The Digitial Classroom by National Academy of American Scholars

According to the findings from a national survey (PBS LearningMedia) of teachers grades pre-K-12, American students and administrators are relying upon the rising role of technology in America's classrooms. This dependence has its blessings and shortcomings.

National Academy of American Scholars predicts that the Digital Classroom will arrive by 2020. As America moves towards this Digital Classroom, the need to hire qualified teachers will increase, and place further strains on the education budget. Certain sectors of Corporate America, meanwhile, will reap the awards of the iPads, tablet books, mobile classroom, etc.

What teachers and administrators, face, however, is the choice between accessing the "right" digital resources. And, what platform will prevail? Android or iOS. Ninety-one percent of teachers surveyed reported having access to computers in their classrooms, but only one-in-five (22 percent) said they have the right level of technology. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of teachers cited budget as the biggest barrier to accessing tech in the classroom.

National Academy of American Scholars is a merit-based sponsor of financial-aid, scholarships, and grants. We are at the fore-front of change. We no longer emphasize that students write to us a standard letter and send a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope to receive our literature. We simple use the NAAS short code of 99000 and students whom have the keyword know what to do. In low-income communities, however, technology is an even greater challenge. 70 percent of teachers reported it as the greatest obstacle. To reach these students, we recommend that administrators of these schools ensure that they remain on the official NAAS Mailing list. Although we discourage it, we realize that there is still a large subset of students who are reliant upon the U.S. Mail system. We recommend that the respective state Education Departments survey their respective students and parents and find the right mix of technology and old-school methods to better serve the classroom.