Selecting and purchasing education technology (ed tech) products that are accessible to students with disabilities requires engaging a variety of stakeholders throughout the five-phase process described in our original guidance on procurement (June 2019).
During the rapid transition to distance learning in response to COVID-19, decisions were made quickly to keep staff and students safe and healthy, educate students remotely, and finish the school year amid the crisis. As planning for the next school year begins, leaders and educators can use this opportunity to make more strategic decisions about ed tech that are inclusive and designed to benefit all learners, including those with disabilities.
In support of state leadership, SETDA recently published the State Education Agency Considerations for CARES Act Funding as Related to Digital Learning. As state education agencies (SEAs) plan for the 2020-21 school year and work to ensure that high quality learning opportunities are available to all students, each has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership. To support equitable opportunities for all students across a state, SEAs can provide direction and resources to help ensure that all students, regardless of location, race, language, special needs or socio-economic barriers have access to quality digital learning experiences.
Essential Elements for eLearning is a free professional learning community that provides policy makers, school administrators and educator leaders a better understanding of policies and practices related to online learning, digital content, and eLearning days.
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) developed the ISTE Standards (formerly known as the NETS) for learning, teaching and leading in the digital age. Included in the standards are ISTE Standards for Teachers (ISTE Standards•T) and ISTE Standards for Administrators (ISTE Standards•A). These standards provide details related to evaluating the skills and knowledge educators need to teach, work and learn in an increasingly connected global and digital society.
