CoSN today issued the final report in its annual Driving K-12 Innovation series: “2020 Tech Enablers.” The report explores the top five technology tools improving education this year by enabling innovation and facilitating adaptation during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
According to an international advisory board of over 100 edtech experts, the most important Tech Enablers for schools to leverage in 2020 in order to surmount Hurdles and embrace Accelerators advancing the digital transformation are: Digital Collaboration Platforms; Tools for Privacy & Safety Online; Analytics & Adaptive Technologies; Cloud Infrastructure; and Mobile Devices.
 
“In today’s COVID-19 world, the importance of effective virtual learning environments has significantly increased. CoSN’s Tech Enablers report will help school systems determine the technology advancements that are critical for teaching and learning in 2020,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “The two-part Driving K-12 Innovation series provides educators with a holistic view of the current edtech landscape and allows them to lead technological change in their districts and beyond.”
 
The report delves into two Tech Enablers that are particularly salient given the COVID-19 pandemic-fueled transition to virtual learning and provides related anecdotes from school leaders across the country:
 
  • Digital Collaboration Platforms: Digital collaboration platforms can enable a broader range of learning opportunities on both the global and local level, help students develop digital and career-relevant skills, and support professional development and learning communities. To leverage this Tech Enabler, educators and school systems must prioritize safety and privacy, develop stakeholder competency, and address issues of equity and access.
  • Tools for Privacy & Safety Online: Tools for privacy & safety online, such as privacy settings in apps, administrative/parental controls, filters and education/support resources, can help school systems, educators and students protect themselves in digital spaces. To effectively leverage this Tech Enabler, educators should utilize communities and resources, craft relevant policies and processes, and build stakeholder understanding and capability.
 
CoSN issued the 2020 Hurdles + Accelerators report in March and will also be releasing a Toolkit to help its members navigate the interconnected Hurdles-Accelerators-Tech Enablers ecosystem.
 
Learn more about the Driving K-12 Innovation initiative at cosn.org/k12innovation.
 
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heidi Payter, hpayter@fratelli.com, 202-822-9491
 
The Driving K-12 Innovation initiative is sponsored by: ClassLink and Google for Education (Gold Sponsors); Amazon Web Services and CDW.G (Silver Sponsors); and Diamond Assets, ENA/CatchOn and Kajeet (Bronze Sponsors).
 
 
About CoSN 
CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders. CoSN provides thought leadership resources, community best practices and advocacy tools to help leaders succeed in the digital transformation. CoSN represents over 13 million students in school districts nationwide and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. cosn.org