School Technology

Dramatic education technology innovations were achieved by the end of the Twentieth century. Education Technology Goals set in 1996 were realized through the combined efforts of federal, state, local and private investors:

• Available computers in schools have met the desired 5:1 ratio; innovative technologies continue to be developed. 99% of American schools have multi-media computers.

• School computers are connected to local area networks and the information available via the Internet; the governmental e-rate is instrumental in achieving this goal. 98% of American schools are connected to the Internet.

• High quality software responsive to the needs of all students continues to be developed

• Teachers receive ongoing training on the integration of technology to meet education goals. 90% of teachers have received technology training

Education Technology Goals

Current federal priorities include new Educational Technology Initiatives, which call for a technology plan for the nation's schools to achieve five key goals for integrating computers into American Classrooms.

Goal 1:
All students and teachers will have access to information technology in their classrooms, schools, communities and homes.

Goal 2:
All teachers will use technology effectively to help students achieve high academic standards.

Goal 3:
All students will have technology and information literacy skills.

Goal 4:
Research and evaluation will improve the next generation of technology applications for teaching and learning.

Goal 5:
Digital content and networked applications will transform teaching and learning.

The e-Learning website offers several strategies for meeting each of these goals.

(Office of Educational Technology, 2002)

Technology Standards

National Education Technology Standards have been prepared for students, teachers and administrators

• Tech Standards for Students (NETS)
• Tech Standards for School Administrators (TSSA)
• Tech Standards for teacher Preparation (NCATE)

Technology Toolkit

In 2003, the State Educational Technology Directors developed the National Leadership Institute Toolkit - States Helping States to Implement No Child Left Behind (NCLB, 2001). The toolkit concentrates on five themes that transcend NCLB, such as: Scientifically Based Research, Technology Literacy Assessment, Common Data Elements, Evaluating Effective Teaching and the National Education Technology Plan.

Computers for Access

Unfortunately, the rapid increase of educational technology has not sufficiently addressed the needs of students with disabilities. Access for these students is just beginning to be identified as an important factor when purchasing educational technology.

To ensure access to electronic and information technology, the Federal government has developed standards to ensure access to electronic and information technology. These standards, regulated under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (1998) are the first of their kind in the Federal sector. They provide criteria that spell out what makes Information Technology products accessible to people with disabilities, including those with vision, hearing, and mobility impairments. Products standards include those for software, web-based information, telecommunications, video and multimedia and computers. Districts should look to these standards when purchasing education technology.

Technology may offer solutions when...

• Print size is too small.
• Too much information is on the page or screen.
• Students' handwriting is slow and legibility is poor.
• It's difficult to hear all that is being said.
• Text needs to be read aloud to complete assignments.
• Organizational skills are weak.
• Classroom objects used for manipulation activities are difficult to locate and interact with
• Alternate tasks and materials are required to achieve academic outcomes (i.e., class projects, written and verbal tasks and assessments).