We're not in Kansas anymore...

An article published in Wired magazine outlines technology initiatives that are spreading throughout K-12 schools across the nation. A survey by Quality Education Data indicates that 28% of U.S. school districts offer handhelds for student and teacher use. Proponents cite increased student engagement and preparing students to be competent members of an increasingly digital society as rationale for the often millions of dollars spent on technology initiatives.

However, it is time for the educational community to demand greater accountability. How do we know these devices are improving student learning? What data do we have to show that these expenditures are worthwhile? What technologies produce the best results? Do these technology initiatives foster critical thinking? How do we know?