CoSN conducts its annual survey to gather insights into the changing landscape of EdTech Leaders. As the results of each year’s survey have shown, the ground they cover keeps expanding. As districts modernize their infrastructure, more responsibilities such as HVAC, phone systems, and physical security systems come under their purview and run on the school network. EdTech Leaders are also challenged by persistent problems such as hurdles to hiring qualified IT talent, issues of student home internet and device access, funding cliffs as pandemic funds expire, and enormous threats of cybersecurity attacks. This survey—now in its 11th year—provides an opportunity for EdTech Leaders, who are often siloed within their own district, to benchmark their efforts or simply see what others are doing. It also is valuable to superintendents, school boards, and business officers as they determine priorities and budgets to address these challenges.
As one survey respondent shared, “This has me thinking and brainstorming on the technology needs and objectives for [my] school district.” The survey results also serve as a directional guide to CoSN’s resource and program development in fulfilling its 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.”
Some Key Findings:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
EdTech Leaders recognize that AI has potential risks and benefits. The overwhelming majority (97%) see benefits in how AI can positively impact education and over a third (35%) of districts report having a generative AI
initiative.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity remains the top concern for EdTech Leaders, with 99% of districts taking measures to improve protections. While this is a bleak situation given the challenge, increasingly districts are on a path to implementing many cybersecurity best practices.
Student Well-Being
An overwhelming majority (93%) of districts are using technology solutions designed to address or improve student well-being. Tools for monitoring and reporting bullying and self-harm, as well as tracking student behavior, are common and widely implemented..
Digital Equity
A growing number of districts no longer provide any services to address student home broadband access—31% this year, compared to 19% just two years ago. One clear example is the decline in the number of districts providing hotspots to unconnected students, which from 69% in 2022 to 49% this year.
Interoperability
Most districts are involved in Interoperability initiatives, with the majority partially implemented or in the planning stage. Single Sign-On (SSO) is the most fully implemented interoperability initiative at 43%.
Download the full survey to learn more!
