Can Technology Be Used to Reduce the Cost of K-12 Education?

There are a number of technology-related possibilities that can increase instructional efficiency while lowering educational costs over time.

1.   Provide internet service to all classrooms. Assure that internet access is available in the homes of all students. Provide access where needed.

2.   Provide all students with Chromebooks, a cloud-based laptop. This computer provides the most educational value at the lowest cost.

3.   Enlist teachers to compose an online-based curriculum that would replace the need for textbooks.

4.   Eliminate the need for pencils, pens, and paper as all student work is saved/retrieved online.

5.   Summer school, for remediation and enrichment, can be provided online.

6.   Consider the implementation of blended learning where students complete lessons online in their homes prior to attending the classroom-based review, discussion, assessment and other activities. This has the potential to reduce student in-school presence and the number of school buildings needed.

7.   Students can do classroom work online at home on snow days rather than make up lost time at the end of the school year.

8.   Implement personalized learning which has the potential to allow students to learn at their own pace and possibly graduate early.

9.   Modify the role of school librarians into technology support specialists. Library space can be utilized for student projects that allow for creativity.

10. Use virtual/augmented reality (VR, AR) as a replacement for field trips. These immersive, online experiences may be accessed by students during non-school time.

11. Eliminate the need for on-site servers to store school records by utilizing cloud-based resources such as Amazon Web Service (AWS).

These recommendations would entail a high initial cost but would save money over time. Expenditures would also be needed for staff development.

A Plan for Reducing the High Cost of College Textbooks

College textbooks can reach as high as $200 and up per class; a burden for many
students. I propose a win-win solution to high textbook cost: encourage professors
to create their own online textbook tailored to each subject taught. Charge students
$50 for online access; far less expensive than the $100-$300 price. The incentive
for the professor would be increased earnings per academic year. For example,
if the class size averages 20 students and s/he teaches four classes per semester,
the potential earnings would equal $4000 or $8000 for two semesters. Of course,
there would have to be a system that prevents students from copying or circumventing
the cost.