The conference’s other AI offerings will include a look at prompt engineering; an AI playground focusing on several smaller sessions covering policies and practices; perspectives from three superintendents; an AI readiness workshop specifically for administrators; and a session on student data privacy. AI even takes two slots in CoSN’s seven spotlight sessions.
With the Department of Education’s guidance on AI last year and this year’s release of the National Educational Technology Plan (the nation’s flagship educational technology policy document), attendees will want to catch one of two Tuesday sessions that will touch on the NETP to get further insights on federal or state policies and initiatives regarding digital equity and possibly AI.
DISCOVER: What does the National Educational Technology Plan say about the digital divides?
Reducing Threats with AI, Assessments, Google and Microsoft
Unfortunately, because K–12 districts are a popular ransomware target, cybersecurity continues to be a top concern for technology leaders. CoSN attendees can attend several workshops to help them shore up their defenses. “Leveraging AI for Strengthening Cybersecurity in School Districts” promises to share “AI-driven solutions that can detect, prevent and respond to cyber threats effectively.”
Another session, “Defend Your School Like a Pro: The Cybersecurity Rubric for Education Is Thriving, Join the Community!” will address The Cybersecurity Rubric, a tool that is informed by National Institute of Standards and Technology and other relevant cybersecurity and privacy frameworks for assessing and improving cybersecurity in schools.
“Taking a Deeper Look at National Cybersecurity Standards” will examine several federal cybersecurity standards and guidance from other organizations to help K–12 IT leaders build or improve their cybersecurity plans.
Another cybersecurity-focused session, “5 Strategic Google & Microsoft K-12 Security & Safety Investigations,” will feature panelists discussing risk assessment, threat detection and incident response strategies tailored to Google Workspace for Education and Microsoft 365.
Of course, funding is one of the major sticking points in improving cybersecurity in schools. For tips on how to relieve that pressure, attendees may want to check out “Charting the Course: A Post-ESSER Roadmap to Optimizing Edtech ROI” and “Equitable, Innovative Learning Opportunities: Mastering E-rate and Ed Tech Policy.”
RELATED: Schools can win federal cybersecurity funding.
CoSN2024 Offers Multiple Opportunities for Special Groups to Network
CoSN2024 is not only about professional development. The conference also offers attendees of all backgrounds many opportunities to network with peers in K–12. There will be a large district summit, a CTO forum, a digital equity reception, a women in technology breakfast and opportunities for people of color and members of the LGBTQ communities to connect.
Join EdTech as we provide written coverage of CoSN2024. Bookmark this page and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @EdTech_K12.
