National Education Technology Plan

The National Education Technology Plan is designed to improve technology in the education systems. Most students have more technology knowledge than the schools have to offer. The purpose of the NETP is to ensure the schools have the technology necessary to teach 21^st Century learners. Technology has the capacity to make learning engaging and to empower the students and the teachers. Students today have access to some of the most advanced technology tools 24/7; while the schools are still using textbooks and the basics in technology to teach students. Professionals in all areas use technology of all types, from mobile X-Ray machines to digital media and graphics. Days of art being done by hand are going by the wayside; while the initial drawings maybe done by hand, the final product ultimately is completed by technology. Our education system has the challenge of leveraging technology to create relevant learning experiences that will represent students’ daily lives and the reality of their futures. Learning must be taken beyond the years spent in school or the hours we spend in the classroom, learning is life-long and must be something that is continued throughout our lives.  If implemented and used correctly the National Education Technology plan can be just the beginning for making learning engaging and empowering.

                In addition to using technology to make learning creative, engaging and empowering; technology should also be used to train current teachers in the same manner that new teachers are taught in college and in Teacher Education classes. Professional development should be used to create fluent users of technology; to teach teachers to be engaged in learning not just outside their classroom through workshops and conferences but also in the classroom, in the act of teaching. Technology provides for continuous support which connects face to face learning with online learning.  Video sharing is a tremendous way to provide professional development while teaching the students. Students can learn from other students by using video sharing. The National Education Plan states is designed to ensure that teachers are given every opportunity to learn using the same types of technology that our students use.

The biggest issue I see with the plan is that it doesn’t allow any exceptions for the smaller districts which struggle with limited budgets and a lack of technology. While I see the potential in the plan and I agree the need to implement technology into our classrooms is more prevalent than it was in the past.