The National Educational Technology Plan describes how information and communication technologies can help to transform education in America. Our nation’s growth and prosperity are in some danger if we compare our student population’s abilities to those of other powerhouse countries. In order for us to compete in the changing global economy, our education needs an overhaul. In order to remain competitive in our own market place and that of other nations, technology education needs to become more of a priority. This is where the National Education Technology Plan comes in. Hopefully.
The plan states that teachers should focus on HOW the students learn, and who needs to learn. The use of technology, as has been proven, engages student’s more than older styles of lecture, note taking instruction because it is a more active way to learn. And let’s face it, kids like the newest and coolest thing out there, which is always technology. Little do they know, it is also setting them up for future success as they learn to navigate through new programs and interact with new equipment, because they will continue to use these skills in the workplace and post secondary education. The goal now is to design assessments that look at what is best for our students and their future; not necessarily rote information regurgitation, but we need to assess the fact that they are problem solvers and can navigate through certain existing types, or figure out how to navigate through completely new types of technology.
As long as the resources are provided when and where educators need them, this will help education across the nation meet the standards and guidelines the National Educational Technology Plan delineates.