2025 UEN Tech Summit

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General Session

General Session

General Session

General Session

This talk will feature discussions on how AI is impacting networking operations and new challenges it will help solve as data continues to grow in wired and wireless networks. In addition we will discuss how quantum internet will grow out of these current networking application.

AI in general has brought many impacts in many fields. In networking we also see major advantages of employing AI to find unknown patterns in our data sets and how we can improve these. As we strive to improve wide area networks and wireless networks, we also see new developments in quantum networks growing out of current networking infrastructures, using new technologies to allow for coexistence of both optic and quantum channels on current infrastructure.

I am a Computer Networking and AI Scientist and currently serve as Group Lead to ORNL’s Quantum Networking and Communications Group. My research focuses on 'Engineering Self-Driving Networks', exploring AI/ML solutions for improving network performance, flexibility and high-speed distributed data transfers for science. Involving themes of deep learning, software engineering and complex networks, I have developed solutions for optimizing data movement, TCP/IP protocols, learning controllers for Wide area network (WANs), wireless/5G (& Beyond) and Quantum networked devices.
My research impacts DOE’s infrastructure used for high-energy physics, neutron science, materials science, biology, ecology, smart grids and nuclear energy applications

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We will explore the transformation of network operations and examine how Cisco's suite of networking products is leveraging artificial intelligence to elevate operational efficiency for our clients. The integration of AIOps is set to deliver further proactive enhancements and ensure a superior client experience within the enterprise environment.

AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) in the Cisco portfolio encompasses a suite of intelligent features designed to automate and enhance network management tasks. Here's a quick summary of the things we'll discuss: 1. Anomaly Detection 2. Predictive Insights 3. Optimization Recommendations 4. Intelligent Troubleshooting 5. Self-Healing Networks 6. Enhanced User Experience Monitoring 7. Security Insights

Delve into 5 modern challenges for district IT leaders in EdTech, from AI to misinformation. Discover solutions and empower IT teams for success.

From generative AI to the spread of misinformation, IT leaders face increasingly complex challenges in the effort to protect student safety and digital wellbeing. Join us for a dynamic session to explore practical solutions and empower IT leaders for success in the evolving world of EdTech. We will discuss modern challenges IT leaders face, such as generative AI, extending safety beyond the filter with monitoring and parental tools, and the balance between educational value and risk mitigation.

The technology landscape has fundamentally shifted in the past few years for schools throughout the world. In this discussion we will be going over the key elements that are required to make an impactful, successful, and real 3-5 year technology plan. From communication, budgets, repair processes, and more you will leave with incredibly powerful insight on the planning process and best practices from successful districts from all over the United States.

The technology landscape in education is constantly evolving. New devices, software, and applications are introduced all the time, and it can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends. However, by carefully planning for the long term, educators can ensure that their schools are well-positioned to take advantage of new technologies. This session will explore the key elements of lifecycle planning for technology in education. We will discuss topics such as: - Device management: How to effectively manage a fleet of devices, including tracking inventory, deploying software, and troubleshooting problems. - Warranty/repair: How to set up a system for repairing and maintaining technology devices, including working with vendors and managing repairs. - Roadmaps: How to develop a long-term plan for technology, including setting goals, identifying resources, and tracking progress. - Classroom solutions: How to choose the right technology for each classroom, including considering the needs of students, teachers, and the curriculum. - Lifecycle planning: How to integrate technology into the curriculum over time, including using technology to support instruction, assessment, and collaboration at different stages of the learning process. - Professional development: How to provide teachers with the training they need to use technology effectively, including providing training on specific tools and on how to integrate technology into the curriculum. This session is for anyone who is involved in the planning or implementation of technology in education. School administrators, teachers, technology coordinators, and parents will all benefit from the insights shared in this session. By the end of this session, participants will be able to: - Understand the key elements of a successful technology plan for lifecycle planning. - Develop a realistic budget for a technology plan for lifecycle planning. - Set up a system for repairing and maintaining technology devices for lifecycle planning. - Share best practices from successful districts for lifecycle planning. - Identify emerging technologies that will have an impact on education for lifecycle planning. - Understand the role of technology in personalized learning for lifecycle planning. - Discuss the impact of technology on equity for lifecycle planning. The session will be a mix of presentations, discussions, and group activities. Participants will have the opportunity to share their own experiences and ideas. We hope you will join us for this important discussion about the future of technology in education!

The San Juan School District is implementing a custom benefits enrollment portal for its employees to select their benefits options for the coming plan year. SQL backend, .NET Core front end.

An overview of the process of planning and building a web app to facilitate employee open enrollment and selection of health, dental, etc. benefits for the coming plan year. Employee selections will then be exported to LINQ ERP. Includes data file export and transmission to various benefits providers. Explanation of various platforms and technologies used, including SQL Server, .NET Core, Powershell, SFTP, and EDI. Questions from a business administration standpoint will also be discussed.

This presentation dives into the world of infographics, exploring their ability to transform complex information into simple, engaging visuals tailored to busy educators, administrators, staff, students, or anyone!

As a Field Tech for three elementary schools, I have noticed that technical-minded people love spreadsheets and raw data; educators don’t! They prefer to see the story, not just the numbers. After realizing this, I set out to tell that story - the information I needed to communicate - in a concise and visually appealing way. I'm here to share my experience. Discover how infographics:

• Simplify complex concepts: Break down intricate ideas into clear, digestible chunks. 
• Boost information retention: Leverage the power of visual memory for long-lasting knowledge.
• Increase engagement: Capture attention and spark curiosity with compelling visuals.
• Promote active learning: Encourage critical thinking through data visualization.

We will discuss practical tips and best practices for creating effective infographics, empowering you to:
A. Design visually appealing and informative layouts.
B. Choose the right data visualization tools.
C. Craft concise and impactful messaging.

You will walk away with the knowledge and tools to create infographics that revolutionize communication and understanding regardless of the audience. We will use Canva for Education to demonstrate, but the concepts we discuss can be used with any graphic design program.

The tech sector has been through rollercoaster employment swings over the past 5 years. We'll look at the broader macroeconomic picture and where tech employment, profits, and locations are heading.

The economic outlook is more uncertain than it has been, with weak revenue growth, a slower labor market, and geopolitical pressure. This session looks at the macroeconomic outlook for 2024 and 2025 by economist Thomas Young.

Education DMZ adapts the Science DMZ concept to community colleges and high schools, providing a platform for science data and instrument access, collaboration, and delivery of STEM teaching, with the goal of getting science to students as early as possible in their academic careers.

This session would take the form of a workshop, combining: 1. Presentation material on the concepts of Education DMZ and democratization of science 2. Open discussion on architecture and function of Education DMZ 3. Description and discussion about science drivers and achieving democratization of science.

Manually checking for server software updates is tedious, but it's even worse when something goes wrong and you find out about it from angry users! Come learn how to configure "unattended-upgrades" on your Linux servers and how to give them the ability to send emails (you'll be grateful you did!).  It's quite a milestone when children learn to talk and an even bigger one when they are finally potty-trained! A server that can't update itself or notify you when something happens (or when there's a problem) is like a little baby (lots of work!). In this presentation you will learn how to: 

1. Install and configure "unattended-upgrades" (including scheduling automatic reboots for updates that require them).
2. Install and configure "msmtp" (an SMTP client) to give your servers the ability to send emails.
3. How to configure "crontab" to run scheduled tasks, for example:

• If a scheduled process has an error, email me about it.
• Scripts to email me if a certain process has crashed or if a filesystem volume is almost full.

UEN is developing a Private Cellular Network that is helping provide network access for students and educators for online, anywhere, and at any time education. We will share where we are currently and where we are going in the next year or two with this important technology/service. Come, learn and be part of the discussion. Panel discussion to include: Bryan Peterson, Derrick Taylor, Brad Morris, Scott Larson, Chris Monson, Jeff Egly, Jim Stewart, Scott Harpster, and other stakeholders

Quick overview of the project and our 18 month plan, including sites involved and sharing current use cases. (technologists around the state will cover the use cases) - 10 Min Share and discuss our progress on Neutral host in several areas in the state - 10 Min Share and discuss our progress standing up 5G systems, including 5G CORE and RAN technologies - 10 Min Share and discuss our SIMs and eSIMS solution - 10 Min Share and discuss the user group's UE and CPE recommendations - 10 Min Q&A and Wrap Up - 10 Min

In this session I will cover the fundamentals of Wi-Fi and the proper ways to define, design, deploy and validate wireless networks. This class prepares attendees in the discussions with stakeholders about the designs and installations today that will make their Wi-Fi networks future-proof avoiding being obsolete upon deployment. Wireless connectivity using Wi-Fi is the most used method to connect to local resources and the Internet. Wi-Fi is a technology that has revolutionized the way we connect devices in healthcare, education, hospitality, outdoors, industrial environments, ships, and even in outer space. Basic knowledge of Wi-Fi operations will enable attendees to better serve their customers and to provide an exceptional user experience, reducing service calls, and efficiently enjoying fast speeds available in our networks today.

Come join me for a fun session where we will not only learn the complexities of this beloved technology, but will also learn about the tools needed for proper designing and troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks. We will share Murray High School survey data that will put your recently acquired knowledge to use as we analyze data, identify inefficiencies, and make recommendations for a better performing network.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of K-12 education, creating new opportunities to enhance student learning, well-being, and academic outcomes. This presentation will explore the current state of AI implementation in schools, the transformative potential of AI-powered solutions, and how AI is poised to replace outdated data collection methods. This presentation will equip state leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the current and future state of AI in education, empowering them to make informed decisions and leverage technology to transform the student experience.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of K-12 education, creating new opportunities to enhance student learning, well-being, and academic outcomes. This presentation will explore the current state of AI implementation in schools, the transformative potential of AI-powered solutions, and how AI is poised to replace outdated data collection methods. Topics to be covered: Current AI Adoption in K-12 Schools Overview of the most common AI applications in schools, such as personalized learning, classroom management, and student support Examination of how schools are leveraging AI to drive data-informed decision making The Transformative Potential of AI in Education Highlighting how AI can personalize the learning experience, identify at-risk students, and support social-emotional development Exploring the role of AI in streamlining administrative tasks and freeing up educators to focus on teaching and student engagement Reimagining Student Data Collection: Transitioning from the Legacy SurveyModel Critique of the traditional, labor-intensive survey approach to student data collection Demonstration of how AI-powered solutions, such as Securly's Discern, can generate comprehensive, real-time data sets on school climate, student well-being, and academic progress Outlining the benefits of AI-driven data collection, including cost-effectiveness, scalability, and the ability to uncover valuable insights

Discover how AI is transforming K-12 education and gain practical strategies for successfully implementing AI-powered tools in your district to enhance student learning, improve efficiency, and prepare for the future.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the educational landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance student learning, improve efficiency, and prepare learners for the future. As school district leaders, it is crucial to understand the potential of AI and develop a strategic roadmap for successfully integrating AI-powered tools into K-12 classrooms. This presentation will explore the current state of AI in education, highlighting examples of AI applications in K-12 settings and discussing the benefits and challenges of AI implementation. Attendees will learn how to assess their district's readiness for AI integration, develop a strategic plan, identify key stakeholders, and allocate resources effectively. The session will also delve into successful AI implementation strategies, including professional development for educators, selecting the right AI tools, conducting pilot programs, and ensuring continuous improvement through monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, the presentation will touch upon emerging trends and the long-term vision for AI in K-12 education. By the end of this session, district leaders will have a clearer understanding of how to harness the power of AI to transform their school districts and will be equipped with practical strategies for navigating the AI landscape in education. The presentation will conclude with a recap of key takeaways and a call to action for attendees to embrace the potential of AI in their districts.

Explore a transition to VoIP and self-hosting with FreePBX, navigating regulatory compliance, remote phone provisioning, dynamic routes, and innovative modules. Discover how these solutions can enhance communication for your schools.
In an era where seamless communication is imperative, some districts in the SEDC region are exploring Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies to enhance their communication infrastructure. This presentation delves into our office's successful migration to VoIP and self-hosting a FreePBX system, offering insights and lessons learned that can benefit school and district tech teams and management. Key highlights include navigating regulatory compliance, such as Ray Baum's and Kari's Laws, ensuring emergency services are readily accessible. We'll explore the intricacies of remote phone provisioning, simplifying device setup and management for distributed school networks. Additionally, we'll discuss the optimization of call paths and the implementation of dynamic routes, enabling efficient call routing tailored to school-specific needs. Attendees will discover the versatility of FreePBX through exploration of various modules designed to streamline operations and enhance communication capabilities. Join us to learn how embracing VoIP and self-hosting with FreePBX can empower your school or district with robust, flexible, and cost-effective communication solutions tailored to the education sector's unique requirements.

PBS content packaged in free, easy accessible resources, media galleries, interactive lessons and full lesson plans? Yes, please! This web based resource centered on PBS content from Daniel Tiger, to Nova, to Nature, to Frontline is for all teachers Prek-12 in any subject. It is easy to filter for subject and grade, easy to use in the classroom, and utilizes content from the most trusted public media brand in the country. Did I mention that it's free?

In this session, the PBS Utah education team will talk about technological resources that PBS has to offer educators such as PBS Learning Media, Student Reporting Labs Story Maker, Media Literacy Trainings and more.

Join us as we share how bridging the digital divide can be more than just providing physical access to computers and broadband. You'll learn about the components necessary when providing equitable access and how they work together to bridge the digital divide in K-12 education.

Review of the research and address how overwhelming, even though the questions focused on physical access the conversations continued to bring up other components of addressing the digital divide (motivation/attitude, digital skills, and usage) - share the Model of Equitable Technology and the Utah Equitable Access of the Digital Divide framework and talk through how they can be used when planning for and talking about what can be done to bridge the digital divide - provide opportunities for participants to talk in small groups and share ideas/thoughts via a backchannel using Padelt - about what they do to address motivation/attiude, digital skills, physical access, usage. - bring group together and talk through what was shared on the padlet as well as allow participants to ask questions and share out.

With the recent New Article about this "Hacking Device" and how it has been used to disrupt instruction in the classroom, we think it's time to "Talk about the FlipperZero".

This will be an overview discussion about the device, its capabilities, and how it is being used maliciously in the classroom. We will provide tools and materials to help train educators on how to recognize use of this device in the classroom. Additionally we will demonstrate some of it's capabilities. And we will give guidance on how to handle students who are exploring this technology appropriately.

Presentation on Salt Lake School District's journey in deploying IPv6
This presentation will show benefits of IPv6 and why our district is interested in deploying it. It will go over all of our efforts of planning and deploying IPv6 and the lessons we have learned thus far. Our deployment is not completed, we still think that we are 5 or 6 years out before we will be fully deployed. We'll discuss how far wide IPv6 has been deployed, business use cases, creating an IPv6 addressing plan, creating deployment standards, security needed for IPv6, and how to deploy in phases so you don't break your environment.

In this session, we'll delve into the transformative potential of private networks LTE/5G in revolutionizing the landscape of education and telehealth services. Through a combination of insightful discussion and practical examples, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these advanced networking technologies can empower institutions and healthcare providers to deliver seamless, high-quality experiences to their users.

Key Points: 1. Introduction to Private Networks LTE/5G: • Overview of LTE/5G technology and its significance in the context of private networks. • Exploring the unique advantages of private networks for educational and telehealth applications. 2. Building Blocks of Private Networks: • Infrastructure requirements and considerations for deploying private LTE/5G networks. • Insight into spectrum allocation, network architecture, and security protocols. 3. Use Cases and Success Stories: • Real-world examples showcasing the diverse applications of private networks in education and telehealth. • Case studies highlighting the benefits of enhanced connectivity, reliability, and data security. 4. Challenges and Solutions: • Addressing common challenges in implementing private networks, such as interoperability and scalability. • Strategies for overcoming barriers and maximizing the potential of LTE/5G technology. 5. Future Trends and Opportunities: • Emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of private networks in education and telehealth. • Opportunities for collaboration and partnership to drive further advancements in connectivity and service delivery. 6. Q&A and Interactive Discussion: • Engaging with attendees to address their questions, concerns, and insights. • Facilitating an interactive dialogue to foster knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.

In this session we explore the latest trends and best practices in Wi-Fi design for educational institutions. From seamless roaming to high-density capacity planning, attendees will gain insights into optimizing Wi-Fi networks to support modern learning environments.

Seamless Roaming: Strategies for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity across campus. - Capacity Planning: Optimizing Wi-Fi capacity for classrooms and lecture halls. - Redundancy and Resilience: Designing networks for high availability. - Location-Based Services: Leveraging Wi-Fi for indoor navigation and asset tracking. - Emerging Technologies: A look at Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and the future of Wi-Fi standards. - Live Demo: Practical demonstrations for optimizing Wi-Fi performance in different scenarios. Murray High School survey data collected with Ekahau, Hamina Wireless, Sidos, and NetAlly CyberScope Air will be examined in detail to give attendees an insight of each tool during the analyzing and troubleshooting process.

This workshop will help you create meaningful and quick K-12 Table Top Exercises, Cybersecurity Simulations and improve your incident response planning using Ai.

At the end of this workshop you will be able to: Learn how to simulate your own K-12 cyber attack at your school with tabletop incident response exercises. Hear the latest K-12 best practices for cyber simulations and incident response planning. Be able to know what FREE tools are available to help you build a quick, low to no cost, but meaningful table top exercise for staff. Observe in real time how Ai Tools can help you build real world incident response simulations. Discover how to create engaging teacher in service day featuring cybersecurity topics and activities.

This briefing highlights the current K-12 threat landscape including which threat actors are targeting Utah and globally as well as their tactics, techniques and procedures.

By end of this threat briefing, attendees will: Have a deeper understanding which 2024 threat actors are currently targeting K-12 Schools in Utah. See a big picture overview of the most relevant K-12 school attacks in the news. Review the most critical K-12 vulnerabilities, risks, and threat actor tactics. Hear from a K-12 Threat Hunter with real K-12 use cases found this year. Receive a checklist of 2024 action steps to mitigate and reduce your schools risk.

Cutting-edge campus Safety, from Access Control environmental sensors and cameras.

Explore the cutting-edge of campus safety where we'll examine the latest physical security technologies that are shaping the future of educational facilities. Join us for an informative presentation that will cover the integration of advanced card access control systems, comprehensive video surveillance, and innovative solutions like vape detectors. Find out how these technologies integrate and interoperate to further improve school security and provide customized solutions for different scenarios. This session is essential for educators, administrators, and anyone dedicated to creating safe and secure learning environments.

Step into the future of education with Juniper Networks as we delve into the dynamic world of secure, AI-driven solutions. The digital transformation is sweeping through educational landscapes, and we invite you to uncover the exciting potential of artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), augmented technologies, and automation as they revolutionize educational environments.

Juniper and Ednetics will showcase how our secure AI-driven solutions are modernizing campus networks, transforming them into smart-campuses.

This presentation will focus on identifying healthy thinking patterns, managing stress and anxiety, understanding sadness and depression, building healthy relationships and providing strength to others.

The presentation will answer the following questions: What is emotional resilience? How do our thoughts influence our emotions? What are the most common inaccurate thinking patterns? How can you validate others through listening? How can IT professionals increase their ability to adapt to stressful challenges? How does taking responsibility help increase peace and power? What’s the role of expressing gratitude? Rich Finlinson is a former director of communication for the Utah Education and Telehealth Network. He retired in June of 2023 after 25 years at UEN. Rich holds Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees from the University of Utah and has been accredited by the Public Relations Society of America. He is an avid writer, photographer and lap swimmer. He and his wife Laura are the parents of five children and 18 grandchildren.

Come and learn about the successful Repair Program implemented in the CUES Region. Chris who is the Repair Manager, will discuss how the repair program has helped the Districts save money, reduce their e-waste, and be able to get devices back to the schools in a timely manner. He will also discuss the different resources that he uses for parts, repair processes, keeping inventory and consistantly learning new products. Currenlty at CUES Chris repairs Chromebooks, iPads, MacBook's, Desktops, PC laptops. We have partnered with Apple as well to be a certified apple repair shop and allows our Technicans to become an Apple Certified Technicain.

Will have a Powerpoint presentation and lead a discussion on the repair program that CUES has to support their respective districts. There will be opportunities for discussion for participants and questions are welcomed! Let's learn together and help one another in any way we can!

Over the last several years and through the pandemic, K12 technologist across the state have made huge strides in providing educational technology tools/resources for enhancing educational technology tools/resources for extending education and distance learning through the use of technology. We will share key data points from the 2023 K12 Inventory and discuss how we are inventorying DT&L resources in the future. We will review and take feedback on the inventory reports and gather feedback for future inventories. Action items will be kept and used for the next integration for the inventory in 2025.

You may find the slide deck at https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11kpW83PFJ_x_HMmPJHPYdXARmbyX_rpyxMxqbbL-QbY/edit?usp=sharing

Through real-world examples from Iron County’s implementation, you'll discover how easy-to-use encryption can provide a seamless experience for securely sharing privileged information with approved parties across diverse technology environments and accounts. We'll also explore use cases that ensure compliance with regulations such as HIPAA, FERPA, and CIS controls.
Attendees will gain insights into common privacy pitfalls when schools share student data outside their networks, understanding and meeting legal requirements, evaluating risks of different communication workflows, and adopting user-friendly data protection solutions for seamless communications.
The session will provide a framework for developing a secure student data sharing strategy, drawing on privacy best practices, technical approaches, and lessons learned. Attendees will also receive a brief overview of modern encryption solutions like Virtru that balance robust security with usability.

 Looking for a replacement to Prime? Cloud-Monitored Catalyst switches seamlessly integrate Cisco's trusted hardware reliability and superior performance with the streamlined convenience and strategic efficiency of cloud-based management. This potent combination yields a robust solution that simplifies network administration while adeptly addressing contemporary networking demands. Experience the intuitive control and comprehensive monitoring capabilities firsthand with Catalyst in the Dashboard. Engage with a curated series of tasks designed to showcase the Dashboard's versatility and strength in both Monitored and Managed modes, providing a practical understanding of how it empowers network operations.

We'll setup a lab to allow customers hands on experience with monitoring Catalyst devices in the Dashboard. They'll need access to the internet and a laptop. We'll provide the lab gear via a vpn tunnel. We've gamified the lab through a Capture the Flag event and will run it that way.

We will be covering multiple topics in our presentation that all fall under the security robotics umbrella to explain what they do and how they work. We will discuss the different forms of security robots that are currently available in the market today, towers, vehicles, and quadrupeds and discuss their unique advantages and disadvantages. Connectivity- we will discuss how these robots interface with a network and how UETN schools can leverage their private networks to deploy industry 4.0 solutions such as these robots. Robot Offerings- we will discuss the two models of robots that are available from Trilogy NextGen today and their features and capabilities that differentiate them from other products in the market. Smart+/Integrations- we will discuss the smart+ software and how it integrates with the schools existing vms to create a seamless view for security staff to monitor and utilize the robots. Analytics Use Cases- Going over the out of the box ai analytics that are available today and also discuss the integration of other video analytics packages into the robots cameras.

Provide an overview of the advantages and use cases of autonomous security robots to help protect schools inside and out. Demystify the "terminator" or "robocop" sentiment, explain that this is a solution ready for implementation today, not 5 years down the road.