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Top Ten in '10: ISTE's Education Technology Priorities for 2010
Through a common focus on boosting student achievement and closing the
achievement gap, policymakers and educators alike are now reiterating their
commitment to the sorts of programs and instructional efforts that can have
maximum effect on instruction and student outcomes.
This commitment requires a keen understanding of both past accomplishment and
strategies for future success. Regardless of the specific improvement paths a
state or school district may chart, the use of technology in teaching and
learning is non-negotiable if we are to make real and lasting change.
With growing anticipation for Race to the Top (RttT) and Investing in
Innovation (i3) awards in 2010, states and school districts are seeing increased
attention on educational improvement, backed by financial support through these
grants.
As we think about plans for the future, the International Society for
Technology in Education (ISTE) has identified 10 priorities essential for making
good on this commitment in 2010:
1.
Establish technology in education as the
backbone of school improvement
. To truly improve our schools for the
long term and ensure that all students are equipped with the knowledge and
skills necessary to achieve in the 21st century, education technology must
permeate every corner of the learning process. From years of research, we
know that technology can serve as a primary driver for systemic school
improvement, including school leadership, an improved learning culture and
excellence in professional practice. We must ensure that technology is at the
foundation of current education reform efforts, and is explicit and clear in its
role, mission, and expected impact.
2.
Leverage education technology as a gateway
for college and career readiness
. Last year, President Obama established
a national goal of producing the highest percentage of college graduates in the
world by the year 2020. To achieve this goal in the next 10 years, we must
embrace new instructional approaches that both increase the college-going rates
and the high school graduation rates. By effectively engaging learning
through technology, teachers can demonstrate the relevance of 21st century
education, keeping more children in the pipeline as they pursue a rigorous,
interesting and pertinent PK-12 public education.
3.
Ensure technology expertise is infused
throughout our schools and classrooms.
In addition to providing all
teachers with digital tools and content we must ensure technology experts are
integrated throughout all schools, particularly as we increase focus and
priority on STEM (science-technology-engineering-mathematics) instruction and
expand distance and online learning opportunities for students. Just as we
prioritize reading and math experts, so too must we place a premium on
technology experts who can help the entire school maximize its resources and
opportunities. To support these experts, as well as all educators who
integrate technology into the overall curriculum, we must substantially increase
our support for the federal Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT)
program. EETT provides critical support for on-going professional
development, implementation of data-driven decision-making, personalized
learning opportunities, and increased parental involvement. EETT should be
increased to $500 million in FY2011.
4.
Continuously upgrade educators' classroom
technology skills as a pre-requisite
of "highly
effective" teaching
. As part of our nation's continued push to ensure
every classroom is led by a qualified, highly effective teacher, we must commit
that all P-12 educators have the skills to use modern information tools and
digital content to support student learning in content areas and for student
assessment. Effective teachers in the 21st Century should be, by definition,
technologically savvy teachers.
5. Invest in pre-service education
technology
The British government is proposing that Twitter is to be taught in primary (elementary) schools as part of a wider push to make online communication and social media a permanent part of the UK's education system. And that's not all. Kids will be taught blogging, podcasting and how to use Wikipedia alongside Maths, English and Science.
