Instructional Technology Ponderings

Did you know that the present Administration is again trying to eliminate education technology funding - again! With our global economy and the need for digital literacy this may not be the best strategy to take. Just my opinion, but our country should be a leader when it comes to technology and innovation in the classroom. It will be very difficult without funding! As citizens, it is our responsibility to let our leaders know how we feel about this issue.

Learn more about what is happening and if you agree that this is not a good idea go to http://www.EdTechActionNetwork.org to send a letter to your Members of Congress. Once your voice is heard, let your colleagues and friends know about this new development so their voices can be heard as well. The more voices heard the better for the bill.

For more information about this bill, Preparing Teachers for Digital Age Learner, visit the Web sites below…

• View the whole bill at Open Congress.org
  • http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h5848/text
    
• ISTE open letter of support from the CEO

I find it interesting that each fiscal year in this country educators must fight the same battle over and over. The battle to keep the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program funded for another year. Each year educators send letters to Members of Congress to reject the President’s proposal to eliminate EETT and to restore funding for the program to its FY05 level ($496 million). How are we going to prepare our students if we do not have proper technology tools, resources, and support in our schools? Due to the consistent drop in funding this has been an occurring issue. The new eSchools study - Access, Adequacy, and Equity in Education Technology, indicates that problems continue to be vast and deep in our schools. How will they improve if federal funding continually drops?

Make your voice heard contact your member of congress.