A recent study from the Center for American Progress (CAP) concludes that too many students are using technology for lower-order skills, such as drill and practice programs. The report, “Are Schools Getting a Big Enough Bang for Their Education Technology Buck?” argues that in order to compete globally, students must be prepared to use computers in more advanced ways and sets forth a series of recommendations aimed at helping schools make the most of their investments in technology.
In response to this study, Brian Lewis, CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education’s (ISTE®), issued a statement, excerpted below:
“We see examples every day of school districts, including Mooresville Graded District in North Carolina and the Metro-Nashville School District in Tennessee, that strategically planned for using technology to support their local learning goals. We’ve observed that, in those cases where success is most likely, teachers and other educators, including school leaders, received the professional development necessary to succeed.”
Bridging the digital divide, technology professional development for teachers and other issues critical to the successful use of technology to support teaching and learning top the agenda for ISTE’s annual conference and expo which begins this Sunday, June 23, in San Antonio.
