Breakthrough Findings on Student Home Connectivity - S2E3
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In this episode of the CoSN Podcast, Dr. Tom Ryan, former Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer for the Santa Fe Public Schools, discusses findings from CoSN’s groundbreaking new Student Home Connectivity Study. Dr. Ryan was chair of the Educator Advisory Committee that worked on the report.
The survey drew on data from 13 school districts enrolling 750,000 total students, representing a significant data set to allow CoSN to provide evidence-based advice to districts and inform policymakers. Ryan and MindRocket Media Group, discuss how the data informs nationwide goals around digital equity, connectivity, and tech-enabled learning.
Many important topics and findings are discussed, including: 85% of network traffic has been used for video, but Wi-Fi speeds and device types aren’t always set up for this; 70% of households have multiple students learning from home, affecting bandwidth requirements and device needs; surprise findings on the mobility of students during the pandemic and how connectivity turns school into a verb; and how a multi-pronged approach to connectivity may involve public-private partnerships and even inter-government agencies.
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Tom Ryan Ph.D. is co-founder of K-12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group (K12STAG), which is led by public school chief information officers who understand the challenges school leaders face. He is an education professional with 40+ years of K-12 experience and expertise in teaching, leadership, technology, technology integration and blended/online learning program development. He works with school leadership on strategic planning and leadership, designing digital learning environments, technology infrastructure reviews, and the shift to digital tools.
Dr. Ryan has a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. He was served as a CIO (16 years), as well as a high school principal and teacher for districts in New Mexico. He has proven leadership and experience leading teams of 100+ employees and administering multi-million dollar budgets and projects. Dr. Ryan has designed and implemented innovative online and blended school models at both the state and district level.
He is engaged in leadership activities in several state and national organizations including Chairmen of the Board for the Consortium of School Networking (CoSN). He also is active in iNACOL, ISTE, and the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS). Work with the CGCS includes: large school district IT reviews of infrastructure, strategic planning, instructional technology, and digital transformation efforts. He also helps coordinate of the Councils annual CIO conferences. Dr. Ryan is a Senior Fellow for the Center of Digital Education and presents at several International, national, and state conferences throughout the year.