Technology provides unprecedented access to an incredible range of information for both teachers and students. The availability of original source material and more in-depth research information makes it possible to shape educational experiences that are enlivened and illuminated through a variety of audio and visual resources. In many ways, technology applications for educational research are providing the tools and facilities necessary to acquire a new base of knowledge and understanding in subject areas like the visual and performing arts. Of equal importance is the fact that technology links people to people. Teachers can consult with other teachers addressing similar material.
Students can join in discussions with other students across the country or across the globe.
The confines of the classroom can be transcended through access to information and interaction with others. Finally, nothing need ever be lost, since technology has given us the means to organize and save information and resources in an efficient and easily retrievable medium. The documentation and evidence of effective teaching strategies will be readily available to those wishing to develop new programs or convince others of the validity of such programs. Immediate access to diverse multimedia resources are now but a keystroke away. Most importantly, however, the potential value of networks like A RTS E DGE depends upon the identification of needs and contributions of content that comes from the field.