We have had the privilege of traveling all over Wisconsin introducing our coalition to individuals, businesses, and policy makers. When we get to the 21^st Century E-Learning discussion, the real importance of giving students–no matter where they live and what their economic status—access to technology-enriched education reaffirms our commitment to fulfilling coalition goals.

The impact of having access to technology-enriched education is demonstrated well with this video.

“Currently preparing kids for jobs that don’t exist yet

 using technology that hasn’t yet been invented

in order to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet” (video excerpt)

As our nation’s schools struggle to keep up, and in some cases catch up, with countries around the world, having technology in the classroom part of the overall learning environment rather than a special class during the day is integral to our student’s being able to compete in the global marketplace.

“Online learning is becoming an important facet of K12 education in meeting the requirements for highly qualified teachers in every classroom, in providing professional development for teachers and school choice and in tutoring options to students and parents” (Department of Education).

This interactive map created by The Center for Technology in Learning at SRI International shows how technology can be used in the classroom and the community overall to give our students multiple educational pathways to success.

 The reliance on the internet to educate our children in the classroom and ourselves at home or in the office will continue to increase as accessibility grows to meet demand. We are home to one of the world’s most recognized research institutions, the University of Wisconsin, their slogan, Forward. Thinking.  encapsulates Wired Wisconsin’s goal of expanding 21st century e-learning for today and tomorrow