Please forgive any duplicate sends – just happy to share the state’s recently launched educational technology plan. Thank you to all who contributed – we have great work ahead.

Best,

Doug

From: McKay, John
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2017 9:08 AM
To: Casey, Doug <Doug.Casey@ct.gov>
Subject: State Announces Educational Technology Goals and Plan

State Announces Educational Technology Goals and Plan

Commission on Educational Technology promotes digital learning resources

(Hartford, CT) The Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology has announced a five-year set of Goals and Plan around its core mission to support schools, libraries, and institutions of higher education. The Plan promotes policies, programs, insights, and resources that support the effective use of technology for all learners, teachers, and educational organizations in Connecticut.

The Plan includes eight key initiatives across three focus areas: Digital Learning, Infrastructure, and Data and Privacy. They reflect research-based best practices, national and international standards, and the expert guidance of thought leaders from across the state who represent a diversity of constituents.

Commission Executive Director Doug Casey spoke to the relevance of the Plan to today’s schools, libraries, and universities, noting that “technology holds great potential and has proven a powerful force in supporting teaching and learning at all levels in Connecticut.” Ken Wiggin, the State Librarian and former Commission Chair, highlighted the Plan’s work around “digital literacy, equity of access, and lifelong learning, areas of concern that libraries have always addressed.”

CABE Senior Staff Associate and Commission member Nick Caruso pointed to the Commission’s ongoing efforts to connect all students to digital learning resources, inside and outside of traditional educational institutions. “From creating and overseeing the Connecticut Education Network (CEN) to supporting anytime, anywhere learning, the Commission has long been a champion of innovation in teaching and learning.”

One of the practical applications for school districts includes “Open Education Resources.” Efforts in this area will result in the launch of a searchable Web site of millions of standards-aligned digital resources (e.g., electronic books, videos, tests, etc.) that students and teachers can contribute to and use for instruction. Use of the platform should make learning more affordable for schools and students by helping to reduce the costs of high-quality educational materials.

Other initiatives include adopting student and educator technology proficiency standards, closing the “homework gap” to help students get online outside of school, and supporting data privacy compliance and best practices.

Download an executive summary and the complete State Educational Technology Goals and Plan at www.CT.gov/CTEdTech/Publications.

For more information, contact Doug Casey at (860) 622-2224 or doug.casey@ct.gov

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