A state task force charged with seeking ways to improve and expand the use of education technology in California schools has submitted preliminary recommendations.
The Education Technology Task Force, which includes ACSA members, found that modern technology should be viewed as an important tool in preparing students for the future. Rather than seeing smartphones and other electronic devices as barriers to learning, educators should be using them as central tools in preparing students for the careers of the 21st century economy, according to the task force.
The California Department of Education is scheduled to conduct a briefing on the task force recommendations Oct. 2, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Ontario ACSA office, 3602 Inland Empire Blvd., Suite A-230. The recommendations memo and more information, including opportunities to provide comment are available online at http://CommentEdTech.myboe.org
The task force identified goals for the use of technology for teaching and administration, as well as obstacles that stand in the way. Some of its initial recommendations include:
• Promote expanded use of online instructional materials and student access to technology for standards-based curricula.
• Access for all students to at least one Internet device for learning anytime and anywhere, often called 1:1.
• Form public-private partnerships for the funding and use of technology in the classroom.
• Develop guidance documents for students and their schools on safety and appropriate use, as well as existing laws and regulations.
• Create modern, personalized assessments for students that help tailor instruction.
• Encourage and reward educators’ use of technology, including offering professional development to prepare them for its use across the education spectrum.
• Continue pursuing minimum bandwidth across the state.
ACSA representatives on the task force include, among others, VP for Legislative Action Lisa Gonzales and members of ACSA’s Technology Leadership Group Mike Lawrence, Kelly Calhoun and Kevin Silberberg.