SETDA, the member association representing state and territory leaders in education technology and digital learning, recently published its third annual report 2024 State Education technology Trends Report, Provide input on top educational technology priorities as identified in SETDA’s survey of state policymakers, including state educational technology directors, state superintendents, education commissioners, and chief information officers. This year’s survey gathered input from state leaders in 46 states and included questions related to the 2024 National Education technology Plan released earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational technology.
The report, a collaboration between SETDA and Whiteboard Advisors, complements insights from the survey data with highlights that showcase the important work of state leaders in Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Virginia, and Washington. These leaders are developing tools to promote responsible and safe use of ai in K-12 classrooms, collaborating with state and district leaders to support cybersecurity in schools, and supporting effective and equitable use of educational technology tools.
Among the key findings of the report and survey:
- Cybersecurity:24% of respondents said cybersecurity is a top priority, although the percentage decreased slightly compared to last year.
- artificial intelligence (ai):artificial intelligence has gained greater importance and requests for ai guidance have increased significantly. 92% of respondents in 2024 reported increased interest compared to 54% in 2023. About half of respondents indicated that their state has prepared ai guidance in the past year.
- Broadband:85% of respondents took steps last year to improve home broadband and device access for students, 71% continued previous efforts, and 14% launched new efforts during the 2023-24 school year.
- Financing and sustainabilityOnly 27% of respondents indicated that they plan to maintain funding for projects supported by ESSER/ARP funds, which shows uncertainty regarding the long-term sustainability of the initiatives.
“With each new report, it becomes more evident that state education agencies are evolving to meet the demands of a modern, digital world while navigating the uncertainty created by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence,” said Julia Fallon, executive director of SETDA. “I am particularly excited to highlight the work of the Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction in my home state of Washington as they collaborate with local administrators and school leaders to support the use of ai in the classroom. I hope that the stories from states like Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Virginia, and Washington that demonstrate the impact of collaboration and a sustained commitment to the effectiveness and equity of educational technology will inspire and serve as examples for other state leaders.”
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