National Educational Technology Plan

As technological advances make it easier for students gain access to resources, teachers no longer function as the gateway to information.  In response to this dramatic change in the way students learn, accompanied by the changing demands of the global economy, educational institutions face the need to revamp how students are being educated in the 21^st Century classrooms.  The Federal Government has also responded with the release of National Educational Technology Plan in 2010.

The Plan outlines five basic goals for schools:

• Goal One addresses the needs of the learner as well as expectations for states and local school districts.  States and school districts are required to adequately meet the needs of the learner by providing engaging and powerful learning experiences that will prepare them to be successful in our globally networked society.
• Goal Two addresses assessment methods and techniques.  According to this goal educational institutions will leverage the power of technology to measure what matters and use data for continuous improvement.
• Goal Three outlines expectations for educator training and support.  According to this goal the state and school districts should use technology to provide educators with individual and team support; technology that allows provides teachers with connection information and learning experiences that empower and inspire them.
• Goal Four details the accessibility and effectiveness of computer technology and Internet connectivity for students and educators.
• Goal Five describes the need for states and school districts to redesign and the educational processes and structures as it pertains to technology and student learning.

With regards to teaching and learning states and school districts are expected to implement standards and learning objectives that enable learners to use technology to improve assessments and performance on a regular basis anywhere and anytime.  An evaluation of the plan reveals many of the goals and objectives already outlined in the Texas Technology Plan, the Texas Technonolgy TEKs, as well as the school district’s plan that I have examined.  This should make ease for implementation of the National Educational Technology Plan into states’ and local school district’s plans.

Reference:   http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/netp2010.pdf