QUESTION: State Role - Technology

State Role in Technology in Schools

A number of participants have mentioned the marginal attention to technology in the draft Plan, given its importance to California?s future. Computers and Internet use are commonplace for many young people entering public schools, but other children have little or no access. Some participants have reminded us that technology includes more than computers and software while others have pointed to use of technology as a tool for improving teaching and learning, expanding access, and accommodating the special needs of students with disabilities. This question focuses on computers.

Question: In what areas should the state accept or seek a role with respect to computers and Internet technologies?

Below is a long list of ideas, many  based on comments made in the dialogue. You may want to react to a few of these or add your own ideas.

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1. Make available and give incentives for district use of professional development programs for teachers that go far beyond "how to type" - help teachers begin to use the computer as an integrated support tool for increasing student achievement in all subject areas, instead of a drain on resources.
2. Focus efforts on schools with high percentages of low income, Black and Latino students.
3. Integrate technology in any new academic or vocational programs, so that students learn to use computers as a life-long information resource; orient learning experiences around real-world material.
4. Work to assure that every student has access to a computer and Internet. If the state should do this, how? If it could be achieved, should the state seek to have state-approved texts made available in electronic or digital formats? What do you think would be the advantages?
5. Seek out computer technologies that assist education providers in assessing student progress, providing appropriate learning support and continuously aligning courses. If yes, what areas can you envision? Think beyond grading software to areas like assessment embedded in learning materials, pre- and post-testing, large type and voice recognition software for the visually impaired, virtual labs that could be done from home, etc.
6. Instead of purchasing "off the shelf," develop RFPs for vendors that spell out what is needed, whether in terms of the learning process or to really make things easier for teachers and other staff.
7. Assess what is being done in other states and incorporate "best practices" here.
8. Put courses taught by master teachers on CDs; make them available to everyone.
9. Other?