1. (a) The State Superintendent may:

   1. (1) Procure and develop curriculum-based learning resources using state-of-the-art technologies and techniques designed to increase the achievement levels of all students in all subject areas;
   2. (2) Procure and develop long-term comprehensive instructional programming and associated support resources that ensure maximum access by all educational institutions;
   3. (3) Develop standards for teachers and other school system employees for the offering of courses or services on the Internet or through other developing technologies;
   4. (4) Review courses and courseware to assure quality and alignment with the Maryland content standards and other appropriate standards;
   5. (5) Track and issue periodic reports on the type and frequency of courses or services utilized by teachers and other professionals under this section; and

   6. (6) Award grants to eligible private or public consortia to enable eligible consortia to develop state-of-the-art technology-enhanced instructional products, resources, and services for use in the classroom, including:

      1. (i) The development, production, and distribution of instructional programming for students;
      2. (ii) Staff development programming for teachers; and

      3. (iii) Incorporation of creative state-of-the-art applications of technology-enhanced learning resources, such as:

         1. 1. Computer software;
         2. 2. Databases;
         3. 3. Films;
         4. 4. Transparencies;
         5. 5. Multimedia video and audio discs;
         6. 6. Telecommunications;
         7. 7. Educational television;
         8. 8. Print resources; and
         9. 9. Web-based resources and courses.
2. (b) In accordance with Subtitle 10A of this title, the State Superintendent shall award a grant for the implementation of a pilot program to introduce elementary age students to computer technology and train teachers to integrate that technology into their curriculum.

Added as Education § 7-704 by Acts 1994, c. 600, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1994. Renumbered as Education § 7-904 by Acts 1996, c. 10, § 16, eff. April 9, 1996. Amended by Acts 2002, c. 412, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2002; Acts 2006, c. 276, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2006.