Review and Summary of the National Education Technology Plan

The National Educational Technology Plan is a plan developed because education is key to the economic growth, prosperity, and our student’s competing in the global economy of the 21st century. The Technology Plan is powered by two main goals that have be pushed by the Obama administration. The first goal states that 60% of the population will hold a 2-year or 4-year degree, up from 39%. The second goal refers to closing the achievement gap so all students can graduate from highschool with the ability to succeed in college and careers. While it is acknowledged that these goals are aggressive and meetin them will post enormous challenges, education on the national level is dedicated to creating cost-effective strategies to meet the technology expectations of the 21st century. With regards to teaching and learning, the plan presents a model of education where what and how we teach is based on what our students need to learn, how each of them learn, and where and when they will learn regardless of anything else. In other words, we must use what children know and what they are interested in, enhance the world of education as we know it. Technology is the key to unlock endless opportunities where students can collaborate and learn from others in a learner centered environment. Also in the plan, it expalins the importance of retaining and holding accountable effective teachers and how they are the critical component of transforming education, allowing for the model of connected teaching. This model of teaching replaces isolatoin with connection and is a team activity where teachers gain knowledge from online collaboration with other educators. It is also imperative that teachers receive the necessary training to incorporate the new technology into their everyday curriculum. If teachers are going to be held accountable for ensuring their students are ready to compete in the 21st century, they need to be equipped with the tools and knowledge to do it effectively.