Key Findings Highlight Cybersecurity, Data Privacy and Security, and Generative AI as Top Priorities for 2025-26 School Year

 

Washington, D.C. (November 24, 2025) — CoSN today released results from the inaugural Canada State of EdTech 2025 report, offering the first-ever nationwide view of technology priorities, challenges and opportunities in Canadian K–12 education. Developed in partnership with Manitoba Education, Research and Learning Information Networks (MERLIN), the report synthesizes findings from EdTech leaders across eight provinces.

The survey asked leaders to identify their top EdTech priorities for the 2025/26 school year. Cybersecurity ranked first, followed by Data Privacy and Security, Generative AI (Gen AI), Parent/School Communication and Cloud Infrastructure. In addition, the report highlights key findings that reveal how school systems are responding to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Key Findings

  • Cybersecurity Tops the Agenda: Cybersecurity ranked as the leading technology priority, with 74% of respondents very concerned about new forms of AI-enabled cyberattacks. While most respondents report investing in education network security, a third do not have a dedicated cybersecurity staff member, and few perceive their school systems as high risk for cyber threats.
  • AI Adoption Gains Momentum: More than half (55%) of respondents say their districts/boards are embracing AI, and none report AI bans. Nearly all respondents (95%) work in school systems with guidelines in place. The most common AI initiatives are Gen AI training for instruction and the implementation of productivity tools for administrators and staff. The biggest concern regarding AI is cybersecurity, and the area of least concern is that AI will cause overall job loss.

Leaders Promote Healthy Technology Choices: Recognizing the link between excessive personal screen time and mental health, 98% of respondents work in a school system that promotes healthy technology habits, including limiting the use of personal devices to instructional purposes and banning social media access on school-issued devices.

  • Digital Equity Emerges as a Growing Concern: As school resources and communications become digital, off-campus connectivity is becoming an equity concern. About three-quarters (71%) of school systems provide no off-campus broadband support, and only 5% report that all students have both devices and sufficient bandwidth at home. While most respondents say that only 10% or fewer of their students lack home digital access, these gaps can place students at a disadvantage.

“Canadian school districts are working through a period of rapid change, where AI, cybersecurity and digital equity increasingly intersect,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “This report provides an important look into how education leaders are meeting that moment, and it underscores the need for continued collaboration, investment and leadership to ensure technology advances learning for every student.”

 “This first-of-its-kind survey gives Canadian EdTech leaders a clearer picture of our collective strengths and challenges. As CoSN’s data partner, MERLIN is honored to help shape a national baseline that will drive future planning, investment and innovation in K–12 technology,” said Kirsten Thompson, Senior Communication and Marketing Specialist, MERLIN.

“Dell Technologies Canada is proud to collaborate with CoSN and MERLIN alongside Canadian districts to deliver secure, scalable infrastructure and student‑ready devices that advance outcomes for every learner,” said Pamela Pelletier, President, Dell Technologies Canada.

The Canada State of EdTech 2025 report lays the groundwork for a more coordinated national understanding of the digital landscape in K–12 education. Its findings are intended to guide school leaders, policymakers and technology partners as they work to strengthen data security and responsibly integrate emerging technologies into the learning experience.

To download the full report, visit: https://www.cosn.org/tools-and-resources/resource/canada-state-of-edtech-2025/

About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. For more information, visit www.cosn.org/

About MERLIN
Manitoba Education, Research and Learning Information Networks (MERLIN) was established in 1995 as a special operating agency with the Department of Education and Training. It was formed as a facilitating body to coordinate the delivery of technology services to the education community across Manitoba. Now celebrating their 30th anniversary, MERLN currently operates under the Department of Innovation and New Technology. https://www.merlin.mb.ca/

About Dell Technologies
Dell Technologies works hand-in-hand with schools and districts to design student-centric learning models aligned to local goals and community needs—strengthening outcomes for students and their communities. Guided by our purpose to create technologies that drive human progress, we partner across K-12 and Higher Education to expand access to opportunity and accelerate innovation. To support this mission, we provide secure, scalable infrastructure and student-ready devices that power modern classrooms and campuses. https://www.dell.com/en-us

MEDIA CONTACT: Makenzie Carlin, mcarlin@fratelli.com