Highlights of the speakers, topics and technologies presented this year in Miami.
The computer-generated transcript is below:
Kevin Hogan
OK. Hello and welcome to the Innovation and Education Podcast where we explore the latest trends, technologies and ideas shaping the future of learning. I'm your host, Kevin Hogan. I'm the content director for East School News and I'm glad you found us today. In this month's episode, we'll delve into some of the takeaways from Cos in 2024. And let's look at the power of in-person events to connect with Ed tech leaders. The Consortium for School Networking, or CoSN, is known for its annual conference that brings together Ed tech leaders from around the world. This year's event marked a significant return to in-person meetings following our period of virtual conferences due to COVID. Held in Miami, the show was a testament to the value of face-to-face interactions in the technology space. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in thought-provoking discussions. Network with peers and explore the latest innovations first-hand. I was also able to get to Versailles, the best Cuban restaurant on the planet. In my humble opinion. And while Zoom has completely transformed the way I cover the ad tech space, it practically allows me to have a lot more access to people in general. Those from the 2024 show prove that there really is nothing better than an unfashionable person in street style interviews. For example, listen to Tom Ryan, who won the CoSN Seymour Papert Award this year. The award recognizes a cousin's lifelong contribution to technology and education. Goes and 1st presented the award in 2006 and it was later renamed the Seymour Papert Award in 2009. It is only awarded when the organization identifies a deserving member and the award has only been given 7 times, including the original award to Seymour Papert himself. . Tom Ryan has been a key leader of CoSN for more than 20 years, most notably as Chairman of the CoSN Board of Directors. However, his influence extends far beyond his service on the board, particularly evident in his instrumental role in CoSN's collaboration with the Council of Great City Schools on the ai maturity tool. generative K12. You know, at some point you're going to hear ai, right? It was definitely the theme. Since you were at the event and, well, rightfully so, but listen to Thomas, he gives some details about the work they've done.
Tom Ryan
Think of this not as artificial intelligence, but as an augmented resource. So. How can this help me make better decisions moving forward? How can you give me ideas about plans and opportunities? How can you help me address challenges, whether they are equity or academic achievement and literacy? And by using the tool that way, we've created prompts to help. The message will ask you questions. You answer the questions and get a very personalized response from the GPT. So we are doing that. We will accumulate it in four schools where we will have 1/2 day. Session with cabinet and start to discuss what the impact is and how we start to plan for the future using Council and costs and maturity.
Kevin Hogan
In addition to networking opportunities, cosine 24 featured a diverse group of keynote speakers, panel discussions and hands-on workshops ranging from artificial intelligence and education to digital equity. The conference covered a wide range of topics crucial to shaping the future of learning. I had the opportunity to speak with Jean Claude Brizard. He is the president and CEO of digital promise. Between sessions to talk about the big picture. Digital Promesa is a global, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on accelerating innovation and education. Jean Claude is a former senior advisor and deputy director of U.S. programs at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he focused on preschool-16 education in 5 communities in four states. We have heard what he talked about not only in his chemotherapy. , but in other conversations throughout the week.
Jean-Claude Brizard
Ohh So what I tell educators very often is to be crew members and not passengers in the effort to see what is coming around the corner. Understand your attack to make the philosophy and integration work and make sure you stay ahead. You know, as one of my colleagues often says, what do you look for in teaching and learning? What are your critical points? Make sure you find the technological solution. That will help push your kids to get to what they want to get to, so I'm optimistic. I'm excited about what's happening in education. My only concern is that the people. Leaders do not lead when attacking. They need to live with the attack. So, your director of technology, your director of technology, must be in the cabinet, must be sitting next to your academic director and plan together in many cases, it is not seen if we want to achieve that type of coherence in the school system, our system, then we can demand what we want from method companies and really push it. The work ahead.
Kevin Hogan
Another highlight of CoSN 2024 was the Ed tech Expo, where attendees had the opportunity to explore the latest products and solutions from leading vendors, from interactive whiteboards to virtual reality headsets. The Expos showcased cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation and education. Here's Acer's Jennifer Wadlin as she describes to me her company's latest educational efforts. Give us the truth. Why is Acer here at CoSN 2024?
Jennifer Wadland
Thank you Kevin. Acer is here showing off our line of rugged systems for K12 students, as well as units for teachers, in both Windows and Windows. Chrome, Acer has a great value proposition all around. We have an e-learning program for students where it's a 7-8 hour curriculum to give them transferable skills when they graduate high school and know how to fix and repair systems. We also work closely with schools to personalize the service. Plans that we do not believe are A1 size for everyone. What works best for your district may not work well for another. That's why we're open to customization and finding the best support plan for you. Such durable devices, great support. My previous support answers the phone within 15 seconds and then some additional services like e-learning. So here we are showing it all at cost in 2024.
Kevin Hogan
I think perhaps the most significant thing I took away from Cosen 24 was the sense of community that was fostered. It really is like a high school reunion for Ed tech nerds. In an increasingly digital world, these face-to-face interactions remind me of the power of human connection and collaboration. As we look to the future of EDTA. Events like Cozine serve as a reminder of the importance of coming together as a community to share ideas, inspire innovation and positive change. That's all for this episode of Innovations in Education. If you'd like to hear more from my guest today, be sure to visit innovations and education at eschoolnews.com, where we've archived our complete coverage. Join us next time as we continue to explore the ever-evolving learning landscape. Until then, continue to innovate and inspire.
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