Episodes
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Episode 290 - Microsoft’s Licensing Shakeup: Will Districts Be Forced to Pick Sides?
On this week’s K12 Tech Talk, the guys recap news from the HECC conference and break down Microsoft’s recent licensing changes that have IT teams and budget planners scrambling. They discuss the fallout of Google headlines, and other items that could influence refresh cycles, staffing, and...
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Episode 289 - Google to K-12: AI or Goodbye!
On episode 289, Josh, Chris, and Mark unpack the fallout from Google’s recent AI announcement and the New York Times article that many read as an ultimatum to schools. The guys break down the headline that “Google will turn off search for schools that reject AI,” the clarification Google later...
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Episode 288 - What Black October Means for K12 Techs
On this episode, Josh, Chris and Mark unpack “Black October,” a wave of AI-driven cyberattacks that exposed vulnerabilities across industries and hit the K12 world hard. The conversation covers the recent PHP zero‑day exploitation, a spike in AI‑powered intrusions and agent‑based hacks, and why…
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Episode 31 (Rerun) - Inside a School District’s Ransomware Nightmare
In this episode (Rerun), K12 Tech Talk shares an in‑depth interview with an anonymous school IT leader who goes by "Denzel" about a ransomware attack on his district. The conversation covers the full timeline - from first signs and containment to recovery, forensics, and the long tail of...
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Episode 287 - Wearable AI and Hacked Refrigerators
In episode 287, Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss OpenAI’s upcoming text watermarking feature (and how easy it can be to bypass) and the limits of AI-detection tools. The news concerning hacked refrigerators in France is unpacked! The guys also talk about Amazon’s recent acquisition of the wearable…
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Episode 286 - Vibe Coding, Canvas, & Bidets
Episode 286 dives into Josh and Chris' Google Education Leaders Series meeting in Atlanta, a Brookings study tracking student reactions to school cell phone bans across a full school year, and Common Sense Media’s evaluation of ChatGPT for Teens. The Google coverage centers on Gemini and the new...
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Episode 285 - Googlebook Arrives, Gemini Gems Ends
Episode 285 dives into a fast‑moving week of K12 tech news. The guys discuss Hazel Health (a telehealth provider reportedly targeted by the Direwolf ransomware group) and a confirmed Frontline breach. Josh, Chris, and Mark break down Google's latest moves - an early consumer rollout of…
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Episode 284 - Be Friends with Your Facilities Dept
In this episode, Chris, Mark, and AI Josh discuss research studies about classroom technology, AI tutors, student-device use, and the alarming state of U.S. school facilities. The main segment examines the GAO’s nationally representative survey of over 400 districts that found 1 in 5 schools…
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Episode 283 - Florida’s AI Opt‑Out: What It Means for Schools, Teachers, and EdTech
On this episode, Josh, Mark, and Chris break down Florida’s new law requiring districts to notify parents in plain language when AI tools are used in classrooms and to offer opt‑outs - a policy the hosts unpack for feasibility, operational impact, and how it might force edtech vendors to add more...
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Episode 282 - What happens when districts adopt Agentic AI?
In episode 282, Josh, Chris, and Mark cover the controversy over the White House’s new arcade site, the major cyberattack that shut down Springfield (MA) Public Schools, and Josh's takeaways from Google’s AI Educator event in Austin. The main segment dives deep into agentic AI - autonomous AI...
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Episode 281 - When the Biggest Districts Say "No" to AI
Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss the PaperCut vulnerability, Anthropic’s Claude for Teachers, and then... AI and screen-time. Policy and pedagogy take center stage with two of the country’s largest districts making opposite moves - New York City’s one-year pause on student-facing generative AI in…
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Episode 280 - Dell Technologies Education Strategist Marlo Gaddis
In this special Dell‑sponsored episode of K12 Tech Talk, Chris sits down with Marlo Gaddis, a former educator and current K‑12 Education Strategist at Dell. Marlo shares explains Dell’s reinvestment in K‑12 (focused on support over sales), and frames the major challenges and opportunities facing...
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Episode 279 - Meta's $18B Settlement & Microsoft's Move to Passkeys
Josh, Chris and Mark talk back-to-school anecdotes - Chromebook rollouts, teacher tickets, and custodial tech onboarding, then dig into the news headlines of the week. First, Meta’s landmark $18 billion settlement with dozens of states over youth mental health concerns tied to Facebook and...
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Episode 278 - Back-to-School Chaos
In this episode, Josh and Chris kick off the school-year season with news, stories, and a CyberNut interview. They dive into federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Education on screen time and edtech procurement - recreational vs. instructional tech, evaluating products by outcomes and...
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Episode 277 - KOSA vs. KIDS Act Explained
Episode 277 examines the mounting policy fight over student safety online and the practical tech issues districts are facing as a new school year begins. Josh and Chris open with personal stories about moving kids to college and summer realities. We break down two competing federal proposals: the...
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Episode 276 - RFPs and New Gemini
Josh, Chris, and Mark talk about a New Mexico state-mandated AI reading tool stirring privacy concerns, Google rolling out a student-facing Gemini tab in Classroom by default, new survey findings about post-RFP vendor behavior, and the growing trend of "vibe coding" inside districts. Oh, and how…
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Episode 275 - What happens when students create an AI bill?
On episode 275, Josh, Chris, and Mark jump into a back‑to‑school conversation covering AI policy, screen time, cybersecurity, and tech in the classroom. They start by sharing how 98 high school students from all 50 states convened at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute to run a mock Congress and...
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Episode 274 - Vibe Coding without Josh
Chris and Mark break down some headline stories and dig into a longer conversation about vibe coding in K12. They discuss Common Sense Media’s poor safety rating of Google Search’s AI mode, continued reporting from databreaches.net about the unresolved Navigate360 anonymous tip database breach…
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Episode 273 - Block Claude?!?! Why Districts Are Pushing Back on Claude for Teachers
Josh, Chris, and Mark unpack Anthropic’s surprise launch of "Claude for Teachers," a free‑until‑2027 offering that immediately drew criticism from district leaders for its bottom‑up signup model, suggested student data uploads, and potentially misleading FERPA claims. The guys cover the ripple...
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Live from GAMEIS 2026!
Recorded live from the GAMEIS Conference in Savannah, Georgia, this episode brings you interviews and conversations with district leaders and state education technologists. Josh, Chris and Mark hang out with attendees, presenters, sponsors, and some very special guests. Highlights are...
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Episode 271 - Utah’s Blueprint for School Data Protection
On Episode 271, Josh and Mark sit down with Nicole Sanchez and Matt Winters from the Utah State Board of Education’s Data Privacy Team to explain how Utah became a national model for student data protection. The conversation covers the state’s legal framework, long-running infrastructure efforts,...
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Episode 270 - E‑Rate Under Fire: FCC Proposal Could Reshape School Internet Funding
On this week’s episode of the K‑12 Tech Talk podcast Josh and Mark dig into a packed news round-up and sit down with Joey Wender, Executive Director of the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, to discuss a wide‑ranging FCC notice that could fundamentally change, or even...
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Episode 269 - World Cup Scots in Boston and Incident IQ Hot Seat
The guys discuss tornado watches, tacos, and the World Cup‑driven Scots in Boston. The news includes New York City Public Schools’ AI guidelines and growing push back, an insider cyberattack in Iowa, and breaking cybersecurity news is also addressed - the newly reported FortiBleed leak that…
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Episode 268 - E‑Rate Under Scrutiny: FCC's Proposed Rule Changes Explained
In episode 268, Josh, Chris, and Mark break down the Federal Communications Commission's newly published proposed rule changes to the E‑Rate program. The conversation explains the scope of the public comment period, where the proposals came from, and what districts, consortia, and vendors should...
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Episode 267 - Josh Gets Replaced with AI
On this week’s episode, the guys test whether artificial intelligence can replace a person - with AI‑cloned "Josh" sprinkled through the episode. Chris and Mark cover the rapid early success of Apple’s new MacBook Neo, including Kansas City Public Schools’ plan to replace roughly 30,000 Windows…
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Episode 266 - Summer School, Screen Time, and Movies
Episode 266 of the K12 Tech Talk podcast finds Josh, Chris and Mark diving into the summer school circus, national policy, guidance on watching movies in schools, and screen time. This week’s guest is Amy Bennett, Chief of Staff at Lightspeed Systems, who joins to unpack the screen time debate,...
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Episode 265 - Why the Class of 2026 Is Rejecting AI
On Episode 265, Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss the end‑of‑year scramble in K‑12 technology and a growing cultural moment - the Class of 2026’s strong reaction to AI at college commencements. The guys dive into several stories affecting schools - cybercriminal deep‑fake sextortion attacks using...
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Episode 264 - Googlebook Announcement & Canvas Breach Debrief
On this episode, the guys discuss Google's announcement of the new "Googlebook" (a reported merge of Android and Chrome OS), growing controversy and litigation around iReady and screen time in schools, and a debrief of the recent Canvas/Instructure security incident with guest Michael Klein from...
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Episode 263 - Canvas Ransomed
Episode 263 covers the unfolding Instructure/Canvas breach by the threat group ShinyHunters. Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss the timeline, the potential scope of compromised data, and immediate steps schools should take. The episode also examines a new bill aimed at restricting AI companion…
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Episode 262 - EdTech AI Gone Wild
On Episode 262, Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss the risks of edtech tools that add generative AI without age checks or strong guardrails, share a new K12 SIX resource and rubric for security essentials, and cover email security best practices. For the main topic, the guys talk about "secure email."...
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Episode 261 - Navigate360 Breach, LAUSD Screen-Time Plan, & Climbing the K-12 Tech Ladder
In episode 261 of K12 Tech Talk, the hosts are back from CoSN Chicago and revisit the P3 breach story that has been ongoing for the last few weeks. The latest reports show the stolen records have now been listed for sale, while the company has not issued a full public disclosure. On the screen…
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Episode 260 - Highlights from CoSN 2026 in Chicago
Live from CoSN 2026 in Chicago, this episode brings quick conversations with leaders across K12. Guests include: Earl Franks, NAESP Jean-Claude Brizard, Digital Promise Global CTL (Jason and Michelle) Dr. Kari Murphy, Deer Park Joey Wender, SHLB Amanda Lanicek ("Amanda from LinkedIn") Joan Wade,...
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Episode 259 - Is Your District Ready for an AI-Powered Cyberattack?
The guys discuss the rising AI-driven security risks facing school districts, including convincing deepfake video and voice scams, advanced phishing, and the implications of new AI research such as Anthropic’s Mythos and Project Glasswing. They cover recent news items that affect K12…
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Episode 258 - Infinite Campus Fallout: What the Ticket Leak Really Exposed
Josh, Chris, and Mark debrief last week’s Infinite Campus interview, explaining new findings about the leaked support data - what was in the release, how directory-level information and PII were involved, and what districts can do to check and respond. They discuss vendor ticket practices…
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Episode 257 - Infinite Campus CEO talks Salesforce Breach
On this episode of the K12 Tech Talk podcast, Josh, Chris, and Mark interview Charlie Kratsch, CEO of Infinite Campus, about a confirmed cyber incident involving the company’s Salesforce instance. Charlie explains how attackers used a fast, professional vishing campaign and an imposter login…
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Episode 256 - AI in the Classroom and the Federal Bills Shaping Student Safety
On this episode, the guys discuss how students are using AI and how districts are responding with pilots, policy lessons, and content controls. They share real pilot data showing most AI chats were educational, while a smaller portion involved attempts at academic dishonesty or flagged content.…
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Episode 255 - Interview with R.T. Collins, CEO of Incident IQ
On Episode 255, Chris, Josh, and Mark return from the MidwestTechTalk Security Symposium to discuss several hot topics. They cover New Hampshire's recently revised data privacy law and the temporary fallout for school livestreams and events, plus a Chicago district using license plate data for...
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Episode 254 - Did Apple Just Release the Chromebook Killer?
On Episode 254 of K12 Tech Talk, Josh, Chris, and Mark break down Apple’s big announcement: the Mac Neo, a $499 laptop that many call a potential Chromebook killer. They compare specs, durability, repairability, management with Apple School Manager, resale value, and the extra operational costs…
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Episode 253 - Live from K12 SIX 2026
Live from the K12 SIX National Cybersecurity Leadership Conference in Albuquerque, Chris goes solo and interviews several attendees and leaders about practical K12 cybersecurity. Guests include Cory Rankin, a K12SIX member, who talks about community and membership benefits, Dr. Tim Tillman on...
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Episode 252 - Tennessee Banning Classroom Technology?
Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss Tennessee proposals that would severely restrict or ban classroom devices and online assessments for younger grades, and debate whether this is an overreaction or a needed reset on screen time. They discuss a widespread, sophisticated phishing campaign that hit many...
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Episode 251 - Inside the Flock Controversy with Mark Keierleber and Michael Klein
Chris, Josh, and Mark interview Mark Mark Keierleber from The 74 about his investigation into Flock license-plate cameras and how those camera networks are being queried by federal and out-of-state law enforcement. They then bring in cybersecurity expert Michael Klein to explain the impacts on...
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Episode 250 - Camera Controversy & Student Data Privacy!
Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss the 74 reporting that federal immigration agents have been tapping Flock license plate cameras, which leads to broader conversation about school and neighborhood cameras (Ring/Nest/home systems) balancing safety and privacy. The guys unpack a listener email about how...
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Episode 249 - Interview with Tyler Kingkade, NBC News
Episode 249 of K12 Tech Talk podcast has Josh, Chris, and Mark discussing their Olympic favorites, the latest news in K12, and the Snow Day Message winner: Option 3: Code Red - Montgomery County Public Schools (MD) The episode features an interview with Tyler Kingkade, national reporter at NBC...
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Episode 248 - Snow Day Anthems & Denver's ChatGPT Shutdown
Episode 248 has a listener poll of viral snow-day announcement songs from districts around the country. Check out the videos below and tell us your favorite by emailing us at [email protected]: Option 1: Benson Boone - Ozarks Schools (MO) Option 2: Extraordinary - Novi Community School...
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Episode 247 - Senate Hearing on Screen Time
On this episode we talk about free certifications, Google Gemini updates, and updates to Microsoft’s Copilot Teach and Study & Learn Agents. We discuss SSL certificate lifetime changes and ACME automation. Finally, we unpack and react to last week’s Senate hearing on screen time led by Senator…
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Episode 246 - Monkeys in St. Louis & Frustrations in Denver
Hosts Josh, Chris, and Mark unpack a week of wild headlines and K12 tech policy: viral AI images that complicated a search for wild vervet monkeys in St. Louis, Denver Public Schools’ decision to block ChatGPT for students, and a preview of a Senate hearing on kids and screen time. They discuss a...
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Episode 245 - New Year, New Cyber Attacks
And we're back! We discuss the New Year spike in cyber attacks on schools over the holiday break and practical strategies for vacation periods - automated alerting, third‑party monitoring, suspending or shutting down non‑critical services. Other topics include what to look for when hiring...
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Episode 244 - 2025 Recap and 2026 Predictions!
Josh, Chris, and Mark close out the year on Episode 244 with a fast-paced, candid recap: reviewing last year’s predictions, unpacking the biggest 2025 themes, and making bold calls for 2026. Chris shares a story about Missouri-flavored smoked ribs and a district core switch outage. Key topics...
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Episode 243 - Screens & Smart Glasses
Josh, Chris, and Mark discuss students and screen time - including Australia’s ban on social media accounts for under 16, a NTIA listening session on excessive screen time in schools, and proposed Missouri legislation limiting K‑5 screen use and tech‑required homework. They dig into enforcement…
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Episode 242 - ChatGPT Stumbles into K-12 Classrooms
Episode 242 digs into the messy rollout of ChatGPT for Teachers and what it means for districts. We discuss the first‑in admin problem, educator verification (pay‑stub/DNS issues), SSO/SAML concerns, the 18‑month trial/pricing uncertainty, and whether OpenAI rushed the launch to capture market...
About this show
A K12TechPro Podcast. This podcast is about trending K12 technology topics and issues. Josh, Chris, and Mark have real conversations, real arguments, and real banter on IT issues and trends in K12 Schools.
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