As the 2025 TCEA Convention & Exposition continues to drive discussions about the future of education technology, Brian Brown, board president of the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) and Chief Technology Officer at Duncanville Independent School District, has shared his insights on the evolving challenges and opportunities in K–12 digital learning. With extensive experience in education and technology, Brown provided a perspective on key issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and funding that are shaping the educational landscape.
Speaking with EdTech: Focus On K–12 Managing Editor Taashi Rowe, Brown underscored the importance of leveraging technology to support equitable education, ensuring that students have access to modern tools that prepare them for the workforce and higher education. He stressed that for districts like Duncanville ISD, which serves 12,000 students—85% of whom qualify for free and reduced lunch—strategic investments in technology are essential to fostering digital literacy and improving learning outcomes.
A significant focus of the discussion was on AI adoption in K–12 education. Brown explained that Duncanville ISD has established a task force dedicated to exploring how AI can be integrated into learning environments. He pointed out that some districts opt to block AI tools, but he believes this approach limits students’ exposure to the digital tools they will inevitably encounter in the real world.
“Our kids deserve to be able to go anywhere after graduation, and we don’t want to be the roadblock. We want to enable their futures,” Brown stated. He emphasized that while AI presents challenges, the solution is not to ban it outright but rather to educate students and teachers on its responsible and effective use.
Another pressing concern among K–12 technology leaders is cybersecurity. Brown noted that student data privacy and cybersecurity protocols are now at the forefront of conversations among IT directors. To address this, TCEA has developed a rubric for evaluating edtech vendors, ensuring that technology providers meet stringent security and privacy standards. The organization also supports the Texas Data Privacy Agreement, which establishes clear guidelines for how student information must be handled and protected.
Brown stressed that vendors must build products with privacy and security in mind. Encryption, multifactor authentication, and adherence to cybersecurity frameworks are key factors that districts must consider before adopting new educational technologies.
Since many school districts lack dedicated cybersecurity analysts, Brown underscored the importance of partnering with cybersecurity organizations to implement robust governance structures, data protection policies, and risk management frameworks. He highlighted the increasing cyber threats facing schools, making proactive security measures a non-negotiable aspect of digital learning.
Funding remains a major challenge for K–12 schools, especially in Texas, where education funding levels have remained unchanged since 2019 despite inflation and increasing costs. Brown noted that while technology costs per student have decreased over the years, the expenses associated with maintaining, upgrading, and securing devices remain a significant financial burden.
Brown also discussed the importance of measuring the return on investment (ROI) in education technology. Schools must assess whether their technology investments translate into meaningful improvements in student engagement and learning outcomes. While educators prioritize teaching effectiveness over financial metrics, Brown argued that accountability in edtech spending is necessary for sustainable progress.
Looking ahead, Brown expects continued growth in AI applications within schools, both in positive and potentially problematic ways. He acknowledged concerns about AI’s role in spreading misinformation but stressed that schools must navigate these challenges rather than shy away from them.
Another topic gaining attention is the debate around screen time in classrooms. Brown’s district has taken a proactive approach by developing guidelines for teachers on balancing technology use in instruction. He emphasized that just because students have Chromebooks or other digital tools, it doesn’t mean they should be on them all day.
In addition, Brown noted that legislative discussions around student cell phone use in classrooms are expected to continue, reflecting broader concerns about technology’s impact on student engagement and mental health.
As his term as TCEA board president nears its conclusion, Brown remains focused on helping educators maximize technology’s potential while addressing its challenges. His leadership has centered on ensuring students have access to modern, secure, and effective digital learning tools.
Brown’s insights at TCEA 2025 highlight the evolving intersection of technology and education, and his message is clear—schools must embrace innovation, ensure cybersecurity, and advocate for necessary funding to sustain long-term success.
