National Educational Technology Plan

The National Educational Technology plan has five goals.  The first goal focuses on learners having engaging and empowering learning experiences.  In the second goal technology is used to measure what is important and use assessment data for continues improvement.  In the third goal educators will be supported using technology to become more effective teachers.  The fourth goal includes assess to comprehensive infrastructure to all students and educators.  The final goal will use technology to improve learning while at the same time efficiently using time, money, and staff.

In respect to learning, schools should revise and update curriculum to reflect 21^st-century skills.  Schools should use technology that embodies proven learning principles.  Schools should use technology to reach learners anytime and anywhere.  Schools should include ways to enhance STEM(science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)learning.

In respect to teaching, educators should have access to technology-based content, resources, and tools.  Educators should use networking technologies to create communities of learning so they might share ideas and information.  Technology should be used to provide learners with access to effective online learning opportunities.  There should also be greater development of a teaching force skilled in online instruction. 

According to the Technology Plan, having teachers experience technology is the best way for them to incorporate it in their class rooms.  Schools should also provide examples of best practices and have those resources available to educators.  Teachers should also collaborate with each other through various networks.

One concern I had in the plan was online learning.  Online learning to my knowledge is not available in my school.  Changes need to be made to make this available to students.  This would allow students experiences not available in my school. 

U.S. Department of Education.  (2010).  National Education Technology Plan.  Retrieved on November 25, 2011 from http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/netp2010.pdf