The Office of Educational Technology: Resources, Impact, and the Future of Ed Tech Guidance

The Office of Educational Technology (OET) played a pivotal role in shaping educational technology policy and fostering the integration of technology in schools. By developing strategies to encourage the use of educational technology and supporting research to improve learning outcomes, the OET served as a crucial resource for states and districts navigating the ever-evolving landscape of ed tech. Its work included developing, disseminating and updating the National Education Technology Plan. Practically speaking, the OET has helped states and districts navigate whatever new and emerging technology is affecting schools-from cellphones and social media to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity-by providing policy guidance and evidence-based strategies.

OET's Mandate and Impact

The OET's mandate encompassed a wide range of activities, including surveying the field, holding listening sessions, funding ed-tech research, and acting as a neutral convener. This involved bringing together subject-matter experts, researchers, educators, nonprofits, and ed-tech companies to understand schools' needs and share best practices. The office also coordinated with other federal agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission, which handles the E-rate program.

Proponents of OET’s work say that without a federal office dedicated to ed tech, there could be massive duplication in states’ efforts to understand new technologies and provide schools with evidence-based strategies.

The OET's impact was felt across various areas, including:

Policy Guidance: Providing states and districts with policy guidance on emerging technologies.
Evidence-Based Strategies: Gathering research on effective pedagogy and best practices and disseminating this information to states.
Digital Equity: Addressing the digital divide and promoting equitable access to technology for all students.
AI Integration: Developing toolkits and guidance for education leaders to integrate artificial intelligence safely, ethically, and equitably in schools.
Cybersecurity: Providing resources and guidance on data security and cybersecurity best practices for school districts.

Reduction in Force and Concerns

Despite its contributions, the OET experienced a significant reduction in force, with its staff being among the hundreds of employees dismissed from the Education Department. This decision has raised concerns among experts and stakeholders who believe that the loss of federal guidance on emerging educational technologies leaves states and districts to navigate these challenges on their own.

“There’s going to be a new technology-it’s inevitable,” said Joseph South, the chief innovation officer for ISTE/ASCD, who was a former OET director during the Obama administration. “States and districts are going to be trying to figure it out, … and there won’t be an entity that’s gathering research on effective pedagogy, best practices, and then responding back to states with guidance.”

Navigating the Ed Tech Landscape Without OET

The absence of the OET raises questions about how states and districts will navigate the complex ed tech landscape. Some of the challenges they may face include:

Duplication of Efforts

Without a central coordinating body, states may end up duplicating efforts in researching and understanding new technologies. This can lead to inefficiencies and wasted resources.

“It prevents people from reinventing the wheel in each state,” South said. “It prevents wasting time and resources studying the very same topics from state to state. If you can pull that together on a national level, then you only have to do it once.”

Lack of Expertise and Resources

Smaller districts, in particular, may lack the in-house expertise and resources to effectively evaluate and implement new technologies. The OET provided valuable support and guidance in areas such as data security, privacy, and best practices.

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For districts that might not have much educational technology expertise in house, the OET provided important resources and guidance around issues such as data security, she said. “You have thousands of school districts that aren’t able to provide resources when it comes to what is the best way to adopt new technology, how do we do it safely, how do it in a privacy protective way, what are best practices or lessons learned from other parts of the country,” Vance said. “That’s why having a national office is invaluable.”

Addressing the Digital Divide

The OET played a crucial role in highlighting the digital divide and promoting equitable access to technology. Without its advocacy, it may be more challenging to address this issue and ensure that all students have the opportunity to benefit from technology.

Through its reports like the most recent national ed tech plan, the OET also put a spotlight on an issue that greatly affects small and rural districts, Vance said: the digital divide, or the gap between students who have access to internet and devices like laptops and those who don’t.

AI and Cybersecurity Concerns

With the rise of AI and increasing cybersecurity threats, schools need guidance and support to navigate these challenges effectively. The OET provided valuable resources in these areas, and its absence may leave districts vulnerable.

The OET also provided guidance around AI and cybersecurity, which are top concerns for school districts right now, said Michael Klein, a former senior adviser for cybersecurity for the Education Department and a former fellow at the OET.“Now you have 50 states trying to make sense of how to move forward with all of these topics without central guidance,” he said.

The Role of Other Organizations

While the OET's reduction in force is a concern, it's important to note that other organizations are working to support schools in the area of ed tech. These organizations include:

State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA): SETDA provides leadership and advocacy for state ed-tech directors.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE): ISTE offers professional development and resources for educators.
American Enterprise Institute (AEI): AEI conducts research and analysis on education policy.
Public Interest Privacy Center (PIPC): PIPC focuses on safeguarding student privacy.

John Bailey, a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and a former director of the OET during the George W. Bush administration.“There is such an ecosystem of support organizations now-like in AI, there’s just a lot of infrastructure that’s getting stood up to help districts,” he said. “I think that’s part of the administration’s argument: There are so many other resources and groups out there. I think they are trying to make the case that that’s why this isn’t needed.”

However, some experts argue that these organizations may not be able to fully replicate the OET's role due to their lack of authority and standing.

Districts were able to “turn to the office of educational technology and have a reasonable expectation that they’re going to get clear, unbiased, vetted, evidence-based guidance,” South said.

The Future of Ed Tech Guidance

The reduction in force at the OET raises questions about the future of ed tech guidance and support for schools. While other organizations are stepping up to fill the gap, it remains to be seen whether they can fully address the challenges faced by states and districts. It is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to consider how to ensure that schools have access to the resources and expertise they need to effectively integrate technology and improve student outcomes.

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