Investing in technology education empowers kids, benefits Oklahoma
3 min read
Technology in education has become essential in today’s ever-changing world. Nevertheless, the difficulty of securing access to instructional technology and encouraging its practical usage persists. It is vital to alter Oklahoma Statute 70-1-118 to establish a separate technology fund and provide consistent support for the purchase and implementation of educational technology to address this problem, paving the path for a digital future in education. By doing this, we can close the digital gap, provide kids with the skills they need for success and enable our educational system to flourish in the digital era.
The disparity in access to technology and online services between various populations is called the “digital divide.” Unfortunately, our educational system still has this gap, which disadvantages numerous students. Marginalized populations are disproportionately affected by inadequate access to educational technology, contributing to educational inequality and reducing prospects for academic advancement.
A dedicated technology fund would be created by amending Statute 70-1-118 to guarantee that resources are distributed equitably and to alleviate this disparity. We can level the playing field and offer equal opportunities for all students to engage with digital tools, online learning platforms and interactive educational resources by providing consistent funding for educational technology acquisition and implementation, including adequate professional development.
Technology in the classroom has the power to transform the educational process completely. Educational technology can increase motivation, promote critical thinking and support individualized instruction. We can equip teachers with the tools to employ cutting-edge teaching strategies and design immersive learning environments by modifying the legislation to prioritize technology funding independently from the building budget.
Additionally, educational technology offers opportunities for group learning, networking on a global scale and exposure to other viewpoints. It prepares students for the needs of a society that is becoming increasingly digital by giving them the digital literacy skills necessary to succeed in the modern workforce. We contribute to our students’ future competitiveness and success by making technology investments. Using technology effectively is becoming a requirement in the job market. We can guarantee that students graduate with the digital know-how needed for success in a technology-driven world by modifying Oklahoma Statute 70-1-118 to create a dedicated technology fund.
We can match the requirements of the workforce with our educational system and provide students with the skills companies are looking for by adopting instructional technology. As a result, our communities and state will see economic expansion, company attraction and the creation of new employment opportunities. We are investing in the future prosperity of our state by spending money on educational technologies. Collaborative efforts are needed from the community, educational institutions and legislators to establish a separate technology fund. A thorough strategy for allocating funds and implementing technology must be developed in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including educators, administrators, parents, guardians and students.
The technology fund also can be supplemented, and its effect increased by using public-private partnerships and looking for other financing sources like grants and corporate sponsorships. Diverse stakeholders may work together to build a solid and long-lasting foundation for integrating educational technology.
A crucial step toward a digital future in education is the amendment of Oklahoma Statute 70-1-118 to create an independent technology fund and offer uniform financing for educational technology purchase and deployment. With the amendment, the digital gap is addressed, learning outcomes are improved and students are given the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century.
By investing money into educational technology, we contribute to the wealth of our state, the empowerment of our kids and a better future for everyone.
Brett Knight is a doctoral candidate at Southern Nazarene University and serves as the high school assistant principal in Pauls Valley.
