
K12 Tech Talk
A K12TechPro Podcast. This podcast is about trending K12 technology topics and issues. Josh, Chris, and Mark have real conversations, real arguments, and real banter on IT issues and trends in K12 Schools. Current and Past Sponsors: Absolute, HPE Aruba Networking, Blocksi, ClassLink, CTL, Eaton, Extreme Networks, Fortinet, Howard Technology Solutions, iDoc, Infoblox, INVZBL, Jupiter Education, K12TechPro, Luma Technologies, Managed Methods, MidwestTechTalk, NTP, Papercut, Provision Data Solutions, Pondurance, PowerGistics, Prey, Rise Vision, Ruckus/Commscope, SaferWatch, Scale Computing, SHI, StatusGator, SomethingCool.com, Tripp Lite, Verkada, VIZOR
Latest episodes

May 3, 2024 • 1h 3min
Episode 165 - Data Privacy & Interoperability at the PESC-A4L Summit
Guests from A4L discuss data privacy & interoperability at the PESC-A4L Summit. Topics include aligning legal obligations for secure data sharing, Snap Mobile's digital fundraising approach, protecting student data in educational settings, & collaborative standards efforts in education tech. Also, milestones celebration & sponsor acknowledgements, roles of standards bodies like PESC & A4L, Cedar Labs' data integration projects, and Maine's workforce connectivity through data management.

Apr 26, 2024 • 53min
Episode 164 - Tutor.com Receives Some Criticism, Turnitin Releases Data on AI Usage, and Chris Has a Rant.
Topics include concerns about Tutor.com investment and AI plagiarism, COPS SVPP grant for school security, AI usage in student papers, firewall ratings, TikTok controversy, and enhancing wireless coverage at a softball field.

Apr 19, 2024 • 41min
Episode 163 - Cyber Attack Liability, Proxies, and Managed Methods
Debates on school cyber-attack liability post Clark County breach. Importance of robust cybersecurity measures in schools and end-of-year tech management. Students using proxy sites to bypass filters discussed. Manage Methods for educational security highlighted.

Apr 17, 2024 • 49min
Episode 162.5 - Insights from the CoSN 2024 Conference - Part 2
Guests like Josh Olstad and Shahryar Khazei discuss AI readiness and data security in schools. Topics include AI maturity matrix, Secure by Design, law enforcement collaborations, and AI implementation challenges in education. Insights on networking, career transitions, and environmental sustainability in educational technology are also shared.

Apr 12, 2024 • 42min
Episode 162 - Insights from the CoSN 2024 Conference - Part 1
Listen to Susan Enfield, Richard Culatta, Don Ringelestein, Megan Gretzinger, and Will Brackett share insights from the CoSN Conference. Topics include leadership journey from teacher to district leadership, challenges for women in tech, navigating stereotypes, maximizing learning from district incidents through after-action reports, and casual discussions on tech partnerships and inclusivity in the tech ecosystem.

Apr 5, 2024 • 1h 2min
Episode 161 - Elevator Repairs, Dead Rodents, and an Interview with VIZOR
The podcast features VIZOR discussing diverse topics like password managers, LMS options, obtaining technical skills, elevator inspections, and dead rodents. They also share anecdotes about elevator repairs and fire alarms while exploring the use of password managers in educational settings.

Mar 28, 2024 • 47min
Episode 160 - Mohit Gupta, Director of Product @ Clever
This is a special episode. Josh and Chris interview Mohit Gupta, Director of Product at Clever. We discuss student MFA, the teacher Clever Library, student data privacy, the history of Clever, and more.
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https://www.youtube.com/@k12techtalk
Join the K12TechPro.com Community.
Buy our merch!!!
* NTP
* Howard
* Email Seth Shockley - sshockley@howard.com
* Extreme - email dmayer@extremenetworks.com
* VIZOR - Would you like a free K12 Tech Hoodie and reduce your workload? Then check out VIZOR! VIZOR can help you reduce the workload of managing all your devices, student Chromebooks, iPads and staff Windows machines. To find out how VIZOR can automate your device management, and get a free K12 Tech Hoodie, head over to vizor.cloud/k12techtalk that’s V-I-Z-O-R dot cloud slash k12techtalk
* A4L Summit
Oh, and...
Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com
Tweet us err X us @k12techtalkpod
Visit our LinkedIn page HERE

Mar 22, 2024 • 57min
Episode 159 - Josh Rants, VR in the Classroom, and an Interview with Absolute
Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss the recent cyberattack where hackers compromised two critical systems of CISA using vulnerabilities in Ivanti products. Josh derails the conversation after receiving some "hate" mail recently, though. They also touch on the future of VR in education, reflecting on past experiences with Google Expeditions and the shift towards AI in K12. The episode features an interview with Absolute.
Reddit article about future of VR in education
----more----
https://www.youtube.com/@k12techtalk
Join the K12TechPro.com Community.
Buy our merch!!!
* NTP
* ManagedMethods
* Absolute - email k12tech@absolute.com to find out how you can use your hardware refresh budget to secure new devices AND manage and secure existing inventory.
* Extreme - email dmayer@extremenetworks.com
* Fortinet - email fortinetpodcast.com@fortinet.com
* A4L Summit
Oh, and...
Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com
Tweet us err X us @k12techtalkpod
Visit our LinkedIn page HERE

Mar 15, 2024 • 52min
Episode 158 - Gyms are for PE, not the SAT.
Discussion on security bulletin from Papercut, digital SAT launch, and AI framework for district leaders. Tips for online testing season prep. Addressing parental access to web filters. Challenges of testing 600 students in a cafeteria setting. Advertisements from NPT, VIZOR, ClassLink, and Absolute.

Mar 8, 2024 • 46min
Episode 157 - Vendor Turnover, E-Rate Advice, and Colonoscopies
Josh and Mark discuss the decline in edtech investments after the pandemic and the impact it may have on the industry. They also touch on the renewal costs for VMware customers and the opportunity it presents for competitor Nutanix. The episode explores the importance of team growth in a school district, highlighting the benefits of knowledge sharing, proactive vs. reactive work, and shared responsibilities. Additionally, listeners inquire about erate efforts in smaller districts and the strategy of swapping out vendors regularly.
Articles discussed on this episode:
Ed tech investments slow after sizable pandemic bump
Nutanix CEO sees opportunity in VMware’s turmoil
https://www.youtube.com/@k12techtalk
Join the K12TechPro.com Community.
Buy our merch!!!
ManagedMethods - go to managedmethods.com, click on Use Cases, to understand how they can help your school district. Mention us when you talk to them.
* Absolute - email k12tech@Absolute.com to find out how you can use your hardware refresh budget to secure new devices AND manage and secure existing inventory.
* PDS/HPE/Aruba - email jeff.cobb@hpe.com
* Extreme - email dmayer@extremenetworks.com
* Fortinet - email fortinetpodcast.com@fortinet.com
Oh, and...
Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com
Tweet us err X us @k12techtalkpod
Visit our LinkedIn page HERE