Ten ways to boost learning with technology

"Urging policy makers and school leaders 'to take bold steps ... to improve education for America's 21st-century leaders,' the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) has issued new guidance for reforming the nation's schools with the help of technology.

Hoping to reach the attention of a new administration and Congress, SETDA's 'Class of 2020: Action Plan for Education' notes that every child entering kindergarten this year deserves a high-quality, 21st-century education. The plan includes several white papers, a Student Bill of Rights, and a set of 10 recommendations to improve teaching and learning using technology.

'There is a crisis in American education today, as evidenced in falling graduation rates, entrants unprepared to enter college and the workforce, fewer people seeking science and math degrees, costly teacher turnover, and poor retention rates," said Mary Ann Wolf, SETDA's executive director. 'Our students deserve better. We know how the proper uses of technology in education can transform teaching and learning to improve student engagement and achievement.'