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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
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Episodes

Episode 193 - Will Google Really Sell Off Its Chrome Browser?

Join Josh, Chris, and Mark for a lively discussion on the future of ChromeOS and Android in the K-12 landscape. We kick things off with Josh's latest tech frustrations (proxy problems, anyone?) before diving into some recent headlines, including a fascinating AI case in Massachusetts and a timely warning from the FBI about SMS messaging. But the main event? We tackle the swirling rumors surrounding ChromeOS and Android! Will Google really sell off its Chrome browser? What would that mean for Chr...

Dec 06, 202440 minEp. 199

Episode 192 - New Google License Structure and an IXL Lawsuit

In this episode Chris does a deep dive on the new Google Workspace license structure. Mark has an extended News section with stories about an IXL lawsuit, Goolge's anti-trust fallout, Docusign impersonation attacks, and more. - Linda McMahon's background as Trump's pick for education secretary - Significant surge in DocuSign impersonation attacks: hackers mimicking government - IXL class-action suit advances amid student data harvesting claims - U.S. Antitrust Regulators Want Google to Sell Chro...

Nov 22, 202450 minEp. 198

Episode 191 - Interview with Tony Sager

Chris, Josh, and Mark discuss an update on the cybersecurity pilot, an FCC court case, and the future of E-Rate. Most of the episode is an interview with Tony Sager . Tony is a Senior VP & Chief Evangelist for the Center for Internet Security (CIS). FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Receives $3.7B in Funding Requests Supreme Court Weighs High-Stakes Fraud Issue for E-Rate Program What a Trump win means for the Universal Service Fund -------------------- Scale Computing Scale Computing - northcentral@s...

Nov 15, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 197

Episode 190 - Vermont Fest & Flashback to the CIS Controls Episode

Chris and Mark are traveling this week and try to record an episode next to a rowdy party of librarians at Vita-Learn's Vermont Fest . We give a brief intro and then flashback to episode 132 where we cover the CIS Controls, a set of cyber security frameworks to help districts evaluate and improve their cyber security. -------------------- ManagedMethods Extreme - Email dmayer@extremenetworks.com Fortinet - Email fortinetpodcast@fortinet.com Scale Computing Scale Computing - northcentral@scalecom...

Nov 08, 202451 minEp. 196

Episode 189 - Election 2024

Chris, Josh, and Mark get political - they discuss their thoughts on the impact of this year's election on the K12 technology landscape (E-Rate, cybersecurity, DoE, and AI). They also discuss new AI guidance, spooky edtech apps, Halloween costumes, and the latest in k12 tech news. Education Department releases highly anticipated AI toolkit for schools Scary Apps -------------------- ManagedMethods Extreme - Email dmayer@extremenetworks.com Fortinet - Email fortinetpodcast@fortinet.com Scale Comp...

Oct 31, 202445 minEp. 195

Episode 188 - Just Following Orders

Chris, Josh, and Mark talk about the MOREnet conference, an update on the student misuse of AI case, a security report showing a decline in ransomware, and most of the episode is spent discussing how to handle requests from leadership that may cross the line. Bethalto superintendent Jill Griffin's email sparks public outrage The Telegraph obtains Bethalto superintendent's email to staff What’s behind the 51% drop in ransomware attacks? Nevada AI At Risk Students Parents of Hingham student discip...

Oct 25, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 194

Episode 187 - Smishing, NCSR, and Other Hot Topics

Mark is on an autonomous road trip, so Chris and Josh hold down the fort. They discuss the latest hot topics on K12TechPro , including smishing , the NCSR survey, tech dept staffing, a student getting in trouble for AI, Chromebook forced reboots, and more. NTP is going to MOREnet next week and Vita Learn Vermont Fest in November with K12TechPro and us! VIZOR - get a demo, get a free K12 Tech Talk hoodie ManagedMethods Extreme - Email dmayer@extremenetworks.com Fortinet - Email fortinetpodcast@fo...

Oct 18, 202454 minEp. 193

Episode 186 - AI Vetoes, Supreme Court Showdowns, and the Case for Collaboration

This week on K12 Tech Talk, we unpack the latest developments in education technology, including Governor Newsom's veto of California's AI accountability bill and its implications for K12 schools. We also delve into a critical E-Rate case, Wisconsin Bell vs. the United States, currently before the Supreme Court, and discuss its potential impact on school districts nationwide. Ever wrestled with out-of-warranty parts and device repair? We offer practical advice and solutions for this common chall...

Oct 11, 202449 minEp. 192

Episode 185 - E-Rate Goes to the Supreme Court and NIST Changes Passwords

Josh, Chris, and Mark provide updates on E-Rate, dive into October cybersecurity awareness month, break down new NIST password guidelines , and then Josh tells a story... a long story... the longest story. CISA Cybersecurity Awareness Month Chimp Crazy -------------------- NTP dwren@ntp-inc.com Extreme dmayer@extremenetworks.com Fortinet fortinetpodcast@fortinet.com VIZOR Blocksi ManagedMethods -------------------- Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com Call us at 314-329-0363 Join the K12TechPro Com...

Oct 04, 202444 minEp. 191

Episode 184 - What Does the Future Hold For EdFi?

In this episode, we talk CISA's Cybersecurity and Safety Summit, Verkada's FTC issues, and we spend most of the time talking about Ed-Fi - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Linux Bug Verkada FTC Article Chimp Crazy Ed-Fi -------------------- NTP dwren@ntp-inc.com Extreme dmayer@extremenetworks.com Fortinet fortinetpodcast@fortinet.com VIZOR Blocksi ManagedMethods -------------------- Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com Call us at 314-329-0363 Join the K12TechPro Community Buy some swag X @k12techta...

Sep 27, 202455 minEp. 190

Episode 183 - Is AI Replacing Teachers and Librarians?

In this episode, we talk about California's new AI legislation, CoSN's State of EdTech Leadership , and an interview Frank Murray of Belton ISD and David Waugh with ManagedMethods. OH!!! We now have a phone number you can call and leave us voicemails! Do it! 314-329-0363 California AI Providence Schools Ransomware Philadelphia School Cyber Incident Meat Church BBQ -------------------- NTP dwren@ntp-inc.com Extreme dmayer@extremenetworks.com Fortinet fortinetpodcast@fortinet.com Blocksi ManagedMe...

Sep 20, 202459 minEp. 189

Episode 182 - SIS Conversion Debrief and Listener Rebuttals

In this episode, we talk about emails we received from listeners as rebuttals to topics from last week (Ring cameras and bugs in Chromebooks). Mark hosts a SIS Conversion Debrief and asks Chris and Josh 5 soul searching questions about their SIS Conversion experiences. The Cybersecurity Pilot opens next week and we talk about it in the news. OH, AND BIG NEWS!!! We now have a phone number you can call and leave us voicemails! Do it! 314-329-0363 -------------------- NTP dwren@ntp-inc.com VIZOR vi...

Sep 13, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 188

Episode 181 - Ring Cameras for Schools? And Bed Bugs!

Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss several listener emails. Ring Cameras are discussed. Bed bugs in devices makes the news. Oh, and Josh isn't wearing any pants. Bed bugs in Chromebooks at Riverside High School in Durham, North Carolina FCC Cybersecurity Pilot CISA Services Portal CIO in New Haven was fired after a recent breach -------------------- Prey --Device Loan Management --Security Actions Extreme Networks - Email dmayer@extremenetworks.com Fortinet - Email fortinetpodcast@fortinet.com Manage...

Sep 06, 202450 minEp. 187

Episode 180 - When You Are Technically Right, But You're Wrong

Chris and Eric talk about AI, collecting devices from students, and discuss "When you are technically right, but you're wrong." AI Bill in California Will AI Make Standardized Tests Obsolete? -------------------- Prey --Device Loan Management --Security Actions Extreme Networks - Email dmayer@extremenetworks.com Fortinet - Email fortinetpodcast@fortinet.com ClassLink NTP -------------------- Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com Join the K12TechPro Community Buy some swag X @k12techtalkpod Visit our...

Aug 30, 202443 minEp. 186

Episode 179 - Hot Pockets and Hot Topics

Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss the opening of school, student password resets, and student screen time (again). Prey Short video: https://prey.wistia.com/medias/fdwb048xxj Demo: Get a demo from @Nicolas Bascoli . You will get in depth information! Free Trial: Experience by yourself how it works and how easy the deployment process is. You can start here: https://preyproject.com/get-started . ManagedMethods Extreme Networks - TechByte Tuesdays: Networking 101 for Education Fortinet ----------------...

Aug 23, 20241 hr 15 minEp. 185

Episode 178 - We Go Back to School

Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss Back to School Week and dealing with issues, an ACT study on internet access , screen time, cell phone bans, and we talk to Fortinet about the FCC Cybersecurity Pilot. NPT Prey Short video: https://prey.wistia.com/medias/fdwb048xxj Demo: Get a demo from @Nicolas Bascoli . You will get in depth information! Free Trial: Experience by yourself how it works and how easy the deployment process is. You can start here: https://preyproject.com/get-started . VIZOR ClassLink ...

Aug 16, 20241 hr 15 minEp. 184

Episode 177 - Live from the K12TechPro Virtual Meetup 2024

Josh, Chris, and Mark record an episode live from the K12TechPro Virtual Meetup. Richmond, VA K12TechPro Southeast Region Meetup is September 20th ManagedMethods Extreme Networks Fortinet Prey -------------------- Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com Join the K12TechPro Community Buy some swag X @k12techtalkpod 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 respec...

Aug 09, 202447 minEp. 183

Episode 176 - Josh says 175, but it's 176, he was distracted by his new iPad

Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss E-Rate, pay raises, and the Olympics. Special "Back to School" Virtual K12TechPro Meetup is August 7th Richmond, VA K12TechPro Southeast Region Meetup is September 20th NPT VIZOR ClassLink Extreme Networks Fortinet -------------------- Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com Join the K12TechPro Community Buy some swag X @k12techtalkpod 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...

Aug 02, 202438 minEp. 182

Episode 175 - Live from MidwestTechTalk2024!

Josh, Chris, and Mark record an episode live from MidwestTechTalk2024 for the opening day keynote. Buckle up, it's a good time. Special "Back to School" Virtual K12TechPro Meetup is August 7th Richmond, VA K12TechPro Southeast Region Meetup is September 20th MidwestTechTalk2024 -------------------- Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com Join the K12TechPro Community Buy some swag X @k12techtalkpod Visit our LinkedIn Music by Colt Ball Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are s...

Jul 25, 202442 minEp. 181

Episode 174 - The Trip of Self Discovery

In the latest episode of K12 Tech Talk, Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss Infinite Campus woes, FBI security audits, and Mark's reflections. Special "Back to School" Virtual K12TechPro Meetup is August 7th Richmond, VA K12TechPro Southeast Region Meetup is September 20th MidwestTechTalk is July 22nd and 23rd (Our friends VIZOR, KCAV, Extreme, Fortinet, and more will be there!) NTP ClassLink Fortinet - Email fortinetpodcast@fortinet.com Extreme Networks - Email dmayer@extremenetworks.com ------------...

Jul 19, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 180

Episode 173 - LAUSD's AI Issues and Chris Loves Drones

In the latest episode of K12 Tech Talk, Josh, Chris, and Mark dive into the latest news in the education technology world. They discuss Instructure's annual "EdTech Top 40" report, LAUSD's "Ed" initiative making headlines, and the US Department of Education releasing guidance for AI developers in education. They also address listener emails regarding FOIA requests for staff email addresses. The main topic focuses on summer account maintenance and how schools are handling staff accounts during th...

Jul 12, 202446 minEp. 179

Episode 172 - Why I'm Leaving the Job I Love

Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss a variety of topics including cell phone bans and prepping for the FCC pilot. They also address listener feedback on the garage door conversation from a few weeks back. The main topic of the episode focuses on why one of the hosts is leaving their district - but you're going to have to listen to the episode to find out who's leaving and why! VIZOR - Do a demo and get a pod shirt/hoodie along with it. Oh, and VIZOR will be at MidwestTechTalk next month. ManagedMethod...

Jun 28, 202448 minEp. 178

Episode 171 - Hot Weather, Parent Communication, Some Spicy Jokes

WARNING - This episode does have some "spicy" humor and language. Be aware if listening around children and/or small animals. Chris is gone, so Mark and Josh do their best to hold down the fort. They take a listener email from James about prepping for extreme heat and keeping datacenters cool. Mark and Josh play a version of Family Feud about the top uses for communication apps. They also talk about a trending LinkedIn post about how K12 IT is viewed by Private Industry IT. They also talk about ...

Jun 21, 202444 minEp. 177

Episode 170 - Under Construction Part 2 (New Logo/New Music)

The studio is still under construction, but we do have a new logo and music! The news room will return soon (and Mark too). And we're still making adjustments. Josh and Chris discuss Android versus Apple, third party patching options, garage doors and sprinkler systems on the school's wifi, and the FCC's cybersecurity pilot announcement (that the podcast and K12TechPro were cited in!) . -------------------- NTP is helping K12TechPro with the Meetups . Join us Virtually on August 7th and In-Perso...

Jun 14, 202431 minEp. 176

Episode 169 - Under Construction!!!

The studio is under construction! Josh and Chris talk about student cell phone usage and give a shout out to Jason at K12TechPro, they discuss the FCC's approval of the cybersecurity pilot, Microsoft ditching Flip, and Chris' Infinite Campus woes. NTP is helping K12TechPro with the Meetups . Join us Virtually on August 7th and at Richmond, VA on September 20th. ClassLink - Check out classlink.com iDoc - Email dave@idocrepair.com for a quote! Extreme - Email dmayer@extremenetworks.com Fortinet - ...

Jun 07, 202431 minEp. 175

Episode 168 - Are Districts Ready for Enterprise AI Models?

In the latest episode of the K12 Tech Talk Podcast, hosts Josh and Mark discuss the recent Klein ISD DDOS attack that disrupted STARR testing, leading to an 18-year-old student facing felony charges. They also delve into a Google Blog post about phishing tests and the adoption of a “fire drill” approach. The main topic of the episode focuses on Google, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot at the enterprise level, exploring the details of each plan and considering their use for school districts. NTP - ...

May 31, 202433 minEp. 174

Episode 167 - Manifesting Your Dream Summer Break

In the latest episode of the K12 Tech Talk Podcast, hosts Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss the new CISA reporting requirements, the details of the E-Rate cybersecurity pilot, and the rumored PowerSchool buyout by Bain Capital. They also address listener questions about Manifest V3 and summer school preparation. CISA reporting requirements (CIRCIA) Consortium for School Networking PowerSchool buyout by Bain Capital Manifest V3 information NTP - dwren@ntp-inc.com K12TechPro - Join the Community! iDoc...

May 24, 202454 minEp. 173

Flashback to Episode 97: Scott Elder (Re-release)

This is a re-release episode! We sit down with Scott Elder, the Superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools. We talk about the ransomware attack they experienced in January 2021. This discussion is from the perspective of the Superintendent during the attack. Scott is wildly candid and honest about the experience. iDoc ManagedMethods Extreme Networks Fortinet Oh, and... Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com Tweet us err X us @k12techtalkpod Visit our LinkedIn page HERE...

May 17, 202457 minEp. 172

Episode 166 - Reflections on a Year with AI

In the latest episode of the K12 Tech Talk Podcast, hosts Josh and Mark delve into the latest tech news, including the malicious hacker behind the Kaseya ransomware attack being jailed and the introduction of the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act and the Eyes on the Board Act. They also address listener emails about the proper disposal of old computer hard drives and the use of Google Takeout. The main topic explores the use (or misuse) of AI over the last year of school, discussing both posit...

May 10, 202452 minEp. 171

Episode 165 - Data Privacy & Interoperability at the PESC-A4L Summit

Chris and Mark attend the PESC-A4L Summit . They learn about A4L 's mission to support lifelong learning through interoperability, privacy, and security across PK20W+ - breaking down the silos and ensuring the data seamlessly follows the learners from PK though K12 into Post-secondary, into the workforce, and into retirement. Interviews: Steve Smith, Executive Director of A4L... The Godfather Steve Setzer, Loop Data Wes Sims, Snap Mobile Connie Coy, MOREnet Ramah Hawley, A4L Co-Chair, The Educat...

May 03, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 170
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