Common Core and Ed-Tech Spending

Common Core Raises

Questions on Future of Ed-Tech Spending

FLANIGAN, R. L.

(2014). Common Core Raises Questions on Future of Ed-Tech Spending. Education

Week, 33(35), S12.

The article Common Core Raises Questions on Future of Ed-Tech Spending, by Robin Flanigan predicts that educational technology spending will spike based on the implementation of common core.  There are now nation-wide standards to uphold by most districts. Technology use has to become more sophisticated and personalized to the common core standards.   As districts invest in technology that is created to meet the needs of learners, the nation will be watching to see if student performance increases.  According to the author, “the next wave of ed-tech investments will center on digitally delivered personalized instruction and professional development targeted at the common core standards and assessments” (Flanigan, R.L., 2014).

 One-to-one technology is sought after more than ever in this current age. Although most schools do not have one-to-one technology, there are places that are universally implementing it.  Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools in Tennessee have a plan to have blended learning in every school by 2017-2018.  Clark County district in Nevada is “focusing on performance-based contracting to help individualize instruction” (Flanigan, R. L., 2014).  If benchmarks are not met, the contract is terminated.  However, the article does state that one-to-one technology is not enough.  It’s only one piece of the puzzle.  If one-to-one is the only accomplishment, then the real potential of technology in the classroom is missed.

The article also says that monies for educational technology could be invested in the students creating their own learning environment.  It gives an example of 3D printers.  Students can now “make” their tools instead of purchasing them.  Technology companies that now are aligned to the Common Core, and market such, have unlimited possibilities.

The article also briefly mentions how technology has changed the concept of professional development.  Face to face training is slowly diminishing.  Instead of companies offering speakers to educators, they are building the professional development right into the devices.  This is called “embedded PD.” 

Although I have never purposely noticed a connection between Common Core and technology spending, the theory makes complete sense.  Now that technology is more affordable and K-12 teachers are less afraid, more emphasis is placed on the actual usage and it’s connection to learning.  I personally have not seen this happen in our district.  I do not know any technology purchases or advancements we have made that specifically target improving student’s knowledge of the common core material.  I do, however, admit to not being very informed on the issue.

 I will be anxious to see what new hardware and software come to light in the next few years now that the standards have been released and implemented.  Will companies create product to meet the demand of the standards? And more importantly, will districts invest?