Media advisory: KU expert part of new National Education Technology Plan can discuss new guidelines

LAWRENCE — The U.S. Department of Education released the latest version of the National Education Technology Plan on Jan. 22, a guideline for schools and educators across the country to use technology to improve education and access for all students. James Basham, professor of special education at the University of Kansas, was involved in the formation of the plan and is available to speak with media about the plan's goals, technology in education and similar topics.

Developed by the Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology, the 2024 version of the plan focuses on closing the digital access, design and use divides. The latest version of the plan, announced at the White House, features sections on accessibility and universal design for learning, areas Basham conducts research in and contributed to as part of the plan’s technical working group.

“The National Education Technology Plan provides clear guidance and examples for how the appropriate use of technology can support better outcomes for all students,” Basham said. “Focusing on the digital use divide, the digital design divide and the digital access divide is critical to ensuring schools and educators can use technology in new, innovative ways to help our students receive a transformative education.”

Previous versions of the plan have largely served as surveys of the field, but the 2024 version includes recommendations and stories of schools via an interactive map that have successfully made technological innovations in their policies and practices. Basham can discuss the recommendations, research supporting them, digital divides, the role of technology in special and general education, universal design for learning and more. 

To schedule an interview, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860 or mkrings@ku.edu.