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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
March 2024
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 Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council Update
SYBAC Learned about Telehealth in Iowa
The SYBAC students met with Corey Martin of the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) this month to talk about the state of telemedicine and telehealth in Iowa. He highlighted a number of the technologies that are currently being used to assist patients in both "at-home" care and within medical facilities.
The subject of cybersecurity was one of the main worries. According to Corey, the medical industry takes cybersecurity very seriously since, simply by having patient data, they are a target. He clarified that everyone has many layers of protection and prevention in place and works with other organizations, including the ICN, for a multi-layered and strong defense in order to protect data and prevent attacks. He also discussed the tactics they use, which include training employees to stay secure, practicing good technology hygiene, and requiring multifactor authentication for all employee accounts and logins.
We addressed the current state of AI integration in medical processes and potential future developments. We also talked about the potential future uses of AI in technology and preventative care, as well as ethics and concerns. It was a great discussion, and we appreciate Corey taking the time to meet with us!
Nashua Plainfield Case Study
A Small, Rural School's New VOIP Solution
Student Population: 590+
Counties Served: Bremer, Butler, Chicksaw, and Floyd
Buildings Served: Elementary School (Pre-K - 5th), Middle/High School (6th - 12th), and the Husky Wellness Center
Nashua-Plainfield embraced the opportunity to upgrade their outdated landlines by implementing the VoIP communications platform offered by the ICN. The objectives were clear: modernize the VoIP system, seamlessly integrate long-distance calls, ensure ease of use, and establish connectivity throughout all three buildings. However, the project encountered difficulties due to the age of the buildings and the construction they had undergone throughout the years.
See how the difficulties were overcome in our case study.
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HIGHLIGHTED SERVICE
INTERNET SERVICE
Our customers benefit from a dynamic network system that ensures a resilient connection, providing them with speed scalability. With our broadband Internet service, we have prioritized minimizing latency to enhance customer experience. Our service is not only secure but also scalable and redundant.
Plus, we are Iowa's only authorized anchor giving exclusive access to Internet2 services and research facilities. Internet2 provides a collaborative environment where US research and education organizations can solve common technology challenges and develop innovative solutions in support of their educational, research and community service missions.
Presidential Primary Sources Project
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Take your students on a deep dive through American History...
Learn more about the first Presidential Cabinet and how several presidents handled times of crisis and hardship. Students in grades 4-12 can learn more about these topics through interactive webinars and lively discussions.
The 2024 Presidential Primary Sources Project (PPSP) sessions are taking place now through April!
All programs are live at 11 a.m. ET and 2 p.m. ET.
Don't pass up these exceptional educational opportunities!
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Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is Iowa’s only authorized Research & Education Network giving our education customers exclusive access to Internet2 services.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the ICN's brand new website at https://icn.iowa.gov!
This user-friendly platform is specifically created to provide Iowans with quick access to essential information and services. Take a moment to visit the website and ensure your bookmarks are up to date.
 Equip and Educate Students to Combat Cyberthreats
EdTech Focus on K-12
By: Charlie Sander
At a time when technology has become so integral to education, equipping students with the tools to navigate the digital landscape safely is paramount. The Cybersecurity Almanac recently issued a stark warning: With nearly 5.3 billion mobile devices globally and security threats escalating, mobile devices now constitute more than 60 percent of digital fraud.
Additionally, a report from Emsisoft highlighted a staggering 1,981 schools in 45 districts that faced ransomware attacks in 2022. Despite the work that schools are doing to secure their networks, students must recognize the need for additional measures to protect their personal devices.
To ensure comprehensive cybersecurity education, educators should cover fundamental topics including privacy, cyberbullying, phishing scams, the significance of strong passwords, identity theft and the role of artificial intelligence. Simplifying these concepts through age-appropriate interactive lessons facilitates understanding and gives students the knowledge to navigate the online world safely...
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 How Fast Is Broadband Internet? The FCC Just Quadrupled the Answer
CNET - Internet News
By: Joe Supan
The FCC has raised the benchmark for broadband speed for the first time in nearly a decade.
The Federal Communications Commission voted to raise the benchmark for broadband internet to 100Mbps download speed and 20Mbps upload speed.
This is the first time the agency has raised the speed requirement in nearly a decade, and it’s something FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has been pushing for years.
“This fix is overdue,” Rosenworcel said in a statement (PDF). “It aligns us with pandemic legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the work of our colleagues at other agencies. It also helps us better identify the extent to which low-income neighborhoods and rural communities are underserved...
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 5 Quick Tips for Backing Up Your School Data
Tech & Learning
By: Steve Baule
Note: Schools should consider implementing reliable backup procedures and services that are comparable to those provided by the ICN, such as secure cloud connectivity, a variety of cybersecurity solutions, and secure colocation services.
With the upswing in hacking and ransomware attacks on schools and other educational institutions, it is essential for educators to ensure their data is secure. As some school districts have seen significant data loss due to such activities, such preparation minimizes risks that no one can afford.
Problems with ransomware attacks and corrupted cloud accounts have also seen several of my colleagues lose data. It’s distressing and often can be costly to recover. Here are five tips to get you started...
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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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