So I took a trip around the web and visited most of the state education websites to see what’s going on outside of my corner of the world. I wasn’t too surprised by what I saw; most states are focusing on making themselves look good for NCLB. However, my other goal was to find out what the state of technology in education is in other states and that is where I was most surprised.
First off, I wasn’t aware that the United States Education Department has implemented a National Education Technology Plan. What was most enlightening about this site was the success stories that describe what is being done in districts around the country to integrate technology into the curriculum. The reason this section surprised me so much was because I had visited many of the state education department websites for districts that were highlighted here and for the most part I did not see any reference to these programs on the main pages of the sites. Some of these programs are incredibly innovative and inspiring and should be publicized much more. Here’s a brief overview:
Eugene, OR districts are implementing handheld computer technology into K-12 classrooms. This program is being funded through the NCLB Title IID and allows students and teachers to have access to handheld computers, laptops, and curriculum enhancing software, as well as the training needed to allow teachers to make the program successful.
A San Antonio, TX district has distributed 1,400 handheld computers to teachers and administrators to assess student and teacher data. They have found that this program cuts down on paper documentation while increasing productivity because of easier access and organization of pertinent information.
A Eureka, CA district has implemented a program that makes technology an integral part of each students day, just as pen and paper has been to the traditional instruction methods. Technology tools are used to access and analyze student assessments, assist in student productivity, create curriculum and allow students to engage in activities that would be difficult to replicate without technology.
It was refreshing to see that so much can be done with technology, and that NCLB provides funding to promote this. What is disheartening, however, it that it is not more widespread in districts across the country. Most districts will complaing that funding does not allow for them to increase the use of technology in their schools; while this leads to an entirely different topic, I wonder how many schools are taking advantage of Title IID funds?
Technology integration is not something that can be achieved overnight, but schools do need to make it a priority and take advantage of existing programs that will allow them to do so. Many computer companies offer education incentive programs that are not being taken advantage of by the schools that need them most.
Where does your district stand with technology integration?
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