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Welcome to the new monthly newsletter for Education.
We strive to keep you informed about technology news related to education.
Please with teachers, IT directors, and school officials.

EdTech Update

From the Iowa Communications Network
April 2022

From Our Library

Battle Against Hackers
Our CIO Ryan Mulhall recently spoke with Dan Winters from WHO 13 on the topic of cybersecurity.

What Sets ICN Apart from Other Broadband Providers
Familiarize yourself with what the ICN has to offer through these 12 facts.

Editor's Choice

>> Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council SYBAC is a unique opportunity for motivated high school students to discuss broadband and tech topics, learn about Iowa technology companies, and discover technology careers.   The application period for SYBAC for the 2022-23 school year is now open!  Students can apply by submitting a membership application and having a teacher submit a recommendation on their behalf.

SYBAC Completes Cybersecurity Training

Shout out to our SYBAC students who have completed the Fortinet online cybersecurity training! They developed a foundational understanding of the ever-increasing threat landscape and common network security concepts, earning the Network Security Expert (NSE) 1 certificate that is valid for two years from the date completed.

E-Rate Updates

Next Emergency Connectivity Fund Application Window: April 28 - May 13, 2022

The 18-month window to purchase eligible equipment and services (between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023) can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, to ensure students have the necessary support to keep up with their education.

Eligible equipment includes Wi-Fi hotspots, modems (including air cards), routers, devices that combine a modem and router, and connected devices (laptop and tablet computers). Schools and libraries can also receive funding for commercially available broadband service that provides a fixed or mobile broadband connection for off-campus use by students, school staff or library patrons.

What We're Reading

The articles below give a snapshot of the way broadband and technology is utilized in education in Iowa and around the nation.

Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Department of Education award over $500,000 to grow computer science teacher workforce
Source: Iowa Dept of Education

38 Schools to Advance Career-Linked Learning through STEM BEST H.D. Recognition
Source: Iowa STEM

Iowa Districts Get STEM Grants for Cyber, Industrial Tech
Source: Government Technology

Board of Regents Approves new Center for Wireless, Communities and Innovation at Iowa State University
Source: Iowa State University

Michigan Invests $2.7M to Expand STEM Programs for K-12
Source: Government Technology

K–12 Digital Resource Libraries Continue to Engage Students Returning to In-Person Classes
Source: EdTech Focus on K-12

Review of K-12 cyber incident response plans has started, says Ed. Dept.
Source: State Scoop

Counselors for Computing broadens student exposure to STEM
Source: K-12 Dive

Georgia School District to Buy Gaming Desktops for Esports
Source: Center for Digital Education

Texas Education Technology Convention: 4 Takeaways
Source: EdTech: Focus on K-12

Cybersecurity

Don’t fear the cyber boogeyman. But take these 5 steps to get your cybersecurity house in order
Source: Federal News Network

A Refresher on Multifactor Authentication and Best Practices
Source: Governing

Phishing Attacks Impersonating LinkedIn are up 232% in the Last Month Alone!
Source: KnowBe4

Could That QR Code Actually Be a Phishing Attack?
Source: Government Technology

A basic text-color trick can fool phishing filters
Source: CyberScoop

Misc Tech

UC San Diego Researchers Design T-Shirt to Harness Energy
Source: Government Technology

Flying Car Lifts Off, Is Certified Airworthy in Slovakia
Source: IoT World Today

More Than a Newsletter

About the Iowa Communications Network 
The ICN is a state-of-the-art fiber optic network providing broadband and telecommunications services to its authorized users including high-speed Internet, data, voice, security, and consulting services. The authorized users of the ICN include: K-12 schools, higher education, hospitals and clinics, state and federal government, public safety, National Guard armories, & libraries.

Contact Us
Iowa Communications Network
Phone (515) 725-4692
Toll Free: (877) 426-4692