January 2026

New Year, New Name: Welcome to OKATE!

Happy New Year! As we kick off 2026, we are excited to unveil a fresh look and new name. You’ve known us for years as OKSTE, but as we grow and evolve alongside the rapidly changing landscape of classroom technology, it’s time for a new chapter. As we announced at our annual conference this past November, we are officially transitioning to OKATE—the Oklahoma Association for Technology in Education. While our name is changing, our commitment to supporting your work in the classroom is stronger than ever.

This change comes as we navigate new branding guidelines from our national partners at ISTE-ASCD. While we were initially surprised by the request to distinguish our name more clearly from theirs, we’ve embraced this as a perfect opportunity to define our identity. We have always been more than a "society" anyway! At our core, we are a professional association of innovators, and OKATE reflects the high level of expertise and collaboration our members bring to the table every single day.

So, what does this mean for you? In short: business as usual, only better! You’ll start to see our new logo on our website, our newsletters, and our upcoming conference materials. More importantly, our mission remains focused on providing you with the best professional development, networking, and advocacy for EdTech in Oklahoma.

We are grateful for your continued support as we make this transition. We aren't just changing a letter in our acronym; we are doubling down on our investment in you. Let’s make 2026 the most impactful year for Oklahoma EdTech yet. Welcome to the OKATE era!

Troy Rhoads, OKATE President

💵💵💵Funding Year (FY) 2026 FCC Form 471 application filing window will open on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at noon E.T. and will close on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. E.T. The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) Administrative Window will close Friday, January 16, 2026 💵💵💵

OKATE Leadership Corner: District & IT Admin

Strategic insights for Oklahoma's education leaders and technology directors.

Article Title Focus & Why You Should Read It
5 More AI Prompts Every Administrator Should Know Efficiency: Go beyond basic chat. These specific prompts are designed to help leaders streamline high-level administrative tasks, reporting, and communication.
An Intentional System-Level Approach to AI Leadership: AI implementation shouldn't be accidental. ASCD explores how to move from "random acts of AI" to a cohesive, intentional district-wide strategy.
Effects of Smartwatches on Kids & Schools Policy: As phone bans become more common, smartwatches are the next frontier. This article explores the impact on student focus and family communication.

OKATE Announces Commitment to Respecting Data by Becoming a 2026 Data Privacy Week Champion

This year’s initiative emphasizes educating businesses on data collection best practices that respect data privacy and promoting transparency

OKATE today announced its commitment to Data Privacy Week 2026 by registering as a Champion. As a Champion, OKATE recognizes and supports the principle that all organizations share the responsibility of being conscientious stewards of personal information.

Data Privacy Week is an annual expanded effort from Data Privacy Day -- taking place from January 26 - 30, 2026. The goal of Data Privacy Week is to spread awareness about online privacy among individuals and organizations. The goal is twofold: to help citizens understand that they have the power to manage their data and to help organizations understand why it is important that they respect their users' data.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR DATA

All your online activity generates a trail of data. Websites, apps, and services collect data on your behaviors, interests, and purchases. Sometimes, this includes personal data, like your Social Security and driver’s license numbers. It can even include data about your physical self, like health data – think about how a smartwatch counts and records how many steps you take.

While it’s true that you cannot control how each byte of data about you and your family is shared and processed, you are not helpless! In many cases, you can control how you share your data with a few simple steps. Remember, your data is precious, and you deserve to be selective about who you share it with!

Follow these steps to better manage your personal information and make informed decisions about who receives your data.

For more information about Data Privacy Week and how to get involved, visit https://www.staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-week.

About Data Privacy Week

Data Privacy Week began as Data Privacy Day in the United States and Canada in January 2008 as an extension of the Data Protection Day celebration in Europe. Data Protection Day commemorates the Jan. 28, 1981, signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection. NCA, the nation's leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness, leads the effort in North America each year. For more information, visit https://staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-week/.

About the National Cybersecurity Alliance

The National Cybersecurity Alliance is a non-profit organization on a mission to create a more secure, interconnected world. We advocate for the safe use of all technology and educate everyone on how best to protect ourselves, our families, and our organizations from cybercrime. We create strong partnerships between governments and corporations to amplify our message and to foster a greater “digital” good. For more information, please visit https://staysafeonline.org.

Did you know that OKSTE is the CoSN State Chapter leader?

For more information, contact Donna Campo, executivedirector@okste.org

Read the CoSN Monthly article here

OKATE Educator Exchange: Teachers & Specialists

Instructional strategies and classroom-ready tools for the modern educator.

Article Title Focus & Why You Should Read It
Seven Custom GPTs to Transform Your Classroom Workload: Discover how custom-built AI assistants can handle everything from lesson planning to rubric creation, giving you more time for student interaction.
Using AI to Find 'Invisible Threads' Coaching: Learn how to use AI to synthesize data and observation notes to find the patterns that help teachers grow more effectively.
Scaffolding Deeper Learning with Retrieval Practice Instruction: Watch how simple tech-infused retrieval activities can move students beyond surface-level memorization toward long-term mastery.

Upcoming PD from the Office of AI and Digital Learning at the Oklahoma State Department of Education

Virtual Trainings

Join us for our monthly AI learning series where we will explore essential artificial intelligence concepts and practical applications for educators through focused one-hour sessions designed to build your confidence and expertise.

OKATE Media Center: Library & Media Specialists

Curated resources for Oklahoma's information literacy and library leaders.

Article Title Focus & Why You Should Read It
Fact-Finding: News & Media Literacy Skills Literacy: In an era of information overload, school librarians are the front line. This piece explores practical ways to teach students how to evaluate sources and find the truth.
Teaching Media Literacy in the Age of AI Technology: AI-generated content is changing the game. Learn how to help students spot deepfakes, understand algorithmic bias, and maintain a critical eye toward digital media.
Teaching Stories: America Community: Explore how school libraries can serve as hubs for inclusive storytelling and historical inquiry, connecting students to a broader understanding of the American experience.

Stop searching for games. Start coding them with AI!

Ready to go beyond the basics of Canva and Gemini? Join this 1-hour PD online on February 3, 3:30-4:30 pm to learn how to build custom interactive classroom games (like my "Nebula Navigator" escape room!) without the "coding" headache.

What we’re doing: ✅ 2 Easy Methods: Canva Code-With-Me + Gemini Create a Canvas. ✅ Live Brainstorming: Interactive ideas for EVERY subject. ✅ Outcome: You leave with a finished game ready for class!

Prerequisites: Just a basic comfort level with Canva & Gemini. Register here!

Can't make it live? Sign up anyway to get the recording! Email amanda.oneth@yukonps.com with any questions. 

Help us grow our association! Forward this email to a colleague who is ready for "the best professional development, networking, and advocacy for EdTech in Oklahoma!"