Kim's Blog

Technology and Innovation

Posted on February 9, 2010 at 08:54 AM

Now that we have officially rung in the new year, it is time for me to make some new predictions for 2010. And as I look back into my crystal ball, I have 10 predictions for what the coming year will look like—both for Education and content.

What is my last prediction for Education?

As the federal and state governments continue to struggle to formulate policies, children will be the ones to miss out.

Nearly a year after the Obama administration allocated $100 billion of its economic-stimulus package to improving the nation’s public education system, few substantive changes in education have been made. While the surge in funds did prevent teacher layoffs and the cutting of programs in school districts nationwide, it is difficult to determine the lasting affects of the initiative on K–12 policy.

However, with Race to the Top (RTT) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at the forefront of Education, it is time for technology and innovation to come together to help school districts lower costs while embracing the highest standards of the most successful school districts in our nation. Through the adoption of common core state standards, school districts can begin to defray costs as states like Texas seek to include digital products on their adoption lists.

By incorporating more technology into the public education system, states can lower the cost of learning per student and eliminate the high textbook cost problem plaguing many school districts. It is my hope that between the new federal policy and the bridging together of technology and innovation, we will begin to see a decrease in the cost of materials per student by the end of 2010—and with it, more lasting positive changes in our public education system.

Check back next week as I kick off my five predictions for content in 2010.