RE: Question 1: Technology-What's in the Plan

Mary and Bernie will want to add more specifics from the perspective of the working group, but my sense of the general consensus is that we wanted to highlight the opportunities presented by new technologies without falling into the hype that so often dominates those discussions, suggest a few ways the state could contribute to innovation and dissemination, and establish the principle that equitable access to a minimum set of hardware, software, and communications technology is essential.  With these three basic elements in place, we have confidence that teachers throughtout the k-adult system who have access to professional development will adapt technology to their needs and the needs of their students and will evaluate their effect. This focus on basic principles of state action, along with the good work of the Commission on Technology in Learning (which is far more specific) explain our reluctance to create a laundry list of technology recommendations.

That said, I hope that we can focus BOTH on the applications of technology in teaching and learning and the application of technology in providing students, teachers, administrators, and the public with better information regarding the outcomes of a variety of teaching and learning modes.