Building a Stronger EdTech Infrastructure

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CoSN’s CIRCUITS Committee focuses on advancing Critical Infrastructure and Resilient Clouds for Unified Innovation and Technology in Schools, ensuring that K–12 districts have the reliable, secure, and adaptable technology systems needed to power modern education. The committee’s work focuses on strengthening core infrastructure—including high-speed networks, wireless access, storage, security, and other essential systems—while advancing resilient cloud solutions that deliver scalable, accessible, and recoverable resources. By fostering a unified and dependable technology environment, CIRCUITS enables innovation, supports equitable access, and helps schools adapt quickly to evolving teaching, learning, and operational needs.

Formerly: Network & Systems Design Committee

CoSN CIRCUITS Project Director: Amy McLaughlin, MS, MA, CETL, CISM, CHPS, CDPSE, CISSP, amclaughlin@cosn.org

CoSN staff contact: Cara Dollinger, External Relations Specialist, cdollinger@cosn.org.

 

Featured Resources

Building Checklist: Essential Guide for IT Leaders' Construction Projects

Construction and substantial renovation of school district buildings must consistently incorporate technology planning from conception to building. This member document is a game-changer, providing a concise yet powerful roadmap for designing and renovating buildings focusing on future-proofing district technology.

Download Checklist

Building your Learning Continuity Plan or Business Continuity Plan

It is important to have an identified scope when developing an LCP or BCP for your school or district IT organization. It is recommended that IT organizations focus on building a technical plan that helps IT prioritize services and identify strategies for continuing to deliver high-priority services to support the district in the event of a disaster that destroys or severely cripples one or more of the district’s data centers, networks, and server systems.

Download Plan
networking,edtech leadership networks,data hub architecture

Budgeting & Funding

Funding network connectivity both at physical locations and remote or home locations, for employees and students is a continuous challenge for many organizations.

The Networking & Systems Design initiative produces recommendations and resources for funding connectivity.

Budgeting, TCO & VOI

E-Rate -- Preparing for the Next 5-year Cycle

Key E-Rate Strategies for Now Webinar Recording (Free for Members)

networking,edtech leadership networks,data hub architecture

Cloud Computing Resources

K-12 Schools that operate in the cloud, primarily use Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) to provide email and other productivity tools, learning management and student information systems, digital content, and other digital learning resources.

Cloud is a part of the Networking & Systems Design initiative and focuses on creating resources to help school and district technology leaders transition from the conventional to IT-as-a-service.

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Artificial Intelligence Resources

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to influence practically every aspect of education and society.  The Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K-12 report originally released in 2020 has been updated to reflect today's ecosystem.

www.cosn.org/ai

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Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT devices offer many opportunities to automate processes within a school system; however, they are not a neutral addition to the organization's technology toolkit.  Like other technologies, implementing IoT devices in the district requires careful review and planning to ensure security is correctly architected and in place before implementation, and to implement a plan for supporting and sustaining the IoT devices once implemented.

Esports Resource

Launching an Esports program offers new opportunities to expand student engagement and connect students to new opportunities to build their leadership and teamwork skills.  A successful program launch will leverage a solid plan and cross organizational commitment.  Addressing key issues in the district's plan will support a positive experience for students, staff, and spectators.

Member Exclusive:

What School System Tech Leaders Need to Know

Disaster Preparation - Building your Disaster Recover - GO KIT

Implementing Asset Management

Identifying and Prioritizing Critical System Risks: The Business Impact Analysis

Implementing Asset Disposal
Presentation cover for CoSN Disaster RTO & RPO: Setting Recovery Priorities Before a Disaster

Disaster RTO & RPO: Setting Recovery Priorities Before a Disaster

Disasters, whether human or natural, can have sudden and serious impact on the ability of the school district to deliver services, including core services for the support of students and staff. Many critical resources that impact not only the delivery of teaching and learning, but also the basic life, health and safety functions of the school district are dependent upon technology to continue to operate.

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Network Security

Comprehensive Design Overview

Education Networks of America, in collaboration with eLearn Institute and TechEdvantage, white paper that provides insight, considerations and best practices every school district can implement for improving its network security.

CoSN Cybersecurity Initiative

Technology leaders and policymakers need to protect their networks and information security, analyze their current status, and validate what they are doing well.

Learning Continuity Planning

Communicating with District Leadership

Advisory Committee

This committee is member exclusive.

Advisory Committee

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