SETDA, the member affiliation representing state and territorial academic expertise and digital studying leaders, just lately printed its third annual 2024 State EdTech Developments Report, offering insights on the highest edtech priorities as recognized in SETDA’s survey of state policy-makers together with state edtech administrators, state superintendents, commissioners of schooling, and CIOs. This yr’s survey collected data from state leaders in 46 states and included questions referring to the 2024 Nationwide Instructional Know-how Plan that was launched earlier this yr by the Workplace of Instructional Know-how on the U.S. Division of Schooling.
The report, a collaboration between SETDA and Whiteboard Advisors, enhances the insights from the survey information with spotlights that showcase the essential work of state leaders in Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Virginia, and Washington. These leaders are creating instruments to advance the accountable and secure use of AI in Okay-12 lecture rooms, collaborating with state and district leaders to help cybersecurity in faculties, and supporting the efficient and equitable use of edtech instruments.
Among the many key findings within the report and survey:
- Cybersecurity: 24% of respondents reported that cybersecurity is a prime precedence, although the proportion decreased barely in comparison with final yr.
- Synthetic Intelligence (AI): Synthetic Intelligence surged in significance, with requests for AI steering rising considerably. 92% of respondents in 2024 reported elevated curiosity in comparison with 54% in 2023. Roughly half of the respondents indicated that their state has ready AI steering over the previous yr.
- Broadband: 85% of respondents took steps final yr to enhance dwelling broadband and gadget entry for college kids, with 71% persevering with prior efforts and 14% launching new efforts in the course of the 2023-24 college yr.
- Funding and Sustainability: Solely 27% of respondents indicated that they’ve plans to maintain funding for tasks supported by ESSER/ARP funds, displaying uncertainty concerning the long-term sustainability of initiatives.
“With each new report, it’s extra evident that state schooling companies are evolving to satisfy the calls for of a digital, fashionable world whereas navigating the uncertainty created by rising applied sciences like synthetic intelligence,” stated Julia Fallon, Govt Director of SETDA. “I’m notably excited to highlight the work of the Workplace of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction in my dwelling state of Washington as they collaborate with native directors and faculty leaders to help using AI within the classroom. I hope that the tales from states like Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Virginia, and Washington that exhibit the influence of collaboration and a sustained dedication to edtech effectiveness and fairness will encourage and function examples for different state leaders.”
