The CoSN Podcast

COSN - The Podcast
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  • EDUCATION
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The CoSN Podcast, produced and distributed by edCircuit, provides current and aspiring K-12 edtech leaders with timely insights and strategies to succeed in the ever-evolving world of school system technology. Hear from Certified Education Technology Leaders (CETL), visionary district changemakers, and instructional experts, who will discuss essential topics such as digital equity, innovation, IT leadership, cybersecurity, and more.

  1. The CoSN Webinar Series: Perspectives on AI in K-12: Implications of New Global Research Webinar

    11H AGO

    The CoSN Webinar Series: Perspectives on AI in K-12: Implications of New Global Research Webinar

    Two Global Voices on the Future of AI in K–12 Education Two of the world’s most influential education policy leaders come together for a timely, unscripted conversation on what AI means for schools—now and next. Rebecca Winthrop (Brookings Institution) and Andreas Schleicher (OECD), lead authors of newly released, high-profile global reports on AI in K–12 education, go beyond the headlines to unpack what their research really means for district leaders. The Research Behind the Conversation This dialogue draws from two major global reports: A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect(Brookings Institution) OECD Digital Education Outlook 2026: Exploring Effective Uses of Generative AI in Education(OECD) Key Questions They’ll Explore Where do their findings align?Where do they diverge?And most importantly: What should education leaders do next? What You’ll Gain From This Conversation Participants will hear candid insights on: The biggest opportunities and risks AI presents for K-12 systemsWhat global data tells us about readiness, equity, and impactHow policy and practice must evolve in responsePractical guidance for superintendents, CTOs, and state leaders navigating AI adoption Why This Session Matters This is a rare opportunity to hear two global thought leaders engage directly—with each other and with CoSN members—about the decisions shaping the future of learning in an AI-driven world.FacilitatorKeith KruegerCoSN CEOFeatured Speakers Rebecca WinthropSenior Fellow and Director, Center for Universal EducationThe Bookings Institution (DC) Andreas SchleicherDirector, Directorate for Education and SkillsOECD – OCDE (France) Assets A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect⁠(Brookings Institution) ⁠OECD Digital Education Outlook 2026: Exploring Effective Uses of Generative AI in Education⁠(OECD) Perspectives on AI in K 12: Implications of New Global Research Webinar CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. For a complete listing of all CoSN's webinars, please visit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cosn.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced in partnership with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1 hr
  2. The CoSN Webinar Series: Unlocking the Value of Investment

    MAY 12

    The CoSN Webinar Series: Unlocking the Value of Investment

    EdTech value doesn’t speak for itself. Leaders do. K–12 districts are investing millions in education technology—but too often, the story behind those investments gets lost. Data lives in spreadsheets. Impact is felt in classrooms. And leaders are left trying to connect the dots for boards, families, and communities. This webinar is designed for the leaders who have to tell that story clearly, confidently, and credibly. Join a team of experienced K–12 EdTech leaders as they unpack how to translate complex metrics—ROI, TCO, and Value of Investment—into a narrative that decision-makers understand and trust. You’ll learn how to connect technology investments to instructional impact, equity, efficiency, and student outcomes, and how to communicate that value in ways that resonate beyond the IT department. This session goes beyond calculations. It’s about: Framing technology as a strategic investment, not a line item Aligning data with district goals, instructional priorities, and community values Making the case for future investments with clarity and confidence Ensuring everyone—from boards to parents—understands why this technology matters If you’ve ever struggled to explain the value of the technology you support—or to secure buy-in for what’s needed next—this conversation is for you. Because the right story can turn technology spending into shared understanding and sustained support. Note: The Webinar is free for members and available a low cost for non-members to attend live. And the recording will be posted on our YouTube channel for free for everyone: https://www.youtube.com/@CoSNweb Presenters: Frankie J. Jackson, CETL®, RTSBA Former K-12 CTO (TX) CoSN Subject Matter Expert Michael Flood, Founder & CEO, Alpine Frog CoSN Committee Member Maria Stavropoulos, CETL® Director of Technology at Northbrook School District 28 (IL) William Brackett, MCITP, CNE, Network+, A+ Director of Technology at Oak Park Elementary District 97 (IL) All registered attendees will receive a recording of the webinar. More Information K-12 Education Technology (EdTech) investments are exponential, especially with the additional funding that has been provided through the pandemic. With millions of dollars being spent on EdTech solutions and services, the need to show Value of Investment and Value of Instruction has never been greater. Join a team of EdTech leaders that will take a deep dive into updating methods in how to capture and calculate VOI (investment and instruction), show Return on Investment (ROI), and measure Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Meets on Thursdays. May 7, 14 & 21 from 2:00-3:00 ET Educator: Members $149 Non-Members $249; Corporate: Members: $299 Non-Members $499 Bulk pricing for the same organization registration-1 to 4 %10 discount, 5 to 10 15% discount, 11 to 15+ discount. This course covers areas of the Essential Skills of a K-12 CTO which guides the study and test for the CETL® Certification. All attendees are eligible to earn 5 CEA hours toward CETL® recertification. A certificate of completion will be awarded to participants who attend all three days. Assets Unlocking the Value of Edtech Investments Unlocking Value of Investment (VOI) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for EdTech Leaders Facilitated Online Workshop Essential Skills of a K-12 CTO CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. For a complete listing of all CoSN's webinars, please visit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cosn.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced in partnership with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠

    56 min
  3. More Than a Conference: The Power of the CoSN Community

    MAY 5

    More Than a Conference: The Power of the CoSN Community

    What makes CoSN more than just a conference? In this episode, we explore the insights from “More Than a Conference: Inside the Community Powering K–12 Tech Leadership” by Ellen Ullman, highlighting why district leaders across the country continue to return year after year. From the isolation many K–12 technology leaders face to the growing importance of collaboration, this conversation dives into how CoSN creates a trusted network where leaders can share challenges, learn from one another, and stay ahead of emerging trends. We also examine the key issues shaping district decision-making today—including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and student well-being—and how CoSN provides space for leaders to think strategically beyond day-to-day demands. Whether you’re a CTO, superintendent, or education leader, this episode reinforces why community, connection, and ongoing collaboration are essential to leading effectively in today’s rapidly evolving K–12 landscape. Key Takeaways CoSN is more than an event—it’s a year-round professional communityK–12 technology leadership can be isolating, making trusted networks essentialThe role of tech leaders has shifted from operational to strategic leadershipArtificial intelligence is moving from experimentation to implementationCybersecurity remains a constant and evolving challengeStudent well-being and screen time require thoughtful, balanced policiesThe most valuable learning often happens through conversations and relationshipsCoSN fosters an ecosystem, not just a marketplace Resources & Links Read the featured article:More Than a Conference: Inside the Community Powering K–12 Tech LeadershipLearn more about CoSN:https://www.cosn.org Why This Episode Matters K–12 technology leaders are navigating increasingly complex challenges with high stakes and limited margin for error. This episode highlights why no leader should have to do that work alone—and how communities like CoSN provide the support, insight, and connections needed to lead with confidence. Produced in partnership with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.

    7 min
  4. The CoSN Webinar Series: Screen Time in Schools: Policy Briefing for State Leaders

    APR 28

    The CoSN Webinar Series: Screen Time in Schools: Policy Briefing for State Leaders

    Across the country, state leaders are considering legislation to limit or ban screen time in K–12 schools. These proposals raise complex questions about student well-being, academic outcomes, digital access, and workforce readiness-issues that have significant implications for the future of teaching and learning. To support thoughtful policymaking and inform this rapidly evolving public discussion, CoSN, Digital Promise, FullScale, and SETDA are convening a national policy briefing designed specifically for state education agency leaders and policymakers–creating space for informed discussion grounded in research, policy, and the operational realities of state education systems. At a moment when policymakers across the country are debating the role of technology in classrooms, this briefing will provide state leaders with balanced, research-informed perspectives to help guide thoughtful policy decisions. Access the non-slide recording here. Referenced Links: CoSN: Screen Time Resource Center – Access the policy briefs and research summaries discussed in the April 7 briefing.Digital Promise: The Digital Learning Gap – Research on how to ensure technology use promotes equity rather than widening the divide.SETDA: State EdTech Trends 2026 – A summary of current legislative trends regarding device bans and screen time caps.Whiteboard Advisors: Youth Tech Policy Track – The policy firm providing real-time tracking of screen-time legislation. Participants: Keith R. Krueger, CEO CoSN Evo Popoff, SVP at Whiteboard Advisors Beth Holland, Managing Director, Research Policy at FullScale Stacy Hawthorne, CoSN Chair Jeremy Rochelle, Co-Executive Director at Learning Sciences Research Sydnee Dickson, Former Utah Superintendent Julia Fallon, Executive Director at SETDA Michelle Soriano, Professional Learning and Implementation Specialist at CAST Cooper Sved, elementary educator, education policy analyst, and 2025 CoSN Blaschki Fellow Alyssa Moore, Delaware Department of Education Key Talking Points  Not all screen time is the same; policy must reflect different uses and impacts  Instructional technology plays a critical role in learning, accessibility, and future readiness  Broad restrictions may create unintended consequences for teaching and learning  Schools must build trust through transparency and communication  The goal is balance and intentional use, not elimination   Call to Action  Watch the recording  Share with policymakers and district leaders  Explore the full CoSN policy briefing  Assets: CoSN Webinar Screen Time in Schools: Policy Briefing for State Leaders CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. For a complete listing of all CoSN's webinars, please visit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cosn.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced in partnership with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1h 30m
  5. Driving K–12 Innovation 2026: Tech Enablers (Part 3 of 3)

    APR 21

    Driving K–12 Innovation 2026: Tech Enablers (Part 3 of 3)

    Innovation in K–12 education isn’t just about vision—it’s about having the tools to make that vision real. In this final episode of our three-part series, we explore the Tech Enablers identified in the 2026 Driving K–12 Innovation Report, developed by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and its global Advisory Board. Building on Episodes 1 and 2, this conversation brings everything together—moving from pressure (Hurdles) to momentum (Accelerators) to possibility (Tech Enablers). Drawing directly from the CoSN webinar and report, this episode examines how emerging technologies are reshaping teaching, learning, and leadership—and what it takes to implement them responsibly and effectively in today’s schools. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Generative AI is transforming instruction, personalization, and interdisciplinary learningWhy data and information visualization is critical for understanding the whole learner and driving real-time decision-makingHow these tools are enabling student ownership, feedback loops, and learner agencyWhy assessment must evolve in response to AI-driven learning environmentsHow privacy and cybersecurity tools are foundational—not optional—in modern education systemsThe importance of balancing innovation with ethics, trust, and human-centered designHow Tech Enablers directly support and activate the Hurdles and Accelerators discussed in Episodes 1 and 2Voices from the Advisory Board This episode features insights from the leaders who guided the Tech Enablers discussion during the CoSN webinar: David Jarboe, CETL – Director of Instructional Technology, STEAM, and CTE, Harrison School District 2 (Colorado) Laura Pollak – Supervisor, NASTECH; Data Protection Officer, Nassau BOCES (New York) Ruben Puentedura – Founder and President, Hippasus (Massachusetts) These perspectives highlight how technology is being applied in real-world educational settings—grounded in practice, not theory Key Takeaway Technology alone does not drive innovation—how schools use it does. The true power of Tech Enablers lies in their ability to connect systems, empower people, and make learning more visible, personalized, and human-centered. When aligned with strong leadership and clear purpose, these tools move education beyond incremental change—and toward meaningful transformation. Series Wrap-Up: Why It All Matters Across this three-part series, one theme stands out: Hurdles define the challengesAccelerators create the momentumTech Enablers make transformation possibleTogether, they form a complete picture of what it takes to drive innovation in K–12 education—not just through technology, but through people, systems, and intentional design. Explore More ⁠⁠2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report⁠⁠⁠⁠2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report: Hurdles, Accelerators & Tech Enablers⁠⁠⁠⁠CoSN Driving K-12 Innovation Summit 2026 Webinar Recording⁠⁠⁠⁠K-12 EdTech Innovation⁠⁠Produced in partnership with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.

    11 min
  6. Driving K-12 Innovation 2026: Accelerators (Part 2 of 3)

    APR 15

    Driving K-12 Innovation 2026: Accelerators (Part 2 of 3)

    Innovation in K–12 education isn’t just about overcoming challenges—it’s about understanding what’s actively pushing change forward. In this second episode of a three-part series, we explore the Accelerators identified in the 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report, developed by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and its global Advisory Board. Building on Episode 1, this conversation shifts from pressure to momentum—examining the conditions, mindsets, and system-level changes that are helping schools move forward, even in the face of ongoing disruption. Drawing directly from the CoSN webinar and report, this episode highlights how leadership, assessment, and learner agency are shaping the future of teaching and learning. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why building leadership capacity is essential for sustaining innovation in complex school systemsHow schools are rethinking assessment and demonstrating learning in the age of AIWhat learner agency really means—and why it requires system-wide changeHow districts are shifting from one-off professional development to intentional leadership pipelinesWhy changes in instruction, assessment, and student ownership are deeply interconnectedHow these Accelerators directly respond to the Hurdles discussed in Episode 1 Voices from the Advisory Board This episode features insights from global education leaders who led the Accelerators panel during the CoSN webinar: Freddie Cox – CETL, Chief Technology Officer, Knox County Schools (Tennessee)Focus: Building leadership capacity through intentional systems, long-term planning, and developing future leadersClaus Gregersen – Head of Studies, Annet Gymnasium (Denmark)Focus: Rethinking assessment, real-world learning, and how students demonstrate understanding in evolving learning environmentsLaura Motta – President, Uruguay Without Limits Foundation; Coordinator, Got Parents Project (Uruguay)Focus: Learner agency, system transformation, and the connection between student and educator empowermentThese voices reflect real-world implementation across different countries, systems, and educational models—bringing a global perspective to shared challenges and opportunities. Key Takeaway The forces driving innovation in K–12 education are not rooted in technology alone—they are grounded in people, systems, and mindset shifts. From leadership development to assessment redesign to learner agency, each Accelerator represents a move toward more intentional, human-centered approaches to education. Explore More ⁠2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report⁠⁠2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report: Hurdles, Accelerators & Tech Enablers⁠⁠CoSN Driving K-12 Innovation Summit 2026 Webinar Recording⁠⁠K-12 EdTech Innovation⁠ In Part 3, we explore the Tech Enablers—the tools and systems making innovation possible in today’s K–12 landscape. Produced in partnership with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.

    20 min
  7. Driving K-12 Innovation 2026: Hurdles (Part 1 of 3)

    APR 7

    Driving K-12 Innovation 2026: Hurdles (Part 1 of 3)

    Innovation in K-12 education isn’t just about new tools—it’s about navigating the real challenges that shape how schools operate every day. In this first episode of a three-part series, we break down the Hurdles identified in the 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report, developed by the Consortium for School Networking and its global Advisory Board. Drawing directly from the CoSN webinar and report, this conversation explores what these challenges look like in practice—and why they continue to rise to the top across school systems. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why educator and IT staff retention remains one of the most persistent challenges in K-12How districts are balancing cybersecurity demands with instructional accessWhy critical media literacy is emerging as a foundational skill in the age of AIWhat practitioners are saying about workload, culture, and system-level pressuresHow these hurdles are interconnected—and why they all come back to peopleVoices from the Advisory Board This episode highlights insights from members of the CoSN Driving K-12 Innovation Advisory, including: John Heffernan – Professional Development Coordinator, Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim ETB (Ireland)Jennifer Williams – Director of Instructional Technology and Media Services, Newton County SchoolsBeatriz Arnillas – 1EdTech Foundation, digital ecosystem and trust leaderThese are practitioners working directly in schools and systems—offering real-world perspective on the challenges districts are facing right now. Key Takeaway The biggest challenges in K-12 innovation aren’t just technical—they’re human. From staffing and cybersecurity to media literacy, each hurdle ultimately comes down to how schools support, protect, and prepare people in an increasingly complex digital environment. Explore More 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report: Hurdles, Accelerators & Tech EnablersCoSN Driving K-12 Innovation Summit 2026 Webinar RecordingK-12 EdTech InnovationComing Next This is Part 1 of a 3-part series. In Part 2, we shift from challenges to momentum as we explore the Accelerators—the forces driving innovation forward in K-12 education. Produced in partnership with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.

    10 min
  8. AI & Cybersecurity — What District Leaders Need to Know

    MAR 31

    AI & Cybersecurity — What District Leaders Need to Know

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the cybersecurity landscape in K–12 education—and district leaders are now navigating a reality where opportunity and risk are accelerating at the same time. In this episode, we break down key insights from the CoSN webinar featuring Michael Klein, Senior Director for Preparedness and Response at the Institute for Security and Technology and former Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity at the U.S. Department of Education. You’ll also hear perspectives from district technology leaders Chris Bailey and Chris Rowbotham, who share how these challenges are playing out in real school systems today. This conversation explores how AI is transforming both cyber threats and defensive strategies—and what district leaders should be doing right now to stay ahead. Key Takeaways AI is accelerating cyber threatsAttackers are using AI to scale phishing, automate attacks, and lower the barrier to entry for cybercrime.Cybersecurity is now a leadership issue—not just ITCommunication, trust, and decision-making are just as critical as technical defenses.Third-party vendor risk is one of the biggest vulnerabilitiesDistricts rely on a small number of vendors, creating system-wide exposure when breaches occur.Schools are balancing access and riskStudents and staff are using AI tools daily, forcing districts to navigate a complex middle ground between innovation and protection.Procurement is changingDistrict leaders must now ask:Is our data being used to train AI models?What liability protections are in place?Tabletop exercises are essentialPracticing real-world scenarios helps leadership teams prepare for both technical and communication challenges during an incident.Why This Matters for District Leaders AI and cybersecurity are no longer separate conversations. They are now deeply connected—and how districts respond will directly impact: Student safety and learning continuityCommunity trust and transparencyFinancial stability and risk exposureLong-term technology strategyDistrict leaders who approach this as a shared leadership challenge, rather than a technical issue, will be better positioned to navigate what’s next. Watch the Full Webinar Dive deeper into the full discussion and hear directly from the presenters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNrOkdsSo4M The Sessions Everyone Was Talking About Webinar Series Missed CoSN2025 in Seattle or couldn’t attend every session? Don’t worry—we’re bringing the most popular, standing-room-only presentations to you in a special webinar series. Learn from top EdTech leaders from across the country—no travel needed! Produced in partnership with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.

    7 min
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About

The CoSN Podcast, produced and distributed by edCircuit, provides current and aspiring K-12 edtech leaders with timely insights and strategies to succeed in the ever-evolving world of school system technology. Hear from Certified Education Technology Leaders (CETL), visionary district changemakers, and instructional experts, who will discuss essential topics such as digital equity, innovation, IT leadership, cybersecurity, and more.

Information

  • Creator
    COSN - The Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © COSN - The Podcast
  • Show Website
    The CoSN Podcast

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