ETC Publications
Integrated Data Systems and Predictive Analytics in Higher Education
This policy brief explores up-to-date information on how data systems and predictive analytics work in tandem to provide colleges and universities the data necessary to map out the future. Through aligned data systems and data definitions, higher education entities can make better data-based decisions and gain substantial returns on investments.
COVID-19 and Broadband Access in SREB States
Resources and Strategies for Extended School Closures
Access to broadband speeds sufficient for digital learning has become one of the most pressing education issues of the COVID-19 pandemic. This briefing offers an overview of the Federal Communications Commission Keep Americans Connected Pledge, the E-Rate program extension, TV white space, CARES Act funding and additional K-20 strategies to expand broadband access.
Making the Connection
Digital Skills and Access for 21st Century Learning
This brief covers student digital literacy and bandwidth, two of SREB’s 10 Issues in Educational Technology. It presents definitions and state standards for digital literacy, then turns to the need to expand reliable, affordable bandwidth for educators and students. The report details 2019 legislative actions on broadband and spotlights Louisiana’s bandwidth plan, concluding with recommendations and resources for policymakers.
10 Issues in Educational Technology
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative recommends that policymakers address 10 ed tech issues now. Critical to both K-12 and higher education, the issues are data systems, data privacy, predictive analytics, bandwidth, emerging technologies, new learning models, student digital literacy, technology security, digital accessibility and policy.
This publication presents overviews of each topic, why it is important, and the consequences if states do not make adequate progress on them.
Emerging Technologies and New Learning Models That Engage Students
Digital disruption in education requires schools, colleges and agencies to rethink many policies and practices. This brief describes issues related to emerging education technologies and new learning models and covers personalized learning programs in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina. The paper recommends that policymakers balance decisions about emerging technologies that hold promise to transform education and student engagement with oversight, accountability and security.
Ten Issues in Educational Technology
This flyer outlines 10 education technology issues that policymakers in SREB states should address now. Without adequate progress on these issues, states may fall short of their educational improvement goals, and their key policy initiatives may fail.
Data Systems
10 Issues in Educational Technology
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative recommends that states link statewide data systems and adopt common data definitions across state K-20 education data systems. This printable one-page document covers data systems, one of ETC’s 10 Issues in Educational Technology, to help policymakers consider its importance in decisions about K-12 and postsecondary education.
Data Privacy
10 Issues in Educational Technology
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative recommends that states protect the sensitivity of student data in education data systems while enabling its use to inform education policy and practice. This printable one-page document covers data privacy, one of ETC’s 10 Issues in Educational Technology, to help policymakers consider its importance in decisions about K-12 and postsecondary education.
Predictive Analytics
10 Issues in Educational Technology
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative recommends that states incorporate data in decision-making and predictive modeling for better student outcomes. This printable one-page document covers predictive analytics, one of ETC’s 10 Issues in Educational Technology, to help policymakers consider its importance in decisions about K-12 and postsecondary education.
Bandwith
10 Issues in Educational Technology
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative recommends that states expand reliable, affordable bandwidth so students and educators can benefit from technology. This printable one-page document covers bandwidth, one of ETC’s 10 Issues in Educational Technology, to help policymakers consider its importance in decisions about K-12 and postsecondary education.
Emerging Technologies
10 Issues in Educational Technology
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative recommends that states factor the relevance of emerging technologies into strategic decision-making and foster professional development on them for educators. This printable one-page document covers emerging technologies, one of ETC’s 10 Issues in Educational Technology, to help policymakers consider its importance in decisions about K-12 and postsecondary education.
New Learning Models
10 Issues in Educational Technology
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative recommends that states use technology to help create personalized, competency-based learning environments that allow students to demonstrate mastery of content at their own pace. This printable one-page document covers new learning models, one of ETC’s 10 Issues in Educational Technology, to help policymakers consider its importance in decisions about K-12 and postsecondary education.
Student Digital Literacy
10 Issues in Educational Technology
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative recommends that states ensure students have the skills they need for success in a digital world. This printable one-page document covers student digital literacy, one of ETC’s 10 Issues in Educational Technology, to help policymakers consider its importance in decisions about K-12 and postsecondary education.
Technology Security
10 Issues in Educational Technology
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative recommends that states provide adequate resources to protect information and systems while keeping them available for learning and the business of education. This printable one-page document covers technology security, one of ETC’s 10 Issues in Educational Technology, to help policymakers consider its importance in decisions about K-12 and postsecondary education.
Digital Accessibility
10 Issues in Educational Technology
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative recommends that states promote awareness, training and best practices to make e-learning more accessible to students with disabilities. This printable one-page document covers digital accessibility, one of ETC’s 10 Issues in Educational Technology, to help policymakers consider its importance in decisions about K-12 and postsecondary education.
Policy
10 Issues in Educational Technology
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative recommends that states maintain regular state-level review of technology-related legislation and policies on education standards, access and infrastructure. This printable one-page document covers policy, one of ETC’s 10 Issues in Educational Technology, to help policymakers consider its importance in decisions about K-12 and postsecondary education.
Expanding Accessibility to Digital Spaces Through Improved Policy and Practice
Making online content accessible for students with disabilities is not easy, but it is the law. As deficiencies have resulted in lawsuits and costly resolutions, more-specific legislation has emphasized that all students need greater access to digital resources. This policy brief reviews the legal landscape and offers recommendations for how states, state agencies, colleges and schools can comply with federal and state disability laws.
Data Privacy and Security
Policy Brief, 10 Issues in Educational Technology
Educators and policymakers often struggle to balance keeping data private and secure with making educational technology available for innovations in teaching and learning. This policy brief reviews recent legislation related to data privacy and security and reports on security breaches at various organizations. It also provides policy recommendations that incorporate best practices in technology, transparent data governance and security risk mitigation, while maintaining accessible and functional systems.
Direct From the Inside: KCTCS Direct2Degree Program
This document reports on the Kentucky Community and Technical College System’s 2013 Next Generation Learning Challenges grant to focus on breakthrough models for enhancing college completion. The KCTCS Direct2Degree program targeted low-income students in rural areas.
Timely Access to Education Data: Annotated Bibliography
Over the last two decades, states invested significant amounts of their funding to design, develop and implement statewide P-20 education data systems to collect, store and examine data. These systems were aptly named Longitudinal Data Systems (LDSs).
