Emerging Edtech Tendencies in States, as Perceived by SETDA

Emerging Edtech Tendencies in States, as Perceived by SETDA

The annual state edtech trends report from the nonprofit organization SETDA, which represents state and territory edtech leaders, has identified cybersecurity concerns in K-12 education as a key issue in the digital learning landscape.

The report, released this year, highlights the vulnerability of student and teacher data collected through digital learning products, the risks of data breaches, and the need for responsible use of AI technologies in education. There is also concern about how digital products can shift control over educational data and pedagogy from educators to vendors, raising privacy and security risks.

To address these concerns, SETDA and other education leaders recommend several strategies:

1. Establishing oversight and enforcement mechanisms to ensure rigorous data privacy and security safeguards in digital learning tools.
2. Creating or empowering independent governmental entities to monitor and regulate data gathered and stored electronically in schools, focusing on protecting teacher and student privacy.
3. Developing state-level laws and guidelines on cybersecurity and the ethical use of AI in classrooms, providing clear frameworks for schools to manage risks and integrate technology responsibly.
4. Promoting collaborative partnerships among educators, cybersecurity experts, and policymakers to create training, curriculum, and resources aimed at cyber risk awareness and resilience.
5. Implementing community resilience approaches that incorporate broad-based engagement for preparedness and response to cyber incidents affecting schools.

These strategies emphasize a balance between leveraging technology to enhance learning and managing its associated cybersecurity risks through governance, policy, education, and stakeholder collaboration. SETDA's report highlights the importance of proactive, structured frameworks to protect K-12 education ecosystems as digital tool usage grows.

In addition to cybersecurity, the report also focuses on the increasing role of AI in education. The survey shows that states are getting more serious about their response to AI, with more than 20 states now having official policies regarding AI, as revealed in the 2024 State Edtech trends survey. Washington and California led the charge with AI policies, but now more states are following suit. Julia Fallon, executive director of SETDA, expects even more states to issue guidance by the end of the school year.

Julia Fallon notes that these policies need to be flexible and will likely evolve as new things come on the scene in the AI space. Flexibility is evident in Washington's approach, which has had several iterations of its policy as AI is evolving.

Another significant finding in the report is the increased focus on internet access for students. Home internet connectivity for students and their families is the top unmet need across states. The report reminds state leaders of the critical importance of continuing to provide internet accessibility to students, especially as cybersecurity remains the No. 1 concern among state educator leaders, according to the 2024 State Edtech trends survey.

The second-biggest priority for state leaders in the survey is AI. However, Julia Fallon suggests focusing on supporting rural and underfunded districts in cybersecurity mitigation efforts rather than solely prioritizing AI initiatives. The key for the success of these positions is to provide meaningful individualized guidance to districts rather than a blanket approach.

In conclusion, the 2024 State Edtech trends report provides valuable insights into the current state of cybersecurity and AI in K-12 education. The report underscores the need for proactive, flexible policies and collaborative efforts to address these challenges and ensure the safe and effective integration of technology in education.

[1] Source: SETDA (2024). 2024 State Edtech Trends Report. Retrieved from SETDA website [2] Source: National Governors Association (2022). State Policies for EdTech Leadership. Retrieved from NGA website [3] Source: National Association of State Boards of Education (2021). Digital Learning and Cybersecurity: A Guide for State Policymakers. Retrieved from NASBE website [4] Source: Future of Privacy Forum (2023). AI in Education: Protecting Student Privacy and Promoting Ethical Use. Retrieved from FPF website [5] Source: National Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (2022). Cybersecurity for Educational Institutions. Retrieved from NCCoE website

1. The annual report from SETDA, emphasizes the significance of establishing proactive, flexible policies for AI in education to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies in classrooms.
2. The survey within the report reveals that states are increasingly focused on addressing cybersecurity concerns in K-12 education, with more than 20 states now having official policies regarding AI in education.
3. To ensure that every student has access to quality education and self-development opportunities, it's vital for state leaders to prioritize providing internet access for students and their families, especially given cybersecurity as the top concern among educator leaders.

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