Illinois Remains First in Nation in Education Technology

CHICAGO - Governor Ryan today announced that Illinois has been ranked first in the nation in the category of education by the Center for Digital Government and the Progress & Freedom Foundation for the second year in a row.

The latest round of the Digital State Survey was announced today in the areas of Education, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Transportation, and Taxation. Five states tied for the first place ranking in Education: Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, South Dakota and Utah. Three states tied for first place in the area of GIS: Arizona, Illinois and Kansas.

"We have made education and technology a top priority of this Administration, Through the expansive Illinois Century Network and new opportunities to learn through the Illinois Virtual Campus and Illinois Virtual High School, Illinois has harnessed technology tools that are necessary to prepare our citizens for participation in the global economy," Governor Ryan said.

Illinois also moved in to the top spot in the area of Geographic Information Systems and Transportation for the first time. GIS technology or providing data geographically is playing an increasingly critical role in all areas of government. "From road conditions to bike routes, crime reporting to environmental protection, spatially mapping data can provide enhanced services, link interrelated issues and create new efficiencies for government as well as industry.

In 2001, Illinois ranked first in Education and second nationally in GIS. In 2000, the category of education was ranked separately in the areas of K-12 education and higher education. The GIS category was new to the survey in 2001.

"This is a highly competitive survey and Illinois is the most populous state among those ranked at the top in these two categories. Initiatives like the Illinois Century Network make Illinois a leader in the nation," Governor Ryan added. "Expanding our learning online provides an expansive list of opportunities for our students, regardless of geographic location or age."