Technology in Education

Overview

Virginia is consistently recognized as a national leader in the use of technology to expand student opportunities. Educational technology is an important tool in instruction, student learning and student assessments.

Digital Learning & Innovations

VDOE promotes, fosters and develops strategies, solutions and policies that support innovation in digital learning, student achievement and school and community partnerships by:

• Assisting in shaping legislation, regulations, and policies to encourage and support educational innovations
• Identifying policies and procedures that impact or impede digital or e-learning innovation
• Overseeing implementation of Virtual Virginia and developing strategies for expanding the digital learning opportunities available to public school students
• Facilitating the design, development, and evaluation of innovative, technology-enhanced products and approaches that could be scaled in the future
• Maintaining strategic partnerships with public, private, and nonprofit collaborators to accomplish the Commonwealth’s education priorities
• Providing assistance to ensure that intellectual property generated through these or other agency activities are properly managed

Planning, Standards & Integration

To maximize the effective use of technology to improve instruction and student learning in the commonwealth, VDOE provides the following:

• Digital Learning Integration Standards of Learning
• Computer Science Standards of Learning 
• Best Practices for the Instructional Technology Resource Teacher
• Open Educational Resources
• Technology Initiatives to assist schools in the integration of technology into instruction
• Support for E-rate
• Support to school divisions in the development of local technology plans, acceptable use policies and Internet safety plans
• Assistive Technology
• High-quality professional development opportunities for educators
• Information on best practices in technology integration and emerging educational technologies
• Support for virtual learning options in Virginia
• Management of federal and state technology grant programs
• Assistance to schools in planning and implementing network solutions and developing infrastructure standards