In an effort to boost online learning and bring classrooms into the 21st century, New York City's Department of Education plans to invest $542 million next year on new educational technology, the New York Times reports.
This will likely come as bittersweet news to many educators, as the department is also looking to cut $1.3 billion from its construction budget over the next three years and could eliminate as many as 6,100 teaching positions, according to the report.
However, the move does highlight the growing role technology is playing in the classroom. According to the report, most of the spending will go toward wiring schools and "behind-the-wall" upgrades, as well as a $50 million project to build an online course-management systems.
Many educators have found technology to be an invaluable asset to the learning experience. Teachers may use a classroom computer, an interactive whiteboard or an HDMI projector to encourage participation and create an environment where students are eager to learn.
"If we want our kids to be prepared for life after high school in the 21st century, we need to consider technology a basic element of public education," Department of Education deputy chancellor John White told the news provider.
