Toward that end, teacher education and professional development educational technology user support must become a core element of the infrastructure fostering innovations in our educational enterprise. The rising demand for and expectations about technology suggest that issues of instructional integration and user support will become key technology challenges confronting teacher education programs and K-12 schools. Thus, teacher education programs and K-12 schools must develop strategic and financial plans for information technology. The dramatic changes technology has brought to society and the workplace have enormous implications for schools. Education must take on new meaning and direction to meet the needs of a changing, technologically-oriented society.
Educators can no longer afford to prepare students in isolation from the rest of society.
And, frankly, society can no longer afford to have large segments of its population isolated from the technological advantages that many enjoy. This is most evident in the area of technology and the workplace. During earlier times, students watched adults work and learned workplace skills as part of daily life. Today, many students are isolated from potential employers for many reasons, including distance. Innovative uses of technology can assist in providing students with much needed virtual experiences as well.