Education is the key to success of the American Economy. By 2020, President Obama expects 60% of Americans to have some sort of a college degree and a 100% high school graduation rate. To increase these graduation rates, the National Educational Technology Plan (NETP) calls for our education system to not only provide engaging learning experiences but also to measure student achievement in more meaningful ways and suggest that technology-based learning and assessment systems are the keys to reaching these goals. Students today are surrounded by technology, they are “digital natives” the education system must appeal to this new generation by creating engaging, relevant, and personalized learning experiences to increase student motivation and achievement. Teachers are the biggest contributors to these experiences, it is essential they collaborate together and stay connected in order to provide meaningful learning for students.
The NETP presents five goals that address assessment, teaching, infrastructure, and productivity.
1. Learning - All learners will have engaging and empowering learning experiences in and outside of school that prepare them to be active, creative, knowledgeable, and ethical participants in our globally networked society (p.12). Educators must use things such as the TA TEKS and apply them to all content areas using 21st century technology tools. We must also offer 24/7 access to learners to provide information truly at their fingertips at all times.
2. Assessment –Measure what matters and use assessment data for continuous improvement. The education system must create effective assessments and take that feedback to make changes to aide in reaching these goals. We must also research and be on top of technology in the world and offer the students the most up-to-date tools.
3. Teaching – “Professional educators will be supported individually and in teams by technology that connects them to data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that enable and inspire more effective teaching for all learners” (p.12). To meet this goal, it is recommended that teachers collaborate and have many resources and online learning communities. Also, staff development for integration, assessment, and instructional practices is a key in meeting this goal.
4. Infrastructure – Provide a comprehensive infrastructure to all students and staff offering adequate broadband and wireless inside and outside the school. Ensure every student has internet access to resources inside and outside of school and promote “meaningful use” of this technology.
5. Productivity - “Our education system at all levels will redesign processes and structures to take advantage of the power of technology to improve learning outcomes while making more efficient use of time, money, and staff” (p. 14). It recommends we use technology-powered programs and interventions that promote students completing their education with the skills necessary to be prepared for the workplace and citizenship.
Overall, I feel this National Technology plan is right on track for success. They seem to be right-on with the current times and trends. They realize the importance of technology integration and providing teachers and students resources and tools to integrate and have engaging real-life experiences. I am glad to see students and teachers are the focus of this plan, by focusing on them, the infrastructure will be forced to keep up. I am glad to see they understand the importance of assessment in reaching these goals but feel more specific details as to assessment expectations could allow greater achievement of the technology plan goals.
National Educational Technology Plan: Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology. (2009). Retrieved September 4, 2010, from http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/NETP-2010-final-report.pdf
No comments:
Post a Comment