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, Arista, HPE Aruba Networking, Blocksi, Chromebookparts.com, ClassLink, CTL, Eaton, Extreme Networks, Fortinet, Howard Technology Solutions, iDoc, Infoblox, INVZBL, Jupiter Education, Lightspeed Systems, Luma Technologies, Managed Methods, NTP, Papercut, ...
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Infoblox Podcasts
In our age of digital transformation, everything is moving to the cloud, including the management of devices, users and applications. The Infoblox ThreatTalk podcast brings you the latest thinking on how to tap the full potential of the cloud while making the most of your existing network security solutions. In each episode, leading cybersecurity experts share insights and practical advice on how to raise network security and automation to the next level across diverse on-premises, virtual a ...
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Future IT Projects focuses on highlighting current or upcoming technology, how it applies to business or personal use, and most importantly, how it applies to education and youth, and how we can involve schools to interest and impact youth into IT today! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/futureitprojects/support
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Episode 236 - Can Drones Make Schools Safer?
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1:11:47
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1:11:47On Episode 236 of K12 Tech Talk, we discuss California’s new law to protect students using AI chatbots and revisit Campus Guardian Angel, a startup building drone-based responses for active shooter scenarios. The episode features an in-depth interview with Justin Marston (CEO/co-founder) and Bill King (Chief Tactical Officer/co-founder) from Campus…
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Episode 235 - Middle Schoolers are the Best!
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50:16In this episode, Josh and Chris discuss the impact of personal device bans, noting increased Google Docs traffic and the creative ways students attempt to access unblocked games. Chris shares insights into managing content filtering and the ongoing battle with unwanted websites. Finally, Chris interviews Brian Edwards, Director of Educational Strea…
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Episode 234 - What happens when a student account is compromised?
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40:54
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40:54This episode covers significant developments including the confirmed merger of Chrome and Android, the FCC's proposed changes to the E-rate program affecting school bus Wi-Fi and hotspots, and a critical discussion on controlling student account spamming and its associated risks like internal spam, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation. Refer…
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Episode 233 - Teenagers Using AI Companions?
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1:07:59
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1:07:59Episode 233 discusses the newest tensions between AI and schools: teenagers using AI companions and alarming incidents tied to platforms like Character.ai that have drawn federal attention. Josh talks about his student MFA pilot using Clever, how onboarding works (and how MFA can be network-aware to reduce classroom friction), and using student-led…
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Episode 232 - Killer Drones, Google Outages & AI Whack‑A‑Mole
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49:00On Episode 222, we unpack a busy week in school tech: a nationwide Google outage that disrupted Chromebook logins, new Sophos data showing improving ransomware recovery and falling ransom payments, and CETA’s annual report putting AI at the top of state priorities. The conversation dives into the controversial campus drone pilot approved in Florida…
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Episode 231 - Our Top 5 Trending Back-to-School Topics
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56:03On this episode, Josh, Chris, and Mark unpack their top five back-to-school trends shaping K-12 technology in 2025. Topics include shifting budgets and funding pressures, rising costs for materials and software, widespread school cell phone policies and bell-to-bell enforcement, the rapid expansion of AI tools in classrooms (including Notebook LM a…
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Episode 230 - Office 365 or Google Workspace or BOTH?
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44:49On this episode, the guys are back together with Mark sharing a story about a tech emergency during his recent Alaskan cruise vacation. This episode covers current events, including a potential cut in federal Title 1 funding and the elimination of all Title 2, 3, and 4 funding in a proposed House of Representatives budget. Chris, Josh, and Mark cel…
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Episode 229 - MagicSchool, Esports, and Update Issues
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59:26
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59:26Josh and Chris recap the hectic second week of school, covering Chromebook rollouts, Clever headaches, cell‑phone bans, and a recent ChromeOS update rollback. They also ask the question "Is Esports a sport?" The episode highlight? A candid interview with Adeel Khan, founder and CEO of MagicSchool. Adeel shares MagicSchool's origin story, how MagicS…
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Josh and Chris talk about the first week back to school - Smartboard repairs, missing classroom printers, tech tickets, moving equipment, and more. They also share anecdotes about Mark’s Alaska trip (send pics for prizes). They also discuss vendor DPAs, the fallout from bell‑to‑bell cell phone bans, and creative MFA options. -------------------- Li…
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Episode 227 - State‑Mandated AI, Back‑to‑School Mayhem & the Birth of "Grumpy Josh"
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46:23Josh, Chris and Mark dive into the chaos of the back‑to‑school rush and the latest K‑12 tech headlines. Topics include Ohio’s new requirement that districts adopt AI policies, the pros and cons of writing evergreen AI regulations, and how that mandate could interact with existing tech agreements. The trio also covers recent news like ChatGPT‑5’s la…
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Episode 226 - Back to School with Gemini... or Not?
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47:18
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47:18In this episode, we talk about AI (and other things)! We discuss the growing concerns surrounding school surveillance tools, examining case studies where innocent student jokes have led to harsh outcomes due to automated threat detection. Shifting gears, we look at the availability of AI tools like Gemini Pro and ChatGPT for college students, inclu…
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Episode 225 - How Are Districts Handling State Cell Phone Bans?
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43:21This week, we're covering some hot topics making headlines, including the recent unfreezing of billions in education funds, new disability policies being considered in Louisiana that involve cameras in classrooms, and the rise of AI-powered instruction in a Texas private school. Beyond the news, our main topic is a deep dive into how states and sch…
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Episode 224 - Vendor Support in Small Districts
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39:09Join us this week as we welcome our new AI co-host and delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of vendor support in small districts. From the highlights of the MidwestTechTalk conference to the intricacies of tech support for small schools, we cover it all. Hear about the latest AI updates in education with Canvas integrating ChatGPT and…
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Episode 223 - Everything You Need To Know About Google's Summer Updates!
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58:41Josh, Chris, and Mark dive deep into the latest product and licensing changes announced by Google this summer. The trio discusses how Google's updates could impact schools, highlighting essential decisions IT Directors and educators need to make regarding AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM. Special emphasis is placed on Google's move to enhance th…
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Episode 222 - Live from the GAMEIS Conference!
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57:30Join us for an exciting episode recorded live at the GAMEIS Conference in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. Our hosts dive into the world of education technology and cybersecurity with insights from key players in the field. Listeners will hear from prominent figures in the Georgia ed-tech scene, including Rusty Boone from McIntosh County, who shares in…
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Episode 221 - Supreme Court Decisions and Google Updates
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34:31Join Josh and Mark on the K-12 Tech Talk Podcast as they tackle pressing issues impacting the education sector. This week, they delve into the Supreme Court's decision to preserve E-Rate funding, celebrating a 6-3 vote victory that aligns with predictions. Listen in as they break down the implications of dissenting voices seeking stricter non-deleg…
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Episode 220 - ISTE Preview and Summer Staff Transitions
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39:48Welcome 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, acc…
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Episode 219 - Do you enable GenAI tools for all age levels?
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46:12Join 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 LL…
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Episode 218 - Rethinking Guest WiFi (Without Mark)
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43:53
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43:53On 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…
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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, …
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Episode 216 - How do you handle a curious or mischievous tech student?
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50:40Tune 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 …
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Episode 215 - PowerSchool Hacker Has Been Caught!
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49:27Josh 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 policyma…
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Episode 214 - More Cell Phone Laws / Memphis vs. PowerSchool / Summer Collections
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48:15
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48:15In 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 int…
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Episode 213 - TikTok Chromebook Trends & More PowerSchool Woes
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1:00:00This 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…
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Episode 212 - Navigating Indiana's Tech Education Landscape: Insights from the Indiana CTO Clinic
1:02:42
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1:02:42Join us live from the Indiana CTO Clinic, where tech and education experts come together for a vibrant discussion on the latest trends in tech integration in K12 education. The episode captures candid conversations with guests from various school districts across Indiana, spotlighting challenges and solutions in educational technology. Listen in as…
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Episode 211 - Curriculum Opt-Outs and Trump's K-12 AI Plan
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1:00:00Join us in this episode as Josh, Mark, and special guest K12TechPro's Jason Rooks dive into two compelling stories surrounding curriculum opt-outs and the complex position schools find themselves in. They explore a recent Supreme Court case impacting parental rights in curriculum choices and how this trend affects K-12 institutions nationwide. The …
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Episode 210 - Tariffs, Special Requests, and Food!
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52:33In this episode, we dive into the current issues surrounding technology tariffs and their impact on K-12 education. We explore how these tariffs affect school budgets and procurement processes, providing insights into recent changes and what schools should anticipate moving forward. A segment is dedicated to addressing the complex topic of managing…
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Episode 209 - Dept of Ed Closure & K12 Technology
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47:50
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47:50Episode 209 covers a range of topics, including a recap of the PowerSchool interview, news on a UC Irvine study about AI usage among teens, potential cuts to K12 cybersecurity funding, and a humorous moment involving the Secretary of Education (A1!). The main focus is on exploring the potential impacts of the Department of Education's closure on K1…
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Special Episode: PowerSchool CISO, Mishka McCowan
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42:20Join Josh, Chris, and Mark as they host an exclusive interview with Mishka, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of PowerSchool, following a significant cyber incident that changed the landscape of K-12 cyber-security. Discover the human side of crisis management, starting with Mishka’s initial reaction to the attack and learn about the ra…
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We travel to the Emerald City this week to hang out with the great folks at CoSN! This podcast episode, recorded live at the CoSN conference in Seattle, offers interviews with participants, organizers, and presenters. Topics centered around the human aspect of AI, cybersecurity, and some amazing innovations from school districts around the county! …
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Episode 207 - The Supreme Court Discusses E-Rate!
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1:06:16The big court case has finally arrived! We break down the oral arguments that were presented this week to the Supreme Court that will ultimately determine the fate of E-Rate. Will we see this essential program carry on or will the lower court's ruling strike down this key program? We discuss the arguments for and against with clips from the hearing…
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Episode 206 - Terry Loftus, San Diego CIO & MS-ISAC Board Chair
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51:56In this week's episode, Chris and Mark delve into a recent massive data breach that has had significant repercussions for hundreds of thousands of educators in Pennsylvania. They explore the startling details of the breach, discussing its implications and the timeline of the response. The episode features an interview with Terry Loftus, the CIO of …
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Episode 205 - Death by Fax, and Cuts to MS-ISAC Funding
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51:50In this episode of the K12 Tech Talk podcast, hosts Josh, Chris, and Mark delve into the recent challenges facing K-12 technology in light of new tariffs and significant budget cuts. They discuss the potential impact of these economic and political changes on school services, with a specific focus on the technology and cybersecurity landscapes. A k…
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Episode 204 - MidwestTechTalk Security Symposium 2025 Recap & SaferWatch
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30:15Join Chris and Mark as they hit the highlights of the recently concluded MidwestTechTalk Security Symposium. The conference tackled crucial topics surrounding incident response planning and cybersecurity preparedness in K-12 schools. Then, the show wraps up with insights from an informative interview with SaferWatch. -------------------- SaferWatch…
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Episode 203 - Beeper Bans, Google MFA Changes, and District Liability
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44:05
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44:05Tune in to hear insights on how some states are ramping up cell phone bans in schools and the implications this has for students and staff alike, including the extension to smartwatches, beepers, and pagers! The guys also delve into a pivotal Supreme Court case regarding the E-rate program, unpacking the ramifications of the recent ruling that clas…
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Episode 202 - Navigating Tariffs, Chrome's New AI Security, and E-Rate Threats
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49:25In this week's episode of the K12 Tech Talk podcast, the team dives into some pressing issues. We start with a discussion on how tariffs might affect project pricing for the coming year, exploring potential impacts on schools' budgets and strategies they might employ to mitigate these effects. The conversation then shifts to Google's new Chrome sec…
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Episode 201 - Unveiling the Shadowy World of Breach Coaches
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56:30Join us in episode 201, as we dive into the intricate world of cybersecurity breach coaches. We start with a deep analysis of the latest cybersecurity reports from Clever and CoSN, highlighting critical vulnerabilities and the evolving landscape of K12 cybersecurity challenges. In an exclusive interview, journalist Mark Keierleber from The 74 explo…
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Episode 200 - Special Guests, Musical Acts, and Celebrity Drop-Ins...
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1:12:43The 200th episode of the K12 Tech Talk podcast was packed with special guests, laughs, and big announcements. Musician Colt Ball kicked things off with a live performance, and David Wren from NTP discussed K12TechPro's cybersecurity deals for schools. Tom Ryan shared insights on AI, while Chris Illingworth from Fortinet talked about security soluti…
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We did this episode for about 45 minutes and realized we didn't hit record. It happens. This is a redo. It's a disaster. Really. Next week is a SPECIAL episode as we hit 200. Get ready for that. We promise next week will be better. In the meanwhile, we discuss: Who pays for Chromebook repairs? What will chip tariffs do to 25-26 purchases? Cybersqua…
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Episode 198 - Top 10 Changes to K12 Cyber Security We'd Like to See
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1:00:16In this lively episode of the K12 Tech Talk Podcast, a significant portion of the discussion focuses on recent updates regarding the PowerSchool data breach. The hosts shed light on the critical changes necessary for enhancing cybersecurity in school districts, including expanding MFA, moving away from outdated FTP to modern solutions, and embracin…
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Episode 197 - Updates on PowerSchool and Notification Requirements
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51:06
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51:06In this episode of the K12 Tech Talk Podcast, the team dives into the recent PowerSchool breach. Mark, who was recently featured on Canadian national news (Eh!), shares updates and insights into the breach's technical aspects, along with a breakdown on an article he published on K12TechPro. The discussion also highlights the roles and responsibilit…
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Episode 196 - Sharing Passwords? You're Fired!
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49:42
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49:42In this episode, we explore humorous/serious use of AI joke writing (PowerSchool jokes), we have a discussion on cell phone bans being implemented across various school districts this new year, touching on one policy that involves fines. The main focus, however, is a captivating story where a teacher was terminated for allegedly sharing her passwor…
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PowerSchool Cybersecurity Breach: What You Need to Know
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36:49This special episode of the K12 Tech Talk Podcast dissects the recent cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool, a major provider of Student Information Systems (SIS) in the United States. Hosts Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss the details of the breach that saw PowerSchool send notifications to its customers about the possibility of sensitive data…
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A Ransomware Interview with Denzel (Episode 31 Re-release)
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49:42Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year from Josh, Chris, and Mark! This is a re-release of Episode 31. It is an interview with Denzel. Denzel is the Tech Director at a school that was hit with ransomware. He shares details of the attack, from waking up and realizing over his morning coffee that they had major issues, to the day he real…
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Episode 195 - Chimp Crazy, 2024 Recap, & 2025 Predictions
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48:03
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48:03On this episode of the K12 Tech Talk podcast, we talk about AI misuse in schools, we recap 2024's hot topics, and we spend time discussing our predictions for 2025. Oh, and we talk about Chimp Crazy and Mark's recent interactions with Tonia Haddix on TikTok. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - We're ready for break! https://www.cisa.gov/sites/defa…
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Episode 194 - How to Move from Lawless to Lawful Asset Management
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47:46This week we take a listener email and dive into managing district assets and how to wrangle the budget. Should schools supply headphones to all students? Should the tech dept have a headphones budget? Should parents pay for broken headphones? Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss the tech dept's responsibility with headphones (and other consumables) at le…
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Episode 193 - Will Google Really Sell Off Its Chrome Browser?
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39:55Join 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 ma…
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Episode 192 - New Google License Structure and an IXL Lawsuit
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49:51In 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: ha…
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Episode 191 - Interview with Tony Sager
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1:10:53Chris, 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 Iss…
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Episode 190 - Vermont Fest & Flashback to the CIS Controls Episode
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50:49Chris 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. -------------------- ManagedMet…
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