Technology is Changing Education

The best method for improving educational standards is to utilize every tool

available, including state-of-the-art technology. Computers and the Internet have

expanded the way in which education can be delivered to the students of today.

Today's networking technologies provide a valuable opportunity to the practice of

learning techniques. Educators are discovering that computers and multi-based

educational tools are facilitating learning and enhancing social interaction. Computer

based telecommunications can offer enormous instructional opportunities, but

educators will need to adapt current lesson plan to incorporate this new medium into

all the classrooms. The only problem is that some of today's schools are hindered by

an under-powered technology based curriculum and, in order to stay competitive, the

American educational system must do a better job of integrating.

Computers have made a fundamental change in most industries, providing a

competitive advantage that has come to be essential to stay in business. Therefore,

education must also use technology to improve the educational process instead of

simply applying it to existing structures.

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School systems often consider acquiring an

enterprise computer network, but justify its purchase by applying it to routine

administrative tasks, or take period by period attendance. Although these tasks are

important, they only represent a small part of what technology can do for an

educational institution. Technology must go beyond just keeping attendance, it must

focus on keeping students interested and productive. 'Curriculum improvement is the

best strategy to prevent dropouts; technology is especially useful in this regard'

(Kinnaman 78). Technology can provide a unique and compelling curriculum

resource, that challenges every student.

The Clinton administration has taken steps towards improving educational

standards via its 'Goals 2000: Educate America Act of 1994' (Thornburg 23).

However, several interpretations of the Act never mention the use of technology.

Advocates of the Act need to realize that...