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The State of Indiana has become a national leader in its efforts to integrate technology into the classroom. With the support of the Indiana General Assembly, more than $110 million has been dedicated to school corporations from the Technology Plan Grant Fund since 1995 for computer hardware and software, teacher training in the use of technology, and wiring for connectivity to the Internet. This year the Indiana Department of Education conducted a building-level survey of the status of school technology. The state's investment in technology has worked.

Results from the School Technology Profile demonstrate that Indiana's funding initiatives for school technology are working to secure hardware, place technology in the hands of students, and provide a well-trained and capable instructional staff with the knowledge and skills to use technology effectively. Specifically, the Profile results indicate that more than two-thirds of our schools report a students-per-computer ratio of 8:1 or lower. Three-fourths of schools report computers no older than four years old. Additionally, 98 percent of schools are connected to the Internet, and 80 percent of schools have nearly all classrooms connected to the Internet. Many schools have integrated technology use by students into the curriculum. Finally, over two-thirds of schools report plans to upgrade or expand their technology and network capacities within two years.

The School Technology Profile results indicate that Indiana is doing a good job of meeting overall needs, but also targeting specific areas where additional assistance is needed. For example, 16 percent of schools report a students-per-computer ratio of greater than 33:1. Further, 179 schools report that nearly all computers are more than four years old, and 220 schools report almost no classrooms connected to the Internet.

These survey results have helped the department to focus on the essential elements of effective technology use: having a plan, leadership, effective practices, educator proficiency, access, equity, and evaluation. As schools integrate technology and other aspects of education planning into an overall school improvement plan, Indiana must continue to create an environment where the essential conditions for the effective use of technology exist. The framework of the technology plans should establish clearly identified aims that can be evaluated on an ongoing basis.

The department proposes the following programs:

• Renew the School Technology Plan Grant Program at $20 million/year. All school corporations will receive funding support at $100 per student once during a five-year cycle, beginning with the corporations with the lowest assessed valuation per pupil. The funds will continue to be used for computers, software, networks, wiring, professional development, and technical support.
   
• Support the Realizing Equitable Access to Computers in Homes (REACH) program at $7.5 million per year. This program will enable thousands of low-income Grade 9 students to have access at home to their school and will provide them with additional learning capabilities. This program will eliminate major obstacles in achieving equitable access to technology in homes.
   
• Create the Research and Development for Academic Resources Center (RADAR Center) within the department to provide a staff of 10-12 personnel to develop Web-based classroom resources. This center will be responsible for such tasks as Internet tools development, field assistance, technical audits, training on new services, and other research and development initiatives. The department requests $4 million per year for this center.
   
• Support the Scientific Express program at $3.2 million per year. This program provides sharing of technologies for science courses in high schools throughout the state. Eight regional sites will provide for the acquisition, transport, and maintenance of the scientific equipment, as well as the professional development training.
   
• The Indiana Virtual Education System (IVES) will coordinate web/video/virtual learning opportunities for students statewide. From making AP courses available on-line, to sharing valuable limited resources between school corporations, IVES is the centerpiece of an educational program geared to meeting the growing educational needs of students and teachers. Educators will be able to receive vital professional development on-demand, and students will have access to a far richer set of course offerings.

Nearly 40 states currently have developments underway in this arena. IVES will first look for already developed curriculum that meets and is aligned with Indiana standards. If no courses are present to meet a determined need, IVES will contract for the development of the course(s) and will serve a major role in helping to meet the needs of students.