K-12 Digital Transformation report

 A survey in 2023 revealed that K-12 digital transformation efforts are still in their early stages, with nearly two-thirds of respondents indicating they have not yet begun to implement their strategies or technology initiatives for digital transformation. However, around 36% are in various stages of implementation, and only about a third of respondents expressed confidence in their understanding of digital transformation, with IT leaders showing higher levels of understanding compared to non-IT leaders.

Nagel, D. (2023). Most districts still early in their digital transformation journey. THE Journal.

https://thejournal.com/articles/2023/08/31/most-districts-still-early-in-their-digital-transformation-journey.aspx

COSN 2017 Survey on Cyber Security

CoSN, currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, found that it longer needs to ask survey respondents if they are “familiar with CoSN.” However, according to the report, not all changes are positive, and solving one problem can create another. As districts have transitioned to digital environments, concerns have increased regarding data privacy and data security. A low ranking priority in the early survey results, Cyber Security is now one of the top concerns for IT Leaders. IT Leaders also contend with persistent issues that are unrelated to their digital ecosystem. Five years of survey results show that budgets and department silos consistently pose problems for them. The report also states how broader issues, such as racial diversity, and lower priorities, like revising acceptable use policies, still require attention.

CoSN (2017). K-12 IT leadership survey report. Washington, D. C.: CoSN. https://cosn.org/sites/default/files/CoSN_ITLdrship_Report_2017_040317.pdf

Challenges Integrating Technology in Education

According to this study, K-12 information technology departments continue to face difficult challenges during a time of limited funding, static staff, and huge growth in support of IT assets and infrastructure in K-12 districts. Among the key findings of this fifth annual survey:

-       Information Technology Staffing and Staffing Concerns: Mean ratio of students to technicians is 1,998:1 – an increase from 2010 results, but still lower than 2009 numbers. This high number still indicates continued overlook in K-12 districts to hire technicians.

-       Information Technology Assets: The mean number of students to computers is 12, up from four since 2010, indicating a dramatic increase in students and a setback to the goal of 1:1 computing.

-       Software and Systems: Ninety percent were familiar or very familiar with the SaaS application model. Those very familiar increased 21 percent from 2010, showing a high adoption growth rate of SaaS in education.

-       Information Technology Issues: Similar to prior years, IT funding was identified as the most important issue to resolve for strategic success in 2012. This continues to be a major concern for IT departments as we see year after year.

Schooldude (2013). The unique challenges facing the IT professional in K-12 education: 2012-2013 survey results. Cary, NC: Schooldude. https://www.schooldude.com/Portals/0/public%20content/reports%20and%20presentations/technology%20management/sr-2013-it-survey.pdf