Technology in Education

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Technology in Education

Today, if you enter an average elementary classroom you might find a computer cart with twenty or thirty lap tops, all with hook-up to the internet. The teacher usually has either a desk top or lap top computer, sometimes both, for keeping track of important information. Technology has, in many ways, positively impacted the educational field. Michigan has made using technology a necessity. With help from the Freedom to Learn Program, improvements in classroom technology, and special programs used to assist educators, teachers become familiar with the new technology.

Recently, a press release from the MichiganVirtualUniversity stated, “The Department of Management and Budget ...announced it has finalized a contract with Hewlett Packard for HP to become the single provider for the state's Freedom to Learn (FTL) initiative. The statewide program, designed to enhance students' academic performance through technology, provides computer access to thousands of public school children throughout the state.”[1] The basis of the Freedom to Learn Project is to provide sixth graders, at this point in time, with a lap top that they will use for their assignments. As that student moves up through the grades, he or she will continue to use a lap top to complete assignments. However, there is some controversy of whether or not the child will use the same lap top throughout school, or if lap tops will be issued yearly much like textbooks. This is a great idea, it allows students access to a computer when needed and to any educational programs used by the teacher. “The Freedom to Learn program is operated jointly by the Michigan Department of Education and MichiganVirtualUniversity” and is expected to “…reach as many ...

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...les of how technology has negatively impacted the educational field.

Technology has had a great impact on the inventions and uses in the educational university. The Freedom to Learn Program has helped the educational field, along with improvements in classroom technology, and special programs used to assist educators in becoming familiar with the new technology.

[1]Michigan Virtual University Press Release

State of Michigan and Hewlett Packard Partner on Freedom to Learn

Friday, February 20, 20049:30 am ET

[2]Michigan Virtual University Press Release

State of Michigan and Hewlett Packard Partner on Freedom to Learn

Friday, February 20, 20049:30 am ET

[3] International Society for Technology in Education

Internet site: http://www.iste.org/about/

[4] North Central Regional Educational Laboratory

Funding Strategies for Education Technology

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