Starting in January, technology will officially be among the new priorities considered by the U.S. Department of Education when issuing grants.
Technology is now one of 16 items included on the notice of final supplemental priorities for discretionary grant programs, which the department uses to determine what projects will be funded by the federal government.
"We received a number of comments requesting that the department add a priority that recognizes the role that educational technology can play in increasing student achievement, implementing school reforms, and improving teacher effectiveness," the Department of Education stated in a document.
The department recognizes educators can use technology in the classroom, such as a laptop computer, a document camera or an HDMI projector, to enhance the education experience.
The list of priorities will take effect on January 14, 2011. The department already has several programs that recognize the importance of technology, including Race to the Top and the School Improvement grants.
Other priorities include increasing secondary education, improving high school graduation rates and improving early learning outcomes.
