The National Educational Technology Plan (NETP) "...calls for revolutionary transformation rather that evolutionary tinkering" (p. v). It lists four requests of our education system: to be clear about the outcomes we seek; to redesign structures and processes for effectiveness, efficiency and flexibility through collaboration; to continually monitor and measure our perfornance; and to hold ourselves accountable for the results(p. v). It works on the premise that technology is not only at the core of our daily lives, but will also be the catalyst for successful student achievement. It is also based on the belief that all content areas should embrace critical thinking, complex problem solving, collaboration, and multimedia communication. I agree with this. In order to prepare our students for the future, we need to ensure that we provide powerful learning experiences that connect across the curriculum.
This plan reviews components of the 21st Century model. Examples include: assessment; teaching; infrastructure; and productivity. Also included is what, where and how people should learn as well as what and how to assess this learning. In addition to proper assessment, the plan recommends that educators use data to drive improvement. "For example, such data could be used to create a system of interconnected feedback for stukdents, educators, plarents, school leaders, and district administrators" (p. 35). I believe many districts are moving closer to making decisions based on data. Our staff has had multiple workshops that address this issue.
The NETP offers valuable recommendations to improve several areas. Examples of these areas include building capacity of educators and revising standards/learning objectives. Recommendations are also offered to improve the components of the learning system.
Other issues that are included in the NETP are: Reaching goals; electronic records; student access to technological divices; motivation; and the role of the Federal Government. This plan is relavant and a model for the 21st Century.
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