The National Educational Technology Plan was released by the U.S. department of Education in November 2010. The plan is comprised of five goals: Learning, Assessment, Teaching, Infrastructure, and Productivity.
The plan provides a detailed model that paints a picture of what learning should look like. It emphasizes that students should be learning inside and outside of the confines of the classroom, and that technology should be used to provide students with learning experiences that are relevant and reflect the reality of their daily lives. Technology empowers students to take control of their own learning, while educators are to provide activities that meet individual goals, needs, and interests using a variety of technology tools.
The plan states that educators are to practice connected teaching. Connected teaching means 24/7 access to information regarding student learning. Educators are connected to their students, to professional resources, and to analytical tools that provide insight into student learning. As students engage in self-directed learning, educators are to become the facilitators and collaborators for their learning. Educators are expected to be involved in professional social networks that support their own learning as they attempt to enrich and strength their technological knowledge and expertise. Teachers should be given opportunities to participate in online courses and to help, collaborate, design and develop resources with other educators.
Budget funding is probably the greatest obstacle to this plan. The infrastructure of the school district will have to ensure 24/7 access for all of its students in order for the connected teaching goal to be successful. Our school buildings will need to be remodeled and updated to provide students with the latest advancements in technology equipment. School districts will need to provide educators with extensive professional development that ensures students are being provided with individualized and differentiated instruction.
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