Technology and Education in Arizona

Technology in K-12 classrooms is:

• enhancing the quality of the learning process

• increasing student interest and reducing dropout rates

• increasing student academic performance

• providing students with essential skills to further their education and to participate in society and the workplace of the 21st century

• transforming education

More Than Computers

• Technology in education is not simply the purchase of more computers.

• The effective adoption and integration of technology in the learning process means technology will be integrated into the curriculum and utilized to meet specific learning objectives.

• Technology works when it is properly integrated into the curriculum, when teachers are trained to use it effectively, and appropriate software and technical support are provided.

• Educational technologies specifically designed to improve learning in content areas such as math, science, English, or history.

• Productivity or workplace technologies such as word processing, database management, and the use of the Internet that will insure that Arizona’s students will be prepared for the workplace

• Advanced technologies such as computer programming, desktop publishing, network management that prepare our young people for careers in high tech industries such as optics, information technology, bio-technology and more

• one modern, networked computer with Internet access for every four students

• software that supports the curriculum - content specific, productivity and advanced software and technology to support learning and to prepare students for the workplace

• technical support for installation and maintenance of technology

• professional development for teachers and staff to support integrating technology into their curriculum