Perspective from the Ed Tech Field

In this article, Karen Billings discusses how working at a non-profit trade association has provided a unique perspective on how schools are using technology to support the teaching and learning process. Billings leads the Education Division at SIIA, the Washington, D.C.-based principal trade association for the software and digital content industries. She, along with the association's members, develop initiatives that support a comprehensive, life-long learning strategy--initiatives that help integrate technology into education to provide "anytime, anywhere" and personalized learning and help to meet high-tech workforce needs. Billings shares the lessons learned from a survey that was used to assess schools' progress in reaching the educational goals promoted in the "Vision K-20" initiative. The "Vision K-20" initiative promotes the best uses of technology to ensure that all U.S. students have access to a teaching and learning environment capable of preparing them to compete globally and lead the world in innovation. After spending most of her life supporting the use of technology in schools, Billings believes that technology will never be a replacement for teachers, but instead, will always be an effective enabler for good teaching.