Blog Posting #3: Summary of the NETP

The National Educational Technology Plan sites two main goals for education: raise the proportion of college graduates so that 60% of the population holds a 2 or 4 year degree, and 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. To accomplish these goals we must embrace innovation, prompt implementation, regular evaluation, and continuous improvement. This plan calls for a shift in the traditional isolated teaching model to a connected teaching model where teaching is a team activity. Educators build online learning communities consisting of their students, fellow educators, professional experts, community members, and parents. Connected teaching also provides educators with effective teaching and learning resources and provides more options for all learners at all levels. This model provides better opportunities for students as well. Through the use of technology and digital tools, students will receive a more personalized learning experience that is personally meaningful. In order to prepare educators, infrequent and ineffective professional development must be replaced by professional learning that is collaborative, coherent, and continuous. Professional learning should support and develop educators’ identities as fluent users of technology, creative and collaborative problem solvers, and adaptive, socially aware experts throughout their careers. For educators to be expected to accomplish these goals for their students and themselves they must be equipped with time to engage in professional learning. Collaboration is another key factor, as research demonstrates the importance of collaboration among teachers. Finally, the use of career-long personal learning networks would be able to make professional learning timely and relevant as well as an ongoing activity that continually improves practices.