Annotated Resource #3-Critical Issue: Promoting Technology Use in Schools

This Critical Issue was developed by Jan Gahala, M.A., technical specialist in NCREL's Communications Department.

This is a very interesting report. Although it was published in 2001, many of the issues addressed are even more prevalent in today's classrooms. The author looks at the many obstacles involved with use of technology in schools, including but not limited to technology upgrades, equipment maintenance, and ongoing professional development and teacher use of technology.

The report is broken into different sections to discuss the different areas of concern. Within the various discussions are a variety of links to other resources with more information about the current subjects such as tech support, technology use goals, and placement of equipment of technology in the classroom or throughout the school. Included in the report is a list of goals for technology use and action options, with resource links, for all parties involved in the education process, including parents and community members.

This report is a valuable resource for technology-minded educators, especially those who are seeing resistance towards advanced technology use in their schools. The entire report can be found at http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te200.htm .