National Education Technology Plan
Last week The National Education Technology Plan was made public. I’ve read through it twice, and although it isn’t a long document, there are a few catch-terms that appear throughout: transform and systemic change. The plan looks at technology in the context of educational transformation and systemic change. The focus is no longer on the hardware, software and infrastructure (although those things are very imporatant). We are entering what is referred to as a Golden Age in American Education - a time when things are ripe for the transformation and systemic change called for in the document.
The document also emphasizes the importance of the student voice. The students of today are digital natives—having been born into a world where technology is woven into the fabric of their lives. Schools, along with the leaders and visionaries in these institutions, have not kept up with the ways that students use technology outside of school. In fact, two of the report’s concluding statements offers this: “This ‘digital disconnect’ is a major cause of frustration among today’s students.” And, “Public schools that do not adapt to the technology needs of students risk becoming increasingly irrelevant.”
From this document, every school and district should ponder the question What are we doing to achieve the seven recommendations?
1. strengthen leadership
2. consider innovative budgeting
3. improve teacher training
4. support e-learning and virtual schools
5. encourage broadband access
6. move toward digital content
7. integrate data systems
Some of the suggestions could be viewed as a bit radical, such as phasing out the textbook in favor of more flexible and timely digital content. This is an important and timely document. Finally, a government document supports what we know needs to be done within the structure of our educational system. The National Education Technology Plan can be downloaded online.
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