Coercing Change

As we decide how we are going to affect change in education with respect to technology, we must recognize the challenges that exist with stakeholders, teachers, administrators, and government. Many districts buy technology and expect that the piecemeal change will eventually lead to a systematic change. However, we cannot expect that technology can just be implemented and that the system will change simply because of its presence.

I would posit that the reason why so many technology programs fail is because they are centered around the tool instead of the process and the environment. The change that is really needed is larger than just putting technology in schools and training teachers how to use it to enhance lessons. The change needs to be much broader. We need to focus on a new model of learning that uses technology to transform education, embraces 21st century skills, and prepare students for the future.

The draft of the 2010 National Technology Plan is on the right path, but it seems to be lacking a section on the funding that the government will be providing in order to achieve these goals. Indeed, they put forth some lofty goals, but I don't think they are impossible. No matter what challenges we face with implementing this broad change (financial, resistance of educators, unwillingness of administrators, etc.), we must recognize that it would be detrimental to wait any longer. As nations around the world continue to surpass the United States in education, we need to realize that not doing anything ensures our decline. Let us not forget that today we educate the leaders of tomorrow. We must make education a priority in order to secure our hegemonic role, remain competitive in world markets, and ultimately protect national security.