We use technology because:

• Technology, if used well, enhances, enlivens and enriches the content of our lessons.
• Technology engages students in learning.
• Technology helps to create dynamic learning environments that simulate real-life scenarios.
• Technology allows us to communicate, share, explore, collaborate and connect with others, often in distant places and diverse spaces.
• Technology helps to provide access for students with different abilities and learning styles.
• Technology helps increases student achievement.
• It is imperative that ALL STUDENTS have the skills of Technology, Information and Media Literacy if they are to thrive in the 1st Century global economy!

If we know all of these great things about technology in education - why isn’t technology being used more effectively and more frequently? Word Processing and skill-n-drill practice is not “maximized technology use.”

Students must use technology to collaborate, create, explore, connect, and invent!

Read more from SETDA:

“Even if all students mastered core academic subjects, they still would be woefully underprepared to succeed in postsecondary institutions and workplaces, which increasingly value people who can use their knowledge to communicate, collaborate, analyze, create, innovate, and solve problems. Used comprehensively, technology helps students develop 1st century skills.”

“…schools need to offer more rigorous, relevant and engaging opportunities for students to learn—and to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways.”

“To be effective in schools and classrooms, teachers and administrators need training, tools and proficiency in 1st century skills themselves.”

~Quotes from the SETDA report linked below.

*New Report* Maximizing the Impact: “The Pivotal Role of Technology in a 1st Century Education System.”

Here are some other quick links to important areas of the SETDA site.

SETDA: State Educational Technology Director’s Association http://www.setda.org/web/guest/home

Here are few quick links to specific sections of the SETDA website:

Snapshot of Ohio Technology (includes funding and technology partners)

Competitive Grants

Educational Technology Resources by Category - includes information for grant funding.

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