Utah Schools Partner with Connected Nation to Track Technology Use in Classrooms

In an important development for education in Utah, the Utah Education Network (UEN) has teamed up with the national nonprofit organization Connected Nation to launch the 2025 Utah School Technology Inventory. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive overview of technology utilization across both public and charter schools in Utah, with an increased focus on artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom.

Since its inception through Senate Bill 222 in 2015, the K-12 Tech Inventory has been conducted every two years, helping to gauge the availability and application of various technological resources that bolster teaching and learning statewide. This latest iteration marks a pivotal expansion of the survey, including new questions regarding how schools are integrating AI into their teaching methods. With this addition, educators can better identify current uses of AI, the necessary training and resources, and how to prepare students for a future shaped by AI technology.

According to Melanie Valentine, a Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education, the K-12 Tech Inventory has been a crucial resource for educators in planning to meet evolving technological needs. "With a decade's worth of data at our disposal, we can track progress, identify gaps, and make informed decisions that support student learning effectively,” said Valentine.

As documented in the recent inventory of 2023, conducted in partnership with Connected Nation, UEN collected over 82,000 data points from 1,034 schools throughout the state. The findings revealed an increase in the device-to-student ratio since 2015. Currently, there are over 878,600 computing devices accessible to more than 667,780 K-12 students in Utah. Interestingly, nearly 38% of the schools in Utah provide mobile learning devices that students can take home, showing a consistent trend from the previous survey conducted in 2021.

Mike McIntosh, Associate IT Director for UEN, stated, "A decade of the UEN’s statewide Digital Teaching and Learning inventory provides a comprehensive view of how technology is being utilized within Utah's public education system, from tracking student device usage to exploring emerging technologies like AI in the classroom." This reporting not only sheds light on technology’s current state in the educational landscape but also equips educators and decision-makers with essential information to plan for the future.

In light of recent challenges that schools have faced, the significance of monitoring technological resources in education has become increasingly apparent. Tom Ferree, Chairman and CEO of Connected Nation, emphasized the importance of accurate data in making effective decisions. "The Utah School Technology Inventory serves as a powerful tool for educators, policymakers, and communities to gain the insights necessary for confident action," said Ferree. He underlined that data is the basis for advancement and that this inventory is critical to enhancing educational quality in Utah.

In summary, the Utah Education Network and Connected Nation are taking significant strides in tracking technology usage within schools. With a broader focus that includes AI integration, they aim to equip educators with the information needed to support students effectively. This progressive measure demonstrates Utah’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in public education, which is essential as classrooms evolve and adapt to the demands of an increasingly digital world. As these initiatives continue to develop, they promise a bright future for both students and educators across the state.

For more details on these initiatives and future developments regarding the Utah School Technology Inventory, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Connected Nation website or keep an eye out for upcoming reports on findings and recommendations.