Technology-based innovations offer special challenges and opportunities in the process of scaling-up from scattered, successful "islands of innovation" that have been empowered by instructional technology. Systemic reform is not possible without utilizing the full power of high performance computing and communications to enhance the reshaping of schools. Yet the cost of technology, its rapid evolution, and the special knowledge and skills required of its users pose substantial barriers to effective utilization. One way to frame these issues is to pose six questions that school boards, taxpayers, educators, business groups, politicians, and parents are asking about implementing large-scale, technology-based educational innovations.
Chris Dede is a professor with George Mason University.