Blog #3 National Educational Technology Plan 2010

The National Educational Technology Plan(NETP) 2010, calls of the revamping of the educational system to bring it in to the 21st century. The government is insisting on the implementation of "technology-based learning and assessment systems" to put the United States in position to produce graduates who are equipped to compete in ever increasingly competitive global marketplace. President Obama's current administration has placed significant emphasis at the high school level concerning college readiness for all students in order to reach a goal of elevating the number of college graduates to 60% from 39%. Technological development at the high school level will be a first and seminal step in meeting the lofty goals.

The NETP has developed a series of five goals to meet the demands of the Obama Administration.

1.0 Learning: develop and adopt learning strategies that are flexible in and to the power of technology, science, mathematics, and engineering.

2.0 Assessment: design, develop assessments that will give the students and teachers timely feedback on student achievement. Use gaming technology and simulations to engage the learner and measure student learning, while ensuring student privacy.

3.0 Teaching: having teachers that are "skilled in online instruction" . Teachers would design, develop the assessments, and curriculum for the learner to develop skills needed in the business world. Instructors would be supported by data, experience and expertise.

4.0 Infrastructure: All students and instructors with have access to one computer and Broadband Internet access to communicate and collaborate with others.

5.0 Productivity: design, develop and fund technological programs K-16. The intent is to produce business, technologically savvy graduates.

It is my observation that the largest challenge to the above mentioned goals will be the training and development of educators who are aged above the technological boom. These staff members will need the proper training to efficiently and effectively utilize these technologies in the classroom. The second challenge will come from budgetary capabilities and or constraints. In Texas we are currently experiencing educational cutbacks on a scale not seen in recent history. The availability of funds needed to construct the type of technological infrastructure needed is the issue of the day.

I am quite certain there are other draw backs as well however, the message is still clear; in order for our young people to compete in today’s marketplace they sorely need this training. It is our responsibility as educators to overcome any obstacles in our path.  I question I would pose is:  Where is the funding coming from? We all know of the fiscal challenges facing education by the federal government.  As government cutbacks continue, would this be an area that is cut?