A review of the draft: "National Educational Technology Plan: Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology"

The "National Educational Technology Plan: Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology" document intends to provide states with goals and recommendations to improve and expand technology integration for the purpose of higher educational achievement nation-wide.

To achieve this purpose, the document begins with an "Executive Summary" in which two very lofty goals are presented with the intention of being realized by 2020:
"- We will raise the proportion of college graduates from where it now stands [39%] so that 60% of our population holds a 2-year or 4-year degree.
- We will close the achievement gap so that all students - regardless of race, income, or neighborhood - graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and careers." (2010, pg. v)

At first glance, these goals sound ideal, but as the document goes on to discuss (and as my concerns would include), these goals do not consider the projected loss of revenue and increase in student population. Furthermore, and specifically for Texas, the population is expected to shift significantly towards a more Hispanically dominant population.

In additional to these challenging, over-arching goals, this plan sets goals for learning, teaching, and professional development. With regards to learning, the goal is that all learners will have the opportunity to engage in learning experiences in and outside of the classroom that will prepare them to adequately interact within our "globally networked society". (pg. 9) The plan draws a comparison between traditional teaching using textbooks and a teacher-centered classroom and students of today with technology filled lives. This plan desires to merge the education system with the new, technologically advance needs and experiences of our students.

With regards to teaching, the plan indicates that teaching methods have also changes dramatically in respond to the addition of technology in mainstream society. It is a goal of the plan to support educators, both individually and in teams, so they are empowered to provide more effective teaching and learning opportunities through more enriched learning experiences. The plan desires to build collaboration and problem solving thereby reducing the current state of isolation in teaching.

All of these goals (support, collaboration, and problem solving teaching methods) can be made possible through effective professional development. As the plan points out, technology is an "enabler" but "educators still must teach". (pg. 44) This merger requires support to modify current teaching styles in favor of a methodology which naturally and systematically utilizes technology as a teaching medium. That support must be varied (much like teaching styles must vary upon the needs of the students) for teachers with different experiences and backgrounds. Younger teachers may have more exposure and experience with technology and less experience with teaching while more seasoned teachers have less technology familiarity but more teaching experience. Professional development should be provided to enhance the strengths and build the weaknesses of all these teachers so that the best possible education can be provided to students.