2531 min
The CoSN PodcastBridging the Digital Divide with Dr. Patrick Gittisriboongul - S2E16Digital Equity – was an often discussed topic during the pandemic and was a subject that many rural, urban, and suburban communities faced when going to online learning. Providing students with technology and internet access was a long and arduous process for many districts, and it led to some amazing infrastructure initiatives and changes. In this episode of the CoSN podcast presented by Discovery Education, we discuss the factors of digital equity and strategies to address inequities.
Today’s guest is Patrick Gittisriboongul, Ed.D, Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Innovation at Lynwood Unified School District in California. In 20...
2022-05-1135 min
The CoSN PodcastInclusive Design Made Practical - S2E15Technology – when used thoughtfully – can have a tremendous impact in supporting districts’ goals around inclusive learning environments. What are the biggest challenges and what are some proven, practical strategies to make learning more inclusive? We’re tackling those questions today with a panel of expert practitioners:
Karen Janowski - inclusive technology consultant and former adjunct professor at Simmons College in Boston
Beth Poss - educational and technology consultant, accessibility and inclusion advocate, speech/language pathologist, and former assistant principal
Chris Bugaj - inclusive technology facilitator, speech language pathologist, and founding member of the Assistive Technology Team for Loudoun County P...
2022-02-0850 min
The CoSN PodcastHow Do We Ensure Impact on Student Learning? - S2E14In the third and final episode of this Large Districts Great Minds mini-series, we’re discussing strategies for balancing the technology landscape to ensure impact on student learning. A trio of leaders from the Wake County School System in North Carolina join the podcast to share practices that have worked for them, along with situations in which technology is – or is not – the answer to districts’ needs.
Marlo Gaddis, Chief Technology Officer; Allison Reid, Sr. Director of Digital Learning & Libraries; and Lisa Belsha, Director of Digital Resources to their expertise and proven strategies. The guests speak about the quest...
2022-02-0141 min
The CoSN PodcastHow EdTech Data Helps Schools Personalize and Prepare - S2E13Data is a key element that supports school districts in the journey from sight to vision. When used correctly, data increases our understanding of individual students’ strengths and needs, helps us create meaningfully personalized learning environments, and gives us the tools to put our goals within reach and make them achievable.
Dr. Mary Levinsohn-Klyap, Coordinator of Data Literacy & Coaching for Howard County Public Schools in Maryland, is this episode’s featured guest. Mary discusses the critical importance of making meaning of data and the role data coaches can play in that process. They also dive deep into the...
2022-01-2529 min
The CoSN PodcastBuilding and Supporting a Diverse Technology Team - S2E12In our previous episode, we discussed the changes taking place within school districts in response to, and also to embrace, trends regarding remote and hybrid work environments. Today, we’re continuing to speak about the ways in which technology departments are evolving their goals, aligning staffing objectives to those overall goals, and developing new approaches to build modern teams. Specifically, we’re discussing the process of building and supporting diverse technology teams.
Our expert guests give their perspectives on the ways in which districts benefit from diverse technology teams, some of the recruitment blind spots they’ve uncove...
2022-01-0646 min
The CoSN PodcastThe Future of Hybrid Work in School Districts - S2E11Remote and hybrid work environments have grown in popularity over a number of years, and this trend, like so many others, has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The trend is now impacting schools just as it is transforming other workplaces and industries.
In considering schools’ teaching and learning objectives, and the tools and technologies we use to best equip students with future-ready skills, predicting and understanding the “future of work” is an important factor. How can district leaders address their immediate needs while simultaneously redefining work environments and building the edtech leadership to support them?
Toda...
2021-12-1540 min
The CoSN PodcastHelping Students Understand Cybersecurity and Digital Citizenship - S2E10In the past two episodes, we’ve discussed digital security and cybersecurity, and the fact that each stakeholder group within a school district plays a role in ensuring the cybersecurity plan is effective. Students are one of those key stakeholder groups, and they’re the focus of this episode. How do we help them develop digital citizenship skills and understand their role in ensuring digital safety?
Dan Farsaci, Director of Technology for Liverpool Central School District in New York, joins the podcast to share his expertise on this subject. Farsaci and MindRocket Media Group discuss how digital citi...
2021-12-0128 min
The CoSN PodcastCybersecurity in Remote and Hybrid School Environments - S2E9What are some of the specific cybersecurity challenges school districts are facing and addressing? How have the past two years changed the cybersecurity landscape?
Gary Lambert, Director of 21st Century Learning for Beekmantown Central School District in New York, is the guest on this episode and shares his insights on these critical topics. Lambert and MindRocket Media Group discuss the reasons why concerns about cybersecurity are in the DNA of 21st century learning, how the pandemic has influenced cybersecurity trends, and some of the tools Lambert’s district is utilizing to mitigate cybersecurity challenges. They also discuss ad...
2021-11-1737 min
The CoSN PodcastChoosing the Right Digital Security Tools - S2E8Digital safety and cybersecurity are among the most critical responsibilities of school districts. Technology leaders nationwide are constantly evaluating new tools and best practices to develop an effective, reliable security plan that all stakeholders can follow. We look at digital security tools in part one of this three-part series. How do districts determine their needs, find tools that align with their strategy, and succeed with the implementation of their plan?
edCircuit chats with technology leaders from Nebraska’s Norris School District: Noel Erskine, Technology Director, and Bryan Williams, Network Administrator. They discuss the key factors for evaluating a...
2021-11-1040 min
The CoSN PodcastImplementing High-ROI Technology at Scale - S2E7Billions of dollars are spent annually on promising education technology solutions, but how many deliver an ROI in improved student outcomes? Often, the way to determine the best tools is to ensure alignment with teaching best practices and research-based approaches. When we rely on the right data and involve all stakeholders in the process, we can implement high-impact, innovative ideas at scale.
Dr. Sonny Magana and Jon Corippo are this episode’s expert guests to talk through these topics. Sonny is an online learning pioneer who served as the founding principal of Washington State’s first CyberSchool. He i...
2021-09-2342 min
The CoSN PodcastEdTech Innovation to Drive K-12 Equity - S2E6“Innovative” may be an overused buzzword in some corners of the education technology marketplace, but that doesn’t contradict the reality that innovation is happening in schools across the U.S. However, to better understand the meaningful trends happening in K-12, we must connect innovative practices with their practical purpose, particularly the ways in which innovation improves equity, access, and outcomes. So, what does a truly innovative school look like, and what might we expect to see develop within the next 5-10 years?
Tom Davis is the guest on this episode, and he shares a thoughtful perspective develo...
2021-09-0928 min
The CoSN PodcastClosing the Gap - S2E5Marcia Kish, Chief Innovation Officer with DSD Professional Development, joins this episode of the podcast to discuss one of the pressing issues facing educators of all roles: closing knowledge gaps created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. School leaders and classroom teachers clearly understand the challenges students have faced, the goals set for their learning, and the urgency of achieving a great start to the new academic year. The question now is: how can we ensure success?
Kish and edCircuit tackle this issue from a variety of angles, including a discussion of the challenges teachers have observed...
2021-08-2432 min
The CoSN PodcastDiscussing the Early Career K-12 CTO Academy - S2E4In this episode, Jeremy Wickham, Director of Technology for North Shore School District 112 in Highland Park, Illinois, joins us to discuss his experience with the Early Career K-12 CTO Academy. Jeremy was a graduate of the 2020-21 Academy cohort.
The Academy is designed to address the needs of education technology leaders with fewer than four years of experience. Participants learn skills such as creating a culture of innovation in their district, building diverse teams that include underrepresented populations in the edtech industry, supporting student-centered learning and technology budgeting, and more. The Academy is generously supported by CoSN’s...
2021-06-2923 min
The CoSN PodcastBreakthrough Findings on Student Home Connectivity - S2E3In this episode, Dr. Tom Ryan, Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer for the Santa Fe Public Schools, joins the podcast to discuss findings from CoSN’s groundbreaking new Student Home Connectivity Study. Ryan was chair of the Educator Advisory Committee that worked on the report.
The survey drew on data from 13 school districts enrolling 750,000 total students, representing a significant data set to allow CoSN to provide evidence-based advice to districts and inform policymakers. Ryan and host MindRocket Media Group, discuss how the data informs nationwide goals around digital equity, connectivity, and tech-enabled learning.
Many important topics an...
2021-06-0129 min
The CoSN PodcastEdTech Data Trends in 2020-21 - S2E2In the second part of our mini-series on education technology data, Mark Finstrom, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Highline Public Schools, a district of 20,000 students in Washington state, joins the podcast to discuss data trends from the current year. What do the trends tell us, and how can we apply them? Finstrom discusses specific observations in Highline PS, as well as the ways in which these trends can be interpreted for broader understanding.
Among the important topics discussed are the ways in which prior edtech planning benefited the district, along with some of the major surprises from...
2021-05-1829 min
The CoSN PodcastUsing Data to Address Digital Equity - S2E1On the Season 2 premiere of The CoSN Podcast, edCircuit speaks with a pair of leaders from Oak Park Elementary School District 97 in Illinois—Dr. Carol Kelley, the district’s Superintendent, and Michael Arensdorff, Senior Director of Technology, join the show to discuss the equity initiatives they’re leading in Oak Park. The guests describe their broader goals around equity and, specifically, how they’re leveraging technology as a driving force.
This episode is part one of a mini-series supported by LearnPlatform. Learn more at learnplatform.com
Engage further in the discussion on Twitter: @DrKforequity @marensdorff25 @CoSN @EdC...
2021-05-1128 minedWebcastsSmart Education Networks by Design - The CoSN SEND InitiativeThis edWeb podcast is sponsored by ClassLink and co-hosted by CoSN, AASA, and edWeb.net.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Today, K-12 education networks are required to do much more than address district operational and administrative needs. Now, more than ever, school networks must serve students and teachers both inside and outside the classroom, anywhere and anytime. Innovative technologies, more access to the internet, and powerful communication, creation, and collaboration tools are driving instructional transformation. Rapid change is increasing the demand for greater network capacity and reliability. In the not-too-distant future, innovations in data...
2020-07-191h 01
The CoSN PodcastVendor Perspectives During the COVID-19 Crisis, S1E8In this episode, hear interviews with Caroline Rinker, CoSN’s Director of External Relations; Rod Houpe, Director of Business Development at Education Networks of America (ENA); and Michael Flood, Vice President of Strategy at Kajeet. These experts discuss the conversations that need to take place between districts and vendors as the groups mutually plan for success in the new industry reality.
MindRocket Media Group leads a discussion on how vendors should be planning ahead for the buying and selling cycle, in light of many schools closing for the rest of the academic year (1:57); how districts can make th...
2020-04-1736 min
The CoSN PodcastCybersecurity Considerations During COVID-19, S1E7In this episode, hear interviews with Amy McLaughlin, CoSN’s cybersecurity project director, and Tom Ashley, CTO and Director of Technology at Huntington County Community School Corporation in Indiana.edCircuit leads a discussion on cybersecurity concerns during this COVID-19 pandemic. With the increased need for effective remote learning capabilities in these unconventional times, this topic is worthy of much investigation. The guests offer key insights on the following topics: The advantage of early preparation for distance learning (1:09); VPN and remote user security issues (3:02); providing resources that help districts ramp up (4:10); equity and tech access for families (6:12); student po...
2020-03-2718 min
The CoSN PodcastRemote Collaborating and Planning, S1E6In this special CoSN podcast delivered in partnership with AASA (The School Superintendents Association) and Digital Promise, the participants examine best practices for working, learning, and living during this crucial and challenging time. edCircuit interviews the following guests: Samantha Becker, Project Director for CoSN's Driving K-12 Innovation; Daniel Foreman, Associate Director of Professional Learning, Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools; and Diane Doersch, Technical Project Director, Digital Promise, Verizon Innovative Learning Schools.The guests offer essential information and key insights on the following topics: Convening and collaborating through digital platforms (1:21); key questions that need to be asked...
2020-03-1931 min
The CoSN PodcastThe Superintendent’s Role in Technology Leadership - S1E5This episode features interviews with Dr. Donna Wright, Director of Schools, Wilson County Schools in Tennessee, and Dr. David Schuler, the superintendent of the Township High School District 214 in Illinois and chair of the CoSN Superintendent Advisory Council.edCircuit leads a discussion on the role of the superintendent in leading technology initiatives. The guests offer insight on the following topics: The different layers of leadership and how they’ve contributed to the evolution of technology initiatives (1:01); defining the gaps and using data to guide, enhance, and support professional development (7:35); telling the teacher story through th...
2020-03-1331 min
The CoSN PodcastImproving Alignment Between IT Leaders and Business Partners, S1E4In this episode, edCircuit interviews CoSN board member Steve Langford, the Chief Information Officer for Oregon’s Beaverton School District, and Lillian Kellogg, Senior Vice President of Client Services at Education Networks of America (ENA) and Affiliates.The conversation focuses on how IT leaders and business partners can better understand each other’s needs within the evolving vendor-purchaser environment. Among many themes, the guests discuss managing the expanded universe of education technology that is affecting vendors and partnerships (1:24), how school districts are now pushing the needle with vendors (3:30), implementing solutions with finite resources (7:35), methods vendors can use so t...
2020-03-0629 min
The CoSN PodcastThe Rise of Esports in K12 Education S1E3In this episode, edCircuit speaks with Kyle Berger and Pete Just about the rise of esports within K-12 education. Kyle, who was TCEA’s 2009 Technology Director of the Year, is CTO for Grapevine-Colleyville ISD in Texas. Pete is the CTO and COO of the MSD of Wayne Township (Indiana) and is currently serving his second term as CoSN Board Chair.The conversation will advance education technology leaders’ understanding of esports within the school district setting, including how and why to implement esports programs. Among the topics discussed: How to “sell” the value of esports programs to stakeholders in schoo...
2020-02-2830 min
The CoSN PodcastWhat New K-12 CTOs Need to Know S1E2In this episode, edCircuit interviews Donna Williamson, facilitator for CoSN’s Early Career K-12 CTO Academy, along with two members of the current Academy cohort: Karyn Dobda, Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives for Pennsylvania’s Quaker Valley School District; and Steve Thomaschefsky, Director of Technology, School District of Waupaca (Wisc.).The conversation touches on a number of topics relevant to technology leaders in education. Among other topics, the guests discuss how districts can make sure to have the right leaders in the CTO role [3:50], how school boards can identify people who aren’t simply “techies,” but have the p...
2020-02-2024 min
The CoSN PodcastDigital Equity with Beth Holland S1E1In the debut episode of the podcast, edCircuit interviews Beth Holland, CoSN’s Digital Equity and rural Project Director.Holland earned her undergrad degree in communications studies from Northwestern, a Master’s in Technology Innovation and Education from Harvard, and a doctorate from Johns Hopkins in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education. Her professional career is just as impressive, with time spent as an English teacher, Director of Academic Technology, and a number of roles in the Navy, among others.In this episode, the conversation touches on a number of topics relevant to technology leaders in education. Amon...
2020-01-3024 min