Irvine, CA, August 21, 2005. NetDay, (www.netday.org), the national education technology nonprofit group, today announced the release of Visions 2020.2: Student Views on Transforming Education and Training Through Advanced Technologies, a report developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The report grows out of NetDay’s Speak Up Day for Students 2004, the 2nd annual online event where students across the country spoke out about using technology and the Internet for learning and their futures.  A unique feature of the 2004 survey was an open ended question - “In the future, you will be the inventors of new technologies.  What would you like to see invented that you think will help kids learn in the future?” Over 55,000 K-12 students from all 50 states provided responses to this survey question. The Commerce Department reviewed these authentic and unfiltered responses and identified common themes and interests amongst American youth.

“NetDay is pleased to have had the opportunity to work in partnership with both the Departments of Education and Commerce in developing this important document on how students view technologies as a transformative force in education and training.  Visions 2020. 2 provides significant insight and paints a compelling vignette into the ways students are envisioning a future of technology rich education and will hopefully jumpstart a new conversation with policymakers, educators and American industry on the role of education in increasing our nation’s competitiveness,” noted Julie Evans, CEO, NetDay. 

Visions 2020.2 offers a clear picture of how students want to use technology for learning.  According to that vision, “Every student would use a small, handheld wireless computer that is voice activated. The computer would offer high-speed access to a kid friendly Internet, populated with websites that are safe, designed specifically for students, with no pop-up ads.  Using this device students would complete most of their in school work and homework, as well as take on line classes…In completing their school work, students would work closely and routinely with an intelligent digital tutor, and tap a knowledge utility to obtain factual answers to questions they pose….”  

Visions 2020.2 identifies four major themes on how students envision future learning technologies.

• Digital Devices, particularly small, voice activated multifunctional devices. 
• Access to Computers and the Internet, with each student having a computer with high speed, wireless Internet access for his or her own use in school and at home.
• Intelligent Tutor/Helper providing help with homework, particularly mathematics, as well as access to a single, all knowing information resource.
• Ways to Learn and Complete School Work Using Technology, including interest in learning games, virtual world experiences, on line classes, doing school work on the computer or on line, digital teachers, e books, and personalized learning.  

Susan Patrick, former Director, Office of Education Technology at the US Department of Education, added "More than ever, student participation in the future of their own education is critical. This report shares student views of how we can help compete in a global workforce through empowering better access to educational opportunities in a changing world … Students are expressing how they are leading the charge in a digital age, students understand that education and 21st century skills are critical for future success and students know the importance of havingnew choices empowered by technology drive the change and transformation in education system as well as in our economy." 

Visions 2020.2 is available online at www.NetDay.org as well as on the US Department of Education’s website for the National Education Technology Plan, www.nationaledtechplan.org/

Over the past 2 years, over 377,000 K-12 students have shared their ideas with NetDay on technology & education through our online surveys.  The students’ ideas have contributed to local and national policy decisions and created a greater understanding of the ways in which technology is shaping the educational experiences of today’s students and teachers.  NetDay held its first Speak Up Dayfor Students in 2003. The findings are reflected in Voices and Views from Today's Tech-Savvy Students: NetDay National Report on Speak Up Day for Students 2003 which is available at www.NetDay.org.   In addition to reaching out to students, NetDay is also working to reflect the voices of teachers and released, Insights and Ideas of Teachers on Technology: NetDay National Report on Speak Up Day for Teachers 2004, also available at www.NetDay.org.  

The national Speak Up Day events and reporting has been generously funded by the BellSouth Foundation, and supported by our nation’s leading education and technology organizations.  This year, NetDay will concurrently host Speak Up Day for Students and Teachers.  All students, grades Kindergarten through Grade 12, and their teachers are encouraged to participate in this year’s Speak Up Day 2005 which will be open for online input during a four week period starting Friday, October 21 and ending Friday, November 18.  More information on Speak Up Day 2005 is available at www.NetDay.org.

About NetDay

NetDay's mission is to connect every child to a brighter future by helping educators meet educational goals through the effective use of technology.  NetDay (www.NetDay.org), the national 501.c.3 non-profit organization known for its successful school wiring programs, today manages community and web-based programs that promote enhanced student achievement through the effective use of technology.   Speak Up Day is NetDay’s latest initiative and focuses awareness on the importance of student and teacher voices in the national dialogue on education and technology.

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