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The New York City Department of Education has announced plans to increase technology spending next year, even though the department is faced with steep budget cuts. The estimated $542 million in technology dollars will mostly be spent on upgrading current wiring, which has been deemed insufficient for the way students are expected to learn in the twenty-first century. The Department of Education's deputy chancellor John White said, "If we want our kids to be prepared for life after high school in the 21st century, we need to consider technology a basic element of public education."

Schools strive to keep up with online learning

Critics of the technology spending point out that the district has already spent millions on connectivity upgrades, without much return on investment. A school in Brooklyn recently upgraded from having only three Smart boards to 16, but as a result, they have experienced slow connectivity issues with the Internet. This is after the $247,000 in upgrades the school received last year. The school is planning to add 15 more Smart boards and 150 laptops received through a grant. The upgrade is necessary, according to the school's principal, Kristine Mustillo, who told the New York Times, "How is it going to go when all our teachers are accessing the Internet along with 150 students at the same time?"

Along with giving students access to online learning, there's an even bigger reason for the technology upgrades. City officials say they want New York City schools to be prepared for computerized standardized math and English tests expected to replace the written tests starting in 2014. This comes on the heels of an education town hall meeting earlier this week where President Obama called for schools to consider more than just standardized tests when evaluating teacher performance.

For those that wonder why the money isn't going towards retaining teachers, city officials explain that the wiring costs are part of the capital budget, while teacher salaries are considered operating costs. The money can't be shifted from one area to another, according to law.

For more Schools.com coverage of school technology, read:

• Map of broadband access in U.S. schools
• 6 things every college student should know about computer security
• Schools.com guide to online safety for distance learners
• Web-based tutor gives math class a new feel
• New government resource for teachers, students