Reflections on a Website for Educational Stakeholders

Looking for information on the role of administration in technology implementation, I came across a website dedicated to educational technology in schools and the legislative actions being taken or issues being considered. Called the Ed Tech Action Network and located at http://www.edtechactionnetwork.org/index.html, the website has pages on issues, technology in schools, educational technology and student achievement, and key legislation. There is also a link for information on writing elected officials, state and national. Written for professionals, the website addresses issues that are of interest to all school stakeholders. Within the web pages are links to articles on a variety of subjects, with citations for the data incorporated into the articles.

The positives of the Ed Tech Action Network website begin with their motto: “Children + Technology = America’s Future.” Yes, many people say the same or similar thing, but it makes the website’s purpose clearly stated. The use of red, white, and blue make the website appealing to the eye. Web pages are clearly marked, links work and load quickly. There are also links to additional resources. When data is quoted, citations are given and the links to them are live. Perhaps the strongest part of this website is that the information challenges the reader to think and could provide ample opportunities for discussion.

The negatives I found were few. There is little interactivity and questions are answered via e-mail. While there are no creation or “updated on” dates, the information is current and clearly updated using recent data. The website does not give many ideas for actual implementation of technology in the classroom, but I need more than that. I need to know what is being done to encourage it on all levels, from district administration to state and national legislators. This website is one that can address my desire to know more.

For educators, the Ed Tech Action Network website is excellent for educators. Easy to navigate, with articles that are long enough to provide strong information but not so wordy as to be cumbersome, one can be assured of getting valid, reliable facts.