Educational technology assistance

1. The department shall consort with school districts, area education agencies, community colleges, and colleges and universities to provide assistance to them in the use of educational technology for instruction purposes. The department shall consult with users of educational technology on the development and operation of programs under this section. 2. If moneys are appropriated by the general assembly for a fiscal year for purposes provided in this section, the programs funded by the department may include but not be limited to: a. The development and delivery of in-service training, including summer institutes and workshops for individuals employed by elementary, secondary, and higher education corporations and institutions who are using educational technology for instructional purposes. The in-service programs shall include the use of hardware as well as effective methods of delivery and maintenance of a learning environment. b. Research projects on ways to improve instruction at all educational levels using educational technology. c. Demonstration projects which model effective uses of educational technology. d. Establishment of a clearinghouse for information and research concerning practices relating to and uses of educational technology. e. Development of curricula that could be used by approved teacher preparation institutions to prepare teachers to use educational technology in the classroom. f. Pursuit of additional funding from public and private sources for the functions listed in this section. 3. Priority shall be given to programs integrating educational technology into the classroom. The department may award grants to school corporations and higher education institutions to perform the functions listed in this section.