Cloud computing is Internet-based computing in which shared resources, software and information are delivered as a service that computers or mobile devices can access on demand. Cloud computing is already used extensively in education. Free or low-cost cloud-based services are used daily by learners and educators to support learning, social…

Despite the last few years' growth in awareness of open-source software in schools and the potential savings it represents, its widespread adoption is still hampered. Randy Orwin, technology director of the Bainbridge Island School District in Washington State and a strong open-source advocate, cautions that installing an open-source…

The increasing demand for online courses requires efficient and low cost production. Since the decision to develop online courses is often affected by financial factors, it is becoming increasingly important to determine, upfront, the cost of online course production. Many of the programs and educators interested in developing online courses…

Digital lecture capture and broadcast solutions have been around for only about 10 years, but are poised for healthy growth. Frost & Sullivan research analysts estimate that the market (which amounts to $25 million currently) will quadruple by 2013. It's still dominated by a few key players, however: Sonic Foundry holds a hefty 40 percent-plus…

Spending on computer-based technology in schools continues to grow, based on an expectation that student learning will follow suit, yet, many educators and policymakers are still unsure of how to get the most return on this investment. Research shows that in addition to monetary investments, substantial planning and organization are required if…

This final report for the Washington State Technology Plan for K-12 Common Schools provides a vision, long-term framework, and recommendations for implementation. Following an executive summary and a list of committee members, the first section of the report discusses technology in K-12 schools of tomorrow, including legislative charge, vision,…

Discusses the importance of integrating technology into elementary and secondary school classrooms and considers funding sources. Highlights include costs for technology integration, including hardware, software, professional development, and infrastructure; characteristics of schools that obtain grants; and ideas for cutting costs to reduce the…

This guide provides the layperson with a concise overview of factors to consider when making plans to outfit elementary and secondary schools with technology inexpensively. The guide draws on the knowledge of consultants, architects, electronics engineers, and the experiences of educators who have been involved in the process of designing schools…

Ohio's Legislative Office of Education Oversight (LOEO) evaluates education-related activities funded wholly or in part by that state. SchoolNet initiatives seek to increase Ohio K-12 schools' access to computers, networks, and other technology, with a particular emphasis on low-wealth districts. This report addresses the gap between the…

The new information and communication technologies (ICT) affect currently most spheres of life, including all educational levels. Their effects are most likely to grow in the future. However, many predictions in the last few years as to the sweeping impact of the ICT on restructuring the teaching/learning practices at universities and their high…

The purpose of this book is to introduce ideas, methods, and people that could be of assistance to those who will utilize educational technology in teaching and learning, especially to those whose responsibility it is to put in place the policies necessary to make this happen. Analogies comparing school technology to earlier massive national…