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One of the tasks which ed tech coordinators are landed with is cajoling other teachers to use the technology in their lessons. And not just in a one-off or a tokenistic way, either. No! You’re expect to persuade them, somehow, that this is the way of the future and that they should therefore cast aside all their old, non-techie teaching methods and step into this brave new world.

Fundamentally, what you need to have in order to succeed as an ed tech coordinator, is not so much a technical understanding of computers, but an intuitive understanding of people.

I reasoned that nobody in, say, the English department would listen to me telling them how they could improve their teaching of English if they used the right software or device. But they probably would listen to one of their co-workers in the same department.

"America's reputation as an international leader rests in the hands of our youth," said Sen. Chris Dodd. "It should be among our top priorities to provide our students with the tools they need to maintain and build upon this standing." The Senator was one of the original sponsors of a bill that proposed the setting up of the centre. Meanwhile Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky spearheaded the passage of the bill through the House and said its timing could not be more critical. "American businesses know that they need a well-educated workforce to face growing competition from China, India and Europe." The Federation of American Scientists said, "The creativity that developed extraordinary new information technologies has not focused on finding ways to make learning more compelling, more personal and more productive in our nation's schools. Education has not kept pace with technological advances said the FAS "People assumed that the explosion of innovation in information tools in business and service industries would automatically move into classrooms." That, the Federation said, has simply not happened.

the play, analysis, and creation of games, as a foundation for learning, innovation, and change in the 21st century. Through a variety of programs centered on game design, the Institute engages audiences of all ages, exploring new ways to think, act, and speak through gaming in a social world.

Will a virtual bank for teachers to share ideas revolutionise lesson planning or stifle creativity?

At present, most teachers wince at the very mention of virtual learning platforms. Most VLPs are a horrific combination of required - the government has declared that all schools must have one - and useless. Unconnected and underdeveloped, many VLPs are devoid of content: empty cathedrals, monuments to technological failure.

"The students we teach come from a media age; they are visually bombarded from every angle. As teachers we have to compete against their entertainment. A worksheet is not enough to engage them any more."

"Good teachers are the magic in the classroom. "Personal computers aren't magic, they are just a tool. What you need to make the educational process work is a good teacher who is knowledgeable in the subject and can get kids excited."

"Nations are as strong as their educational systems. "The rest of the emerging world recognises this is the key to staying competitive." He went on: "It's time our political leaders acknowledged that and declare there is a crisis and do something about it."