K12 Tech Talk

Episode 220 - ISTE Preview and Summer Staff Transitions

Welcome to this week's episode with Chris and Mark (Josh is on vacation!). We give a sneak peek of ISTE and its EdTech index and the five quality indicators that are setting new standards for EdTech vendors.
This episode also examines the timely topic of staff transitions over the summer, unpacking the challenges associated with tech handovers, account management, and also the juggling act of summer vacations.
A special highlight is the coverage of a recent study on the implementation of a cell phone ban in schools, exploring the profound impacts it has had on classroom culture, social interaction, and student focus.
Additionally, we discuss... AI! We check out some highlights of Microsoft's 2025 AI and education report.
 
00:00:00-Intro
00:00:57-ISTE Preview
00:04:11-EdTech Rebranding
00:05:43-Cell Phone Ban Study Findings
00:11:04-AI in Education Report
00:18:17-Handling Employee Departures
00:36:10-Upcoming Events and Conferences
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PowerGistics' favorite Chromebook damage excuses
Fortinet
Lightspeed
Prey - Email k12tech@preyproject.com and/or click this link for info! 15% off first year!
CTL
CTL is introducing 3 new products this week and next:
Updated: CTL Chromebook NL73 Gen 2, now with faster N150 processing, 2 clamshells and 1 touchscreen, 4/64 and 8/64 configurations
New: CTL Chromebook PX121E, an 8/64 device with an expansive 12.2" screen for better immersive learning experiences
Brand new: CTL Chromebox OPS device, which can breathe new life into existing interactive displays and bring them into the ChromeOS ecosystem for better classroom integration and simpler IT management
They'll be showing these new products at ISTE starting June 30th, 2025... Booth #2049
 
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Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com
OR info@k12techtalkpodcast.com
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
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Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Episode 219 - Do you enable GenAI tools for all age levels?

Join Josh, Chris, and Mark for Episode 219! We dive into the latest news, including the State of Maine's Yubikey deployment, the reintroduction of KOSA, and Google's Gemini and NotebookLM now available for K12. Plus, we'll cover the ongoing E-rate decision.
Our main topic for this episode: How are you deploying AI in your district now that major LLMs are available for K12? We'll discuss what districts should consider before turning on Gemini or CoPilot, whether to deploy to all grades, and the necessity of having an AI policy in place.
Don't miss this essential discussion for K12 tech leaders! For questions, email us at info@k12techtalkpodcast.com.
00:00:00-Intro
00:06:00-Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA)
00:09:21-Gemini is now K-12
00:11:26-MFA for Maine!
00:19:12-Enabling AI for all ages
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Eaton - What does an IT pro do? A children’s book. K12 IT pros like you have been sharing Eaton’s What does an IT pro do? children’s book with their school’s teachers and libraries. Inspire tiny IT pros interest in STEM with Eaton’s first children’s tale where Honey, the badger, teaches her classmates how an IT pro can be like a doctor, a detective, a teacher and so much more! Grab your free copy at https://forms.office.com/r/JPaKdQptjU.
Eaton - Lower Kuskokwim School District Success Story
Fortinet
VIZOR
VIZOR - Strafford R-VI (Missouri) Case Study
Extreme
Managed Methods
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Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com
OR info@k12techtalkpodcast.com
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Facebook
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Episode 218 - Rethinking Guest WiFi (Without Mark)

On this week's episode, Chris and Josh discuss guest WiFi, in particular whether or not to offer it to students during the school day, new employees (training, accounts, and more), and tech dept vacation days.
https://www.the74million.org/article/school-districts-unaware-boarddocs-software-published-their-private-files/
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/critical-fortinet-flaws-now-exploited-in-qilin-ransomware-attacks/
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Eaton - What does an IT pro do? A children’s book. K12 IT pros like you have been sharing Eaton’s What does an IT pro do? children’s book with their school’s teachers and libraries. Inspire tiny IT pros interest in STEM with Eaton’s first children’s tale where Honey, the badger, teaches her classmates how an IT pro can be like a doctor, a detective, a teacher and so much more! Grab your free copy at https://forms.office.com/r/JPaKdQptjU. 
Fortinet
VIZOR
Extreme
Lightspeed
--------------------
Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com
OR info@k12techtalkpodcast.com
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Facebook
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Episode 217 - How to Write a Better RFP

On this week's episode, hosts Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss the Dept of Education's proposed budget and what the cuts could mean for K-12 education. Many of the programs may seem distant from our world but the trickle-down effects could be felt immediately for many districts.
We also dive into some additional changes at the FCC as well as MS-ISAC, as districts are learning that some services will now have an annual fee.
Our main topic this week is the RFP process - the good, the bad, and the ugly side of RFPs as well as how you can improve your RFPs with 5 simple tips. We break down our recommendations for your next RFP into this simple template that you can use to create a proposal that your vendors will want to respond to!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11435vbxeVSTWntTGFxTkzWlBatyEHlCfYEcmlgE6V4w/edit?usp=sharing
 
00:00:00-Introduction
00:11:30-More changes in the FCC and MS-ISAC
00:15:24-Dept of Ed's proposed budget
00:28:07-Writing a GOOD RFP
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Eaton - What does an IT pro do? A children’s book. K12 IT pros like you have been sharing Eaton’s What does an IT pro do? children’s book with their school’s teachers and libraries. Inspire tiny IT pros interest in STEM with Eaton’s first children’s tale where Honey, the badger, teaches her classmates how an IT pro can be like a doctor, a detective, a teacher and so much more! Grab your free copy at https://forms.office.com/r/JPaKdQptjU. 
Fortinet
Prey - They are offering a 15% discount on the first year for customers referred by K12 Tech Talk! Visit https://preyproject.com/.
NTP
ManagedMethods
--------------------
Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com
OR info@k12techtalkpodcast.com
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Facebook
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Episode 216 - How do you handle a curious or mischievous tech student?

Tune in for an engaging chat about the latest educational AI updates from Microsoft, which include new tools and changes, such as Microsoft co-pilot chat features for students aged 13 and up. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of summer school technology mishaps. The hosts also discuss how to handle students' tech misadventures, exploring the delicate balance between discipline and education, and the importance of communication between educators and tech-savvy students.
k12sysadmin post we talk about
https://dayofai.org/families/day-of-ai-common-sense-media-ai-literacy-toolkit-for-families/ - link Mark mentionshttps://help.lightspeedsystems.com/s/article/Current-Agent-Versions-for-Lightspeed?language=en_US - Lightspeed V3 Manifest Chris mentions
 
00:00:00-Introduction
00:09:00-AI Updates from Microsoft & Day of AI
00:13:25-Supreme Court Decisions
00:21:20-Dealing with Student Misbehavior
00:30:32-A buggy Smartboard
00:34:50-Conversations with Students
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Eaton - PLAY THE GAME!
Fortinet
Prey - They are offering a 15% discount on the first year for customers referred by K12 Tech Talk! Visit https://preyproject.com/.
NTP
Lightspeed - Check out SIGNAL!!!
--------------------
Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com
OR info@k12techtalkpodcast.com
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Facebook
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Episode 215 - PowerSchool Hacker Has Been Caught!

Josh and Mark dive into the arrest of the notorious PowerSchool hacker, revealing the unexpected identity of the mastermind behind one of the year's biggest cyber breaches. Join them as they speak with cybersecurity expert Michael Klein, who provides insights into the hacker's profile and discusses the implications for school districts and policymakers moving forward.
The discussion doesn't stop there. The hosts also examine two contrasting approaches to school security: one from a Texas startup using drones equipped with pepper spray and flashbangs, and another from Virginia employing AI for weapons detection. The episode explores the effectiveness and potential consequences of these tech-driven safety solutions.
Texas deploys DRONES to combat school violence
 
00:00:00-Intro
00:04:37-PowerSchool Hacker Arrest Details
00:12:57-AI Weapons Detection?
00:17:45-KILLER DRONES!!!!
00:26:30-Interview with Michael Klein
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Eaton - Meet the new Eaton 9PX G2 UPS
Managed Methods - 30 Day Trial
CTL - Check out the CTL Chromebook Plus 141GXT on K12TechPro with Hayden's Hot Deal for May
Fortinet
Prey - They are offering a 15% discount on the first year for customers referred by K12 Tech Talk! Visit https://preyproject.com/.
--------------------
Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com
OR info@k12techtalkpodcast.com
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Facebook
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Episode 214 - More Cell Phone Laws / Memphis vs. PowerSchool / Summer Collections

In this week's episode of the K12 Tech Talk podcast, join the team as they delve into two states moving closer to banning cell phones in schools, exploring how such bans are enforced at the state level. The discussion also covers Congress's recent changes to the E-Rate program, analyzing the implications these changes have on school funding and internet accessibility.
Additionally, the hosts talk about summer device collections, including the processes involved and the challenges faced. Tune in to hear about a significant lawsuit against PowerSchool by Memphis Shelby Public Schools, and the impact of TikTok trends on school technology.
Memphis. vs PowerSchool Lawsuit
Congress vs. Wifi Hotspots in E-Rate
End of Student Privacy Pledge
Missouri vs. Maine Cell Phone Laws
 
00:00:08-Intro
00:03:25-MSPS vs. PowerSchool
00:10:39-Student Privacy Changes
00:12:04-Maine & Missouri Cell Phone Bans
0027:35-Chromebook Collection Strategies
00:43:52-TikTok Trends
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NTP
Eaton
Play eaton.com/PathsToPower 
Lightspeed
VIZOR
Fortinet
--------------------
Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com
OR info@k12techtalkpodcast.com
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Facebook
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Episode 213 - TikTok Chromebook Trends & More PowerSchool Woes

This week, we discuss CoSN's initiative to train educators in AI readiness, aiming to scale AI adoption in K12 schools nationwide. The program features expert trainers and a K12 Gen AI Maturity Tool to help districts navigate the opportunities and risks of AI integration. Additionally, over 250 tech CEOs, including leaders from companies like Adobe, Microsoft, and IBM, have signed an open letter calling for mandatory AI education in all US schools, highlighting the growing importance of computer science education.
It's not all positive news!!! We'll also cover the troubling issue of PowerSchool districts receiving an extortion attempt from the attackers. Finally, we touch on a viral TikTok trend that is causing widespread panic in schools as students are damaging Chromebooks, leading to shortages and disruptions in learning.
 
00:00:00-Intro
00:04:33-CoSN's AI Trainers
00:05:53-Tech CEOs call for AI Education
00:13:40-PowerSchool Extortion Letters
00:25:10-TikTok Chromebook Trend
00:37:00-Powergistics Interview
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PowerGistics
PowerGistics Buddy Photo
Eaton
Managed Methods
VIZOR
Fortinet
--------------------
Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com
OR info@k12techtalkpodcast.com
Call us at 314-329-0363
Join the K12TechPro Community
Buy some swag
X @k12techtalkpod
Facebook
Visit our LinkedIn
Music by Colt Ball
Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.