Summary of the U.S. Department of Education's National Educational Technology Plan

The U.S. Department of Education’s National Educational Technology Plan: Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology (2010) addresses five goals to inform state and local plans: learners will be prepared to be active and knowledgeable participants in the global network through engaging and empowering learning experiences; the education system will use technology to measure what matters and use data for continuous improvement; professional educators will use technology to connect to data and resources that support more effective teaching for all learners; students and educators will have access to a comprehensive infrastructure for learning at all times; and the education system will take advantage of technology, whereever possible, to improve learner outcomes. To meet the goals addressed for learning, technology must be used to engage and motivate learners, while also being used to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students. Students must be prepared to participate in the workforce of the 21st century. Teachers must use technology to collaborate with each other to create and implement more effective teaching practices. Professional development is a key part in closing the technology literacy gap between educators and students.

It is vital that students are prepared for participating in the 21st century global network. To do so, educators must provide quality, technology infused instruction that engages and motivates students. Technology must be used to make instruction relevant to students. To prepare themselves to offer this instruction, teachers must participate in professional development that focuses on increasing teacher collaboration and connectivity through technology usage. The U.S. Department of Education’s National Educational Technology Plan (2010) states “In a connected teaching model, connection replaces isolation.” Teachers must work together to improve instruction to prepare students for the future.

U.S. Department of Education. (2010). Transforming American education: learning powered by technology. Retrieved from the Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/NETP-2010-final-report.pdf