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Information and communication technology demands are increasing across a range of occupations , creating intense global competition for highly -skilled workers . In order to meet the economic needs of the next century , education reform must prioritize student -directed learning that fosters innovation and creativity , enabling the United States to compete internationally in attracting and creating high -quality jobs for its citizens . Our system must strive to create lifelong learners and ensure equity in preparing all students for college - and career -readiness , which increasingly , are considered one in the same .
Manor New Technology High School , in Central Texas , has successfully used technology immersion and project -based learning to expand the opportunities for its minority -majority population . Emphasis is placed on teaching students how to learn and in making authentic learning connections with the world through applied , and interdisciplinary coursework . An understanding of how educational technology can be used to create better student outcomes , through investment in teacher peer -to -peer supports to effectively integrate technology into instruction , has led to a sustainable and scalable model of technology immersion at Manor Independent School District . Through its partnerships with local businesses and not -for -profit organizations , Manor New Technology High School is graduating highly skilled and college -bound students , while concurrently promoting sector -based economic development within the high -tech industry .
State educational agencies are ill -equipped to meet the challenges of workforce development ; therefore , new mechanisms and incentives should be created to encourage and enable school districts to pursue 21st Century competencies (analytic skills , interpersonal skills , ability to execute , information processing , and capacity for change ) , which are enabled through the “invisible tool” of educational technology in the classroom . |
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