The Apple-sponsored Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop has issued a white paper that looks at: research-based evidence of the benefits of educational technology when integrated deliberately and comprehensively into the curriculum; 21st century skills and how to address them; data-driven decision making; improving teacher effectiveness; and providing support for low-performing schools.

It concludes with "seven essential questions [that] can help state and district planners initiate the transformation process." They are:

1. Does the proposed expenditure support 21st century literacies or does it primarily support content acquisition that may be less critical in the information age?

2. Will the technology being implemented have the technical and human resource support necessary to be effective? Will teachers need professional development for effective implementation? Will the existing infrastructure support the technology?

3. Will the technology engage students and encourage intellectual curiosity? Will the expenditure produce high student achievement by addressing rigorous standards, providing schools with relevant data, enhancing teacher effectiveness, engaging struggling students, or improving struggling schools?

4. Is the new technology intervention superior to alternatives or existing interventions? Will it do new things in new ways, or merely serve as an electronic replication of what's already being done?

5. Is the expenditure a collaborative decision resulting from meaningful discussion by a reasonable and informed group of stakeholders? Is there evidence that it will improve the teaching and learning environment?

6. Will the district or school commit to sustained, ongoing resource investments in infrastructure and professional development necessary to support the technology after all stimulus funds are spent?

7. Is the expenditure in line with the goals of the stimulus package and state and community goals for improving student achievement?

Click here to read the full report: "The Digital Promise: Transforming Learning with Innovative Uses of Technology"