The National Education Technology Plan 2010
“By 2020, American will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.”
Barack Obama, Address to Congress, February 24, 2009.
The National Education Technology Plan
After reading the National Education Technology Plan (NETP), I can say that the vision is similar to the Cumberland County Schools Technology Plan (CCSTP) in that both plans are geared to equip students with the neccessary skills needed to functional as global citizens with students from other countries. The NETP has nave some effect on the CCSTP as technology is identified as a major factory in catering to the digital natives of the 21st Century. Both plans are geared to producing technologically literate students. The NETP recognises that "technology is at the core of virtually every aspect of our daily lives and work, and we must leverage it to provide engaging and powerful learning experiences and content, as well as resources and assessments that measure students achievement in more complete, authentic and meaningful ways." The CCSTP "would be a catalyst to ensuring that all students that walk through our doors would leave armed with the knowledge and technology and technology skills needed for a successful future in the new millennium."
The NETP presents a model of learning powered by technology, with goals and recommendations in five essential areas: Learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure, and productivity.
I must say that based on what I have seen in my school and school district technology, plays a very vital role in education. This is evident as all classrooms are equipped with a smart boards, at least 2 computers and elmos. Teachers are trained in how to use these tecnology devices to enhance the teaching and learning process daily. To equip each classroom with these technology devices is a big task. The School Board did play a big role in this.
Based on empherical evidents School Boards should have come to realize that technology is important. I invite you to read this Blog:- vision.http://blogs.esri.com/Info/blogs/gisedcom/archive/2007/11/13/new-21st-century-technology-education-report-offers-vision-and-actions.aspx
This video is also a good one too, that can be used to show school boards how important it is to equip schools with the necessary web 2.0 tools needed.
Schools can "educate" their school boards that web 2.0 tools are essential in school as part of daily learning, by showing them the positives of using the tools in the classroom. These include:
Positives
1. Enhances the teaching and Learnig Process
2.Motivates learners
3. Allows for active engagement
4. Student centered lessons
5. Equip students with technological global skills
6. Differentiated instruction
7. Caters to diverse learners
Negatives
1.Costly equipment - both to install and service
2. Abuse of access
"If the School Board lacks the vision the School District and students will perish."
School boards are important in the decision making process where education is concerned, so they have to visionaries where 21st Century technology is concerned in education. If this happens the presidents vision will be realized.
Many of us are fortunate to have 'forward thinking persons' on our school board. We can only hope that the technological awareness will spread and positively impact the teaching and learning environment.
ReplyDeleteVery moving video! I like your points and the way you present them. It is "staggering" for sure the high rates of dropoouts throughout the nation.
ReplyDeleteBoards of Education must create policies to engage students and help them be successful citizens!
I agree with you that the NEPT is similar to the CCSTP. I also like the list of benefits you have outlined from having technology in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteThe quote that you included that "If the School Board lacks vision the School District and students will perish." is ao apt to situtaions in schools. The school board is the voice that speaks for the school and if they don't talk up the schools will only get - what left - as it trickles down from the government.
That video is one of my favorites. And I agree with Visionary Leader...many of our school boards do have visionary people on them. Good administrators co-opt these people to realize that vision.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is mving the nation and the world - we have all the evidence to prove. Depending on where you are school board members can be selected or elected. Selected - good you would choose people who would realize your vision and mission easily.
ReplyDeleteelected - this is where we have more problems, but there are ways to work around this. explain your vision , have activities to get the board members out and into schools to see first hand whats going on .. especially with the use of technology. Have data to substantiate and this is a way for the ones who are hesitant to have a second opinion. as you mentioned they play a vital role in most decion-making.
I like your 'superman picture :). Obama has a wonderful dream for the country and with the help of our schools that dream can become a reality.
ReplyDeleteI can also see that your county is on the ball to making that dream come true because they have recognized that technology plays a huge role in that dream based on the NETP. Great post and great video. I enjoyed it.
Great graphics, they really enhance your blog!
ReplyDeleteThe students in your county are truly been exposed to a variety of technological tools. Your school board should be commended for taking a step in the right direction while others are still reluctant in seeing the relevance of technology inclusion.Great job!
It is great to know that board members are involved in creating tech plans in order to create new citizens of the world.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the video "Special English Education Report" because it shows two forces in the country. One opposing success in education due to political interests and the other one, a view of a new and powerful nation once again.
I hope we, educators, pupils, and the country in a global correlation have a win win negotiation.