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Six challenges for educational technology

Dede, C. (in press). Six challenges for educational technology. An extended version of this draft paper will appear in the 1998 ASCD Yearbook.

Abstract

Many people are asking how to scale-up the scattered, successful "islands of innovation" instructional technology has empowered into universal improvements in schooling enabled by major shifts in standard educational practices. Undertaking "systemic reform" (sustained, large-scale, simultaneous innovation in curriculum; pedagogy; assessment; professional development; administration; incentives; and partnerships for learning among schools, businesses, homes, and community settings) requires policies and practices different than fostering pilot projects for small-scale educational improvement. Systemic reform involves moving from utilizing special, external resources to reconfiguring existing budgets in order to free up money for innovation. Without undercutting their power, change strategies effective when pioneered by leaders in educational innovation must be modified to be implemented by typical educators.

Technology-based innovations offer special challenges and opportunities in this scaling-up process. I believe that systemic reform is not possible without utilizing the full power of high performance computing and communications to enhance the reshaping of schools. Yet the cost of technology, its rapid evolution, and the special knowledge and skills required of its users pose substantial barriers to effective utilization. One way to frame these issues is to pose six questions that school boards, taxpayers, educators, business groups, politicians, and parents are asking about implementing large-scale, technology-based educational innovations. My answers to these questions outline a strategy for scaling-up, leveraging the power of technology while minimizing its intrinsic challenges.

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