A state technology task force recently announced the formation of the Science and Mathematics Accessible Resource Tool (SMART) Portal, an interactive database that will allow teachers throughout the state to access and share lesson plans and professional development materials.
The group was challenged to identify ways Arkansas classrooms can adapt to current digital technology and presented its recommendations to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications & Information Technology.
"Today’s digital world has a major impact on the way we communicate with one another, and the educational community must use these new developments to enhance the learning environment to adequately prepare students for the future," Gail McClure, the Arkansas Science & Technology Authority’s vice president of research, said in a news release.
The SMART Portal will be accessible through the Internet and will contain "one-concept lesson plans" cross-referenced with the Arkansas curriculum framework and chosen for previously-proven quality and engagement. The portal is a partnership among the Arkansas Education Telecommunication Network, the Arkansas Department of Education and ASTA.
Initial inclusions will focus on mathematics and sciences with lesson plans on additional subjects and interests to be added as development continues. An official launch date will be announced soon, according to a news release.
The technology task force also recommended that Arkansas participate in the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, a concept developing new standards that incorporate 21st century tools and learning skills. The partnership has been adopted by Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Participation would include embedding digital literacy skills into current standards and curricula and creating state and local infrastructure (bandwidth, hardware, software and intelligent classroom devices) that supports a 21st century education by providing funding for equitable access to technology.
The technology task force was established by ASTA and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Coalition after the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 2266 in 2005 to help address the challenges for education, economic development and community development brought on by the emerging global economy.
The task force made three additional recommendations to the committee in their report:
- Manage technology infrastructure standards for Arkansas schools
- Shared use of facilities and technology resources
- Establish a permanent advisory committee
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