Summary/Reflection of the U.S. Department of Education draft National Educational Technology Plan

The 21st century is completely unique in nature. It has affected everyone’s lives in the form of globalization, a new economy, and access to technology which previously did not exist. For the students of today, education is going to be more critical to their futures and the future of America as a nation. Being able to work with people from other cultures and backgrounds will be a must as most creative problem solving will take place over a computer. The careers in which America’s students will one day find themselves do not even exist yet due to the rapid growth and ever changing needs of new technology. For this reason, there have been two goals expressed in “The Plan” to address 21st century learners needs. The first goal is that 60% of Americans hold a 2 or 4 year degree. The second goal is to close the achievement gap, by improving equity in education, so that more students will be college ready once they leave high school. These goals will come to fruition through a model of 21st century learning where technology is used to individualize student’s education based on their needs. Teaching will become even more collaborative and data collection/analysis will remain a critical tool in meeting student’s individual needs. Teachers will find online learning an invaluable resource not only as a way to improve their professional practices, but also for students to gain experiences that aren’t possible in their school’s location. The biggest concern with The Plan is funding and access to the technology necessary to maintain these new models of learning and teaching. With budget cuts currently taking place in the education field and with future budget shortfalls looming ahead, simply obtaining the necessary technologies seems like an insurmountable challenge.