Epic Challenges and Changes in Learning Technologies and in the Science and Mathematics We Teach
Eric R. Hamilton
Division of Research, Evaluation and Communication
National Science Foundation, USA

A brief survey of directions that the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies are pursuing in information technology precedes a more in-depth focus on mathematics and science learning technology, and the scaling of innovative classroom technology to broad practice. The session includes practical information on funding opportunities by NSF. The evolution of learning technologies both is helping to drive and is driven by evolution in the scientific and mathematical content that we expect learners to acquire. The categories of change in technology and content are deeply interdependent challenges, and characterize new skills and abilities for effective educators. A third category of "epic divides" suggests that some of the most powerful themes that seem to be of relatively recent "information-age" vintage and currency, such as parallel versus serial or analog versus digital, actually have deep and profound historical roots, as does another great divide that will pose a challenge and a question to educators -- whether we determine that the mathematics and science literacy and proficiencies that new technologies afford will be for some -- or for all.