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We strive to keep you informed about technology news related to Education.
Please  with teachers, IT directors, anyone who would be interested.
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 Iowa EdTech Update
September 2023
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 SYBAC UPDATE
CONGRATS to our 2023-2024 SYBAC Students!
We have selected our group of Iowa high school students to serve on its Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC)! The council is an opportunity for high school students to research and discuss broadband and Internet topics, learn about Iowa technology companies, and complete a cybersecurity certification training. Our students were selected from schools all over Iowa and we are excited to get started.
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UPCOMING ROADSHOWS
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Register Today:
Breaking Down the Cybersecurity Buzz
As threat landscapes evolve, so does the demand for network and security technologies. Meanwhile, industry buzz around terms like ZTNA, AI, and XDR are crucial to follow, but it can be difficult for IT teams to keep up with.
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Our CIO Ryan Mulhall will be Breaking Down the Cybersecurity Buzz and identifying great security strategies for your organization.
Register now to save your seat for the events in
Elkader, Ottumwa, and Des Moines.
Tech directors and administrators are invited to attend one of the following ICN sponsored sessions to discuss security issues and best practices with their peers.
 Who is your ICN Account Consultant?
There's some new faces around here. Please, use this map to find out who represents your territory and introduce you to your new Account Consultant if there has been a change.
Thank you for your understanding during these changes and if you have any questions, please call your AC:
North-West Territory (Blue):
David Rogers, 515-725-8970
david.rogers@icn.state.ia.us
North-East Territory (Pink):
Joe Tjaden 319-240-3528
joe.tjaden@icn.state.ia.us
South-West Territory (Yellow):
Doug Farrell, 515-725-0249
doug.farrell@icn.state.ia.us
South-East Territory (Green):
John O'Connor: 515-725-4658
john.oconnor@icn.state.ia.us
 HIGHLIGHTED SERVICE
Managed Voice Services
Our unified voice solution can boost efficiency inside your company. Our customers can gain a flexible voice management solution hosted on the cloud. In addition to the ICN provided hardware and licenses, you can get assistance from our Data and Voice professionals, free long distance, predictable billing and more!
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E-Rate Updates
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Meet the E-Rate Expert
Angela Schneider
She has been with us for 15 years and going strong!
Her expertise is in the E-Rate program. When your application for an E-rate discount is approved, she keeps track of it and makes sure the proper customer receives the correct discount. |
E-Rate Has Two Categories:
Category One includes high-speed broadband access. Schools and districts can subscribe to broadband services from internet service providers and purchase lit fiber services. The highest discount level for Category One services is 90 percent.
Category Two includes equipment such as wireless access points and controller systems, routers and switches, and caching technology.
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 Programs Nationwide Aim to Build Pipeline of STEM Experts
GovTech Article
Brandon Paykamian
Amid predictions that careers in science, technology, engineering and math will skyrocket in the next decade, students are increasingly participating in targeted programs to boost their skills.
“Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, computer science and coding [are big for STEM programming] in this country because students today are already digital natives,” Joaquin Tamayo, senior STEM lead for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of the Deputy Secretary said. “They’re not just learning how to use social media on their phones and other apps and video games, but they actually know how [much of] that works, why it works, and how they can study and pursue [STEM] careers if they’re interested in that." ...
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 AI Could Save School Districts Time and Money—
If They Use It Correctly?
EdWeek Article
Mark Lieberman
School districts might find more success first experimenting with incorporating AI tools behind the scenes, rather than starting in the classroom, where parents and teachers could be vocally skeptical at the outset, said Bill Daggett, founder of the International Center for Leadership in Education and the Successful Practices Network, nonprofits that aim to offer guidance and spur innovation among school district leaders.
“If it will save you money at the operations level, it’s not going to be controversial, it’s going to be very positive,” said Daggett, who is also a former teacher, administrator, and state education department official...
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 Peer to Career Update
We teamed up with Ottumwa Job Corps to form an exclusive mentoring opportunity for students.
Together, ICN and Ottumwa Job Corps are excited to bring networking opportunities to students looking for work opportunities in cabling, network, and Telecommunication industries. Students attending Ottumwa Job Corps, directed by Lindsay Cale, range in age from 16 to 24 and enroll in the program to learn network and cabling skills. The ICN offers the connection with industry leaders throughout Iowa. With this initiative, we seek to bring Iowa businesses and job-seekers together.
"The Peer to Career Program will provide an invaluable pathway to success, offering hands-on experiences and exposure to the world of telecommunications and networking. Our students will have the chance to learn directly from ICN experts and their network of employers, regarding gaining practical skills and industry knowledge that will set them up for long-term career growth." - Lindsay Cale, Center Director
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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
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