This document discusses four ways that technology can be implemented in education: 1) One-to-one computing programs that provide all students with individual access to computers; 2) Online and blended learning options that increase access to courses; 3) Educational gaming and simulations that engage students; and 4) Assistive technologies that help students with disabilities and benefit all learners. The largest one-to-one program in the US is in Maine schools, and blended learning is reducing reliance on lectures by moving them online. Gaming can immerse students in problem-solving, while assistive technologies aid the millions with special needs and develop tools for all students.

1. The Technology Edge
 Thisedge of education describes how
technology should be implemented in
the classroom:
 One to One Computing
 Online Learning
 Gaming
 Assistive Technology

2. One to One Computing
 Chen describes one to one computing as
“weapons of mass instruction” (2010, p. 86).
 The ability to have access to a computer is
described as the digital right of every
student. To go even further, to be able to
have access to technology resources at
home and at school is ideal.
 One of the largest one to one computing
programs in the United States is
described, the Maine Technology Learning
Initiative, where the main goal is to use
technology to engage and motivate
students.
 Overall the program has been
successful, although difficult to maintain

3. Online Learning
 Several different types of online learning are described in
this section:
 Fully online-the majority of learning and class meetings take
place online
 Hybrid or Blended Classes- online and face to face elements
 The use of online learning has several advantages, the
increase of opportunities for students to have access to
courses that would otherwise not be able to them and
the emergence of learning communities inside the online
classroom.
 Blended classes are leading to the “death of the lecture”
(2010, p.118). Students are able to access the lectures
online outside of class, so while in class, students can
focus on learning activities and discussions rather than
the less engaging lecture.

4. Gaming
 Games and virtual simulations are one area of
education that is slowly progressing.
 The simulation of River City allows for students to
virtually transport themselves back to 1878 and
students work together to solve scientific
problems.
 Our Courts project implemented by Supreme
Court Justice O’Connor helped focus energy to
create games that teaches middle school
students about governments and civics.
 The use of gaming in education is allows for
students to be engaged and challenged within
an environment in which many already thrive.

5. Assistive Technology
 There are about 6 million students served with
assistive technology within the United States.
 The development of these tools can not only help
students with disabilities, but the technology
advances will be able to help other students as
well. For example, many educational materials
are now produced in multiple formats to meet the
needs of all learners.
 Chen describes the development of an Intel
Reader as part of the new technology being
developed that can translate any written text to
speech. The possibilities are endless.